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THE RECORD KEPT

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 13, 1913

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 11.

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THE RECORD KEPT

It was only a cup of water, with a gentle grace bestowed, But it cheered a lonely traveler upon the dusty road; For the way was long and dreary, and the resting-places few, And the sun had dried the streamlets, and drunk up the sparkling dew; None noticed the cup of water as a beautiful act of love, Save the angels keeping the record, away in the land above; But the record shall never perish, the trifling deed shall live, For Heaven demands but little from those who have least to give!
It was only a kind word spoken to a weeping little child; But the thread of its grief was broken, and the little one sweetly smiled; And nobody stayed to notice so tiny an act of love, Save the angels keeping the record in the wonderful book above. And she who had spoken kindly went on in her quiet way, Nor dreamed such a simple action should count in the last great day. But the pitying words of comfort were heard with a song of joy, And the listening angels blessed her from their beautiful home on high.
It isn't the world-praised wonders that are best in our Father's sight, Nor the wreaths of fading laurels that garnish fame's dizzy height, But the pitying love and kindness, the work of the warm caress, The beautiful hope and patience and self-forgetfulness; The trifle in secret given, the prayer in the quiet night, And the little unnoticed nothings are good in our Father's sight.
—The Examiner.