THE BREATH OF LIFE by Eliza H. Morton

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Oct 26, 1915

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 42, No. 42.

THE BREATH OF LIFE

By Eliza H. Morton

By ELIZA H. MORTON

In God's own image man was made, all fair To look upon; but yet he lacked the power To live — the breath of God, for that alone Could make his pulses beat, the color tinge His cheeks, and from His eye flash forth the light Of reason,— the ability to think. Hence God imparted to man the breath Of life, and he became a living soul.

The “silver cord” full soon was loosed, for death Came in because of sin. The “golden bowl” Was “broken at the fountain” day by day, And dust returned to dust. But is that all? Yea, all. The breath of life reverts to God; But not to be a thing of consciousness, For breath and body must united be To make a soul — ah, yes, a living soul.

In holy vision once a prophet saw A valley filled with bones — dry bones. He heard A voice, “Can these dry bones revive?” And stunned And awed, he answered, “Lord, Thou knowest— God.” The word was given, “Bone to bone and flesh To flesh.” Again the word, “O breath, come breathe Upon these slain, that they may live.” And lo, A miracle — the dead stood up alive.

The breath of God full soon will give to all, The power to live; and some will rise to shine, While others will go down again to death — The second death, no resurrection there. O ye who live upon this sin-marred globe, Give ear. The pure in heart will see their God, Elysian fields will meet their gaze, and glad Eternity will be their blest reward.