IF WE KNEW by Mrs. Ellen H. Gates

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 27, 1868

IF WE KNEW

By Mrs. Ellen H. Gates

If we knew, when walking thoughtless Through the crowded, noisy way, That some pearl of wondrous whiteness Close beside our pathway lay, We would pause, when now we hasten; We would often look around, Lest our careless feet should trample Some rare jewel in the ground.

If we knew what forms are fainting For the shade that we should fling; If we knew what lips are parching For the water we should bring; We would haste, with eager footsteps, We would work with willing hands, Bearing cups of cooling water, Planting rows of shading palms.

If we knew, when friends around us Closely press, to say, Good bye, Which among the lips that kiss us, First should 'neath the daisies lie, We would clasp our arms around them, Looking on them through our tears; Tender words of love eternal We would whisper in their ears.

If we knew what lives were darkened By some thoughtless word of ours, Which had ever lain upon them Like the frost upon the flowers; Oh! with what sincere repentings, With what anguish of regret, While our eyes were overflowing, We would cry, Forgive, forget.

IF WE KNEW! Alas! and do we Ever care or seek to know Whether bitter herbs or roses In our neighbors’ gardens grow? God forgive us! lest hereafter Our hearts break to hear him say, Careless child, I never knew you; From my presence flee away.

—Mrs. Ellen H. Gates.