WHAT THEN? by Sel.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 12, 1872

WHAT THEN?

By Sel.

An old man, crowned with honors nobly earned, Once asked a youth what end in life he sought. The hopeful boy said, “I would first be learned; I would know all that all the schools e’er taught.” The old man gravely shook his head, “And when you’ve learned all this, what then?” he said.

“Then,” said the boy, with all the warmth of youth, “I’d be a lawyer, learned and eloquent; Appearing always on the side of truth, My mind would grow as thus ’twas early bent.” The old man sadly shook his head, “And when you’ve done all this, what then?” he said.

“I will be famous,” said the hopeful boy; “Clients will pour upon me fees and briefs; ’Twill be my pleasing task to bring back joy To homes and hearts near crushed by darkest griefs.” But still the old man shook his reverent head, “And when all this is gained, what then?” he said.

“And then I will be rich, and in old age I will withdraw from all this legal strife; Known in retirement as an honored sage. I’ll pass the evening of an honored life.” Gravely again the old man shook his head, “And when you’ve done all this, what then?” he said.

“And then!—why, then I know that I must die. My body then must die, but not my fame; Surrounded by the fallen great I’ll lie, And far posterity will know my name.” Sadly the old man shook again his head, “And after all of this, what then?” he said.

“And then, and then”—but ceased the boy to speak; His eye, abashed, fell downward to the sod; A silent tear dropped on each blooming cheek. The old man pointed silently to God, Then laid his hand upon the drooping head, “Remember there’s a place beyond,” he said.

Sel.