THISTLES OR LILIES? by Julia H. Duffie

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 23, 1896

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 22, No. 29.

THISTLES OR LILIES?

By Julia H. Duffie

BY JULIA H. DUFFIE.

In the farthest nook of a garden wide, A thistle and lily grew side by side; In the same soil their roots, the same air did breathe, The same dew and sunshine nurtured their leaves: Yet one was a thistle, whom none might caress; The other a lily, to comfort and bless.

Now, why thus unlike should these strangely grow? In conditions the same such contrast to show? One drew from the earth, from the air, and the rain, Just that which was meet to make thistles so plain; The other chose that which might sweetness impart, The perfume and beauty to soothe the sad heart.

From the store they collect each to others impart, To pierce and to wound, or encourage the heart; Then let us all gather the just things and true, Of good report, lovely, on these fix our view. O, let's not be thistles, but lilies, my dears! Let's carry glad smiles and drive away tears!

There are plenty to carry the thistle's sharp stings, And like its light seed give them swift-flying wings, To grow and bring forth their sad harvest again, Bringing discord and anguish, sorrow and pain; Who then will bear forth the sweet fruitage of love, The fragrance of kindness sent from above?

Battle Creek, Mich.