CHARITY | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 1, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 17.

CHARITY.

If we knew the cares and crosses Crowding round our neighbor's way; If we knew the little losses, Sorely grievous day by day; Would we then as often chide him For his lack of thrift and gain, Leaving on his heart a shadow, Leaving on his mind a stain?

If we knew the clouds above us Held but gentle blessings there, Would we turn away, all trembling, In our blind and weak despair? Would we shrink from little shadows Flitting o'er the dewy grass, If we knew the birds of Eden Were in mercy flying past?

If we knew the silent story Quivering through the heart of pain, Would we drive it with our coldness Back to haunts of vice again? Life hath many tangled crossings; Joy hath many a break of woe; But the cheeks, tear-washed, are whitest, Kept in life are flowers of snow.

Let us reach into our bosoms For the key to other lives, And with love toward erring nature Cherish good that still survives; So that when our Master cometh, He our loving toil shall see, And shall say “Come home, ye blessed, Ye have done it unto me.” —Sel.