IF WE WOULD | AdventAI

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · May 21, 1902

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 28, No. 21.

“IF WE WOULD.”

If we would but check the speaker, When he spoils his neighbor’s fame; If we would but help the erring, Ere we utter words of blame; If we would, how many might we Turn from paths of sin and shame!

Ah, the wrongs that might be righted, If we would but see the way! Ah, the pains that might be lightened, Every hour and every day, If we would but hear the pleadings Of the hearts that go astray.

Let us step outside the stronghold Of our selfishness and pride; Let us lift our fainting brothers, Let us strengthen, ere we chide; Let us, ere we blame the fallen, Hold a light to cheer and guide.

Ah, how blessed—ah, how blessed Earth would be if we’d but try Thus to aid and right the weaker, Thus to check each brother’s sigh; Thus to talk of duty’s pathway To our better life on high.

In each life, however lowly, There are seeds of mighty good; Still we shrink from souls appealing, With a timid, “If we could!” But the God who judgeth all things, Knows the truth is—“If we would.”

—Anon.