MRS. L. D. AVERY-STUTTLE by Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Dec 17, 1903

MRS. L. D. AVERY-STUTTLE

By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle

Peace

MRS. L. D. AVERY-STUTTLE

I LONGED for Peace; in vain I cried, In vain I sought her far and wide, In vain I toiled and pled forlorn, No peace within my soul was born.

“Where art thou, Peace?” I cried once more; When lo! a form stood at my door, His look was haughty, proud, and high. Like diamonds shone his glittering eye, A wreath of laurels crowned his brow. “Pray tell me, friend, whence comest thou!” Who art thou, pray? and what thy name?”

Then loud the ringing answer came: “Dost thou not know me? I am Fame! And I am come to bide with thee; Make room for Fame! make room for me!”

Then quick methought I heard a voice: “Be wise, O mortal, in thy choice; This guest comes not thy soul to bless, Fame brings not peace nor happiness.”

But all my soul cried out for Fame— The world's applause — an honored name. “Surely,” I said, “Fame bringeth Peace, Comfort and joy and happiness.”

I ope'd the door to let him in, When, close beside him followed Sin; So cunningly she urged her way, I scarcely dared to bid her nay. “Ah, well, some day I'll ope my door, And banish Sin forevermore.” ’Tis thus I sought my soul to free, And bring sweet Peace to bide with me.

In vain, in vain; day followed day, And still sweet Peace seemed far away. Again a stranger sought my door; His form was bent, his dress was poor, And in his arms a cross he bore. His name was Duty; but his face Beamed with a tender smile of grace.

“Come in!” I cried, “nor e’er depart;” The while I took him to my heart. Deep in his eyes a love-light shone; And ah, he came not in alone,— A calm, sweet Presence filled my breast, A holy joy, a heavenly rest. The turmoil and the cares were past, And blessed Peace was mine at last.