The Talents | AdventAI

Pacific Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, Cal. · Apr 19, 1877

FromThe Signs of the Times, Vol. 3, No. 16.

The Talents.

Have you read of the servant who hid in the earth The talent his master had given? When by diligent use to redouble its worth He ought to have faithfully striven?

My friend, you have talents—God gave them to you And will surely require them again, Take care not to waste them, if ever so few, Let them not have been given in vain.

You have Speech; then remember to watch your words well, And let them be gentle and kind. It may seem a small matter, but no one can tell The comfort a word leaves behind.

You have Time; Every minute and hour of the day, Is lent by your Father in Heaven, Make haste to improve ere it passes away, The talent so graciously given.

You have Influence, too, though it seems very small; Yet in greater or less degree, You affect the improvement and comfort of all With whom you may happen to be.

You have talents of Gold which by Heaven were lent Every want of the poor to relieve. Oh, use them as blessings so graciously sent, 'Tis more blessed to give, than receive.

And the man who in earnest endeavors to live As an heir of eternity ought, By his silent Example a lesson may give, Which by words he would never have taught.

Then consider the talents entrusted to you, And may they be duly improved, Let your service be hearty and free, as is due From children so greatly beloved.