p. 12 | The Purpose of Life by Amy E. Light

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Mar 10, 1904

The Purpose of Life

By Amy E. Light

“FORENOON, afternoon, and night; Forenoon, afternoon, and night; Forenoon, and—what! The empty song repeats itself—no more? Yes, this is life. Make this forenoon sublime, This afternoon a psalm, this night a prayer; And time is conquered, and thy crown is won.”

Two young men, both early in life's forenoon, sat one summer evening under the branches of an elm in one of our Southern States. As they watched the setting sun, they talked of life—its possibilities, aims, and ambitions. One said, “Although poor, obscure, only a clerk, I am determined to overcome all obstacles, and gain wealth and reputation and power.” The other said little, but thought a great deal.

The first realized his ambitions. From a poor clerk he came to be the president of several corporations and a man of wealth. He made financial gain the object of his life, and by his perseverance and shrewd business methods succeeded. That his scheme caused thousands to suffer was no concern to him. But in old age the consciousness of having gained wealth alone did not satisfy, and on his death-bed he felt that he had succeeded in business, but failed in life.

The other young man sat long after his friend had left, and the moon had risen and throw'n its soft radiance over the earth. One close enough would have heard the following soliloquy:—“What purpose has God in my life? Poor, unknown, comparatively unlearned, of what use can I be to the world? We have heard that the Father has a work for each one. That he had express purposes in the lives of some, it is plain to see—Moses, Daniel, Job, and Christ, for instance.” Long he sat and thought, but finally continued the argument with himself, thus: “What was the purpose in the life of these men? For what did Christ leave heaven and come to this sin-cursed earth?—That he might save us from our sins. True, his work made it possible for the billions that have lived on the earth to escape death. But he would have done as much for one. Surely I can be the means of bringing some soul to him. Then life will not have been a failure.” Naturally came to his mind the following verses:—

“There's never a rose in all the world But makes some green spray sweeter; There's never a wind in all the sky But makes some bird wing fleeter; There's never a star but brings to heaven Some silver radiance tender; And never a rosy cloud but helps To crown the sunset splendor; No robin but may thrill some heart, His dawn-like gladness voicing. God gives to all some small, sweet way, To set the world rejoicing.”

“A little spring had lost its way Among the grass and fern; A passing stranger scooped a well, Where weary ones might turn. He walled it in, and hung with care, A ladle on its brink; He thought not of the deed he did, But judged that toil might drink. He passed again, and lo! the well, By summers never dried, Had cooled ten thousand parching tongues, And saved a life beside.”

From that night this young man lived a life of service to God and humanity. He comforted the sorrowing, cared for the sick, closed the eyes of the dying, aided the destitute, and pointed all to the Lamb of God. His life was so noble and Christlike that scores were won to Christ by his efforts. His influence was also felt in educational circles. He was a teacher.

At his death he was mourned by friends, students, contemporary teachers, and those he had befriended. His name was not written in the hall of fame, but it was surely in that better place—the Lamb's book of life. And was not his conception of the purpose of life correct?

There are many and varied aims; social, political, financial, and literary careers are marked out by many, and success in the chosen line is made the one object of life. What should be the purpose of life if not to glorify our Creator and bless our fellow men? This was the object in Christ's sojourn here. It matters little what our profession is, whether our sphere is large or small, if we accomplish this.

Rev. J. R. Miller in his excellent little book, “Summer Gathering for Winter's Need,” gives the following helpful advice to the young:—

“Youth should gather into its heart the thoughts, lessons, memories, and truths which will make both warmth and life when old age draws on. Read good, cheerful, helpful books that will leave lofty and inspiring thoughts in your mind. Especially read the Bible daily. Study it, and have its divine words in your heart. Do beautiful things,—things of love, of unselfishness, of helpfulness,—things that are true, honorable, just, pure, holy, and lovely. Gather about you, too, gentle and worthy friends. Above all, gather into your soul the sweet friendship of Jesus Christ, and let his words bless your lips and fill and sweeten your heart.”

“Not a day should pass in which we do not lay up something for the future,—some new bit of knowledge, some new lesson of experience, some new word of God to rest upon in trouble, some new joy of pure friendship to warm the heart, some new strength received by overcoming, some new meaning of love or beauty. This is the way to grow strong and rich and good and helpful.

“Then this world is a place to gather in for heaven. Our crown there will be woven of the blessedness of obedience to God, and service of love for our fellow men.”

If this is followed, will not the forenoon be sublime? and the afternoon will naturally resolve itself into a psalm of praise to God for life and its opportunities. And how easily at night the prayer will shape itself, “Let my works live before thee;” “I have not lived unto myself.” “Time is conquered, and thy crown is won.” Then, indeed, is the purpose of life accomplished.—Amy E. Light, in The Southern Watchman.