Getting and Giving

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 24, 1903

Getting and Giving

I ASKED the lamp about his light, But he knew not what I meant. “In getting, getting,” he humbly said, “My eager time is spent; The wick affords me strengthening oil; Inspiring gas, the air; So weak! so hungry! food, more food! That is my only care.”

I asked the fire about his heat; He could not understand. “For getting, not for giving out,” Said he, “my life is planned.” Why, what am I to comfort you? Dull, heavy, stupid I! More oxygen! more oxygen! That is my only cry.”

I asked the saint about the grace His shining life expressed. “My thought is all of getting help,” The blessed soul confessed. “God’s pardon, God’s indwelling love, By day, by night, I seek. How could I strengthen other men With all my life so weak?”

And yet the fire was darting heat, The lamp was flashing light, And all that saw my saint approach Grew happy at the sight. For heat and light and holy life Refuse to be confined; They need no will, they ask no way, They leap from fire and mind.

Ah, you who fear your feeble life Will fail of God’s command To win the sinner, praise the saint, And reach the helping hand, Confused no more with doubtful tasks The busy years shall roll; One work is yours, and one alone — Get God within your soul.

If God were dwelling there indeed, Then doubt and all unrest, And fear of lack that causes lack, Were treason to your Guest. Submit to him his instrument, And he will work his will In his own way, in his best way; So trust him, and be still.

— Selected.