MY IDOLS by E. B.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 26, 1871

MY IDOLS.

By E. B.

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” 1 John 5:21.

A golden image, Self, long wrought, Stands central in the group. Before all love and worship, this Commands my heart to stoop; Self to be honored and adored, Her dearest hopes made sure. Her artifice would lead me far From paths that are secure.

Then Appetite, with sapid eye, Displays his sturdy hold. If little space is given him, He grows defiant, bold. Passion and anger, gloom and doubt, Subsist upon his smile. These, and their kindred in my heart, My weary feet beguile.

Defiant, obdurate Will, though oft To meekness forced to yield, Still broadcast strews his subtle seed, And covers all the field. What shall I do? How shall I seek The way that others find? How gain the One that fills the heart, And all these idols bind?

The way I’ve tried to seek so long; And this result appears; “Depart thou!” tremblingly I fear Will fall upon my ears. O, help me, Lord, my strength sustain, Thou art the mighty One. I would through all these evil days, Thy will, not mine, be done.

With bitterness of soul I view A frown upon thy face; But in humility I’d gain A smile of crowning grace. Then help my pleading heart to find From all its foes release, And place that idol at its shrine, That yields eternal peace.

E. B.