p. 514 | The Home Circle

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 17, 1881

The Home Circle.

"IF WE'D THOUGHT."

If we'd thought, at our last meeting With the friend we loved so dear, By his grave we'd soon be standing, Dropping down the silent tear, Would that word we spoke so lightly, Have been uttered by us then? Would that in our silent sorrow We could call it back again! If we'd thought that soon a parting Would us sever far and wide, That some of the gladsome faces Would be soon across the tide, Would the hasty word and action, Would the satire sharp and keen, From our lips have ever fallen, Or the action e'er been seen? If we'd thought the friendly counsel Was the last we e'er should hear, Would we then have scoffed so lightly— Let our heedlessness appear? If we'd thought the kind inquiry Soon would cease forevermore, Would it then have been a trouble? Would we then have wished it o'er? If we'd thought that act of kindness Was the last our friend should seek, Would we have by cruel harshness Brought the blushes to his cheek? If we'd thought our heartless folly Would have left so deep a sore, Would we then have spoken rudely? Would we not have hushed it o'er? If we'd thought—alas! the sorrows That the words awaken now; If we'd thought, ah! then the wrinkles Would be fewer on the brow, 'If we'd thought that death was coming,' Will that be our latest cry? God forbid! we know He's coming, Let us think—He draweth nigh! —London Christian.