Higher Standards by Eliza H. Morton

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 10, 1875

Higher Standards.

By Eliza H. Morton

EVERY one who succeeds in life has in his mind an ideal standard, which he strives to reproduce in his work; and the more perfect the ideal in the mind the more perfect will be the work produced. The painter finishes a glorious picture, and men admire and praise it; yet he who painted it knows that the vision which first came to his soul excelled the imperfect work of his hand. The poet writes a simple song, which sinks deep into the hearts of many; yet the poet feels that his brightest dreams cannot be expressed in words. The sculptor sees an angel in the stone, and unveils what seems to other eyes a form of perfect beauty; but the sculptor looks deeper, and sees many an imperfection. The architect erects a splendid mansion; yet it answers not his ideal of beauty.

It is ever thus in life. Our ideals flit on and above us. There is ever something higher and unattained which our hands vainly strive to grasp. It is not given to mortal man to realize his brightest aspirations. We ever reach after some unknown good; but when we obtain immortality, then we shall “know as we are known.” Our restless hearts will be satisfied, and our brightest hopes realized. Heaven will more than fill our yearning souls. The bliss and immortal glory of that far-off shining home will give us peace, joy, and perfect happiness.

The artist, sculptor, and poet, will there find forms of beauty, songs of glory, and visions of surpassing loveliness. The architect will there see the city that “hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.” The golden streets and pearly gates of the New Jerusalem will more than fill his highest ideals of architectural beauty. The weary ones of earth will lay down their burdens to rest on the banks of the river of life, and all will be satisfied.

Oh, blessed thought! to dwell in the “green pastures and beside the still waters” of our Saviour’s love. No more conflicts with sin, no more aches and pains, no more weary days and restless nights, but all joy and light, and we redeemed, purified, and saved.

ELIZA H. MORTON.

Allen’s Corner, Me.