Charity | AdventAI

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Sep 16, 1875

Charity.

If we knew the cares and crosses Crowding round our neighbor's way, If we knew the little losses, Sorely grievous day by day, Would we then so often chide him For his lack of thrift and gain, Leaving on his heart a shadow, Leaving on our minds a stain?

If we knew the clouds above us Held but gentle blessings there, Would we turn away all trembling, In our blind and weak despair? Would we shrink from little shadows Flitting o'er the dewy grass, If we knew the birds of Eden Were in mercy flying past?

If we knew the silent story Quivering through the heart of pain, Would we drive it with our coldness Back to haunts of vice again? Life hath many a tangled crossing, Joy hath many a break of woe; But the cheeks tear-washed are whitest, Kept in life are flowers of snow.

Let us reach into our bosoms For the key to other lives, And with love toward erring nature, Cherish good that still survives; So that when with Christ and angels, We ascend to realms above, We may say, "Dear Father, love us, E'en as we have shown our love."