The Home Circle by A. L. E.

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 17, 1880

The Home Circle.

By A. L. E.

YOU MIGHT HAVE SAID NO!

'Tis true that temptations assail you, In every conceivable shape; But Providence never will fail you,— There's always a way of escape; You scarcely once thought of refusing, When friends urge you deeper to go, Say now, was it not your own choosing? Ah, yes, for you might have said no.

The wine-cup so smilingly brought you, Your eager lips hastened to press, In vain has experience taught you The danger of e'en one caress. How soon are your promises broken, How soon are you plunged into woe; Just one word—the wrong one was spoken, 'Twas yes, when you should have said no.

Ah me, but the ruin is fearful, By thousands and thousands they fall, And hearts once so happy and cheerful, Are tasting the wormwood and gall. Be sure that your chain will grow stronger, The farther in evil you go, Don't yield your consent any longer, There's time enough yet to say no. —A. L. E.