And Then by S. F. Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 5, 1872

And Then.

By S. F. Smith

A gay and spirited youth came one day full of joy into the presence of his grandfather, a pious old man, exclaiming, “Rejoice with me, dear grandfather; my father has at last given his consent. Now I can study. Now my happiness is complete.” “Good, my son,” replied the old man; “now you will begin to learn with all diligence. And—what then?”

“After four years I shall pass my examinations, and, crowned with honor, I shall leave the schools and enter my profession.” “And then?”

“Then I shall be industrious and conscientious, and people will talk of me, and great and small will commit to me their affairs.” “And then?” “Then I shall become a rich man, and marry a loving wife, and set up house-keeping.” “And then?” “Then I shall bring up my children to be good and useful.” “And then?” “Then I shall take some rest. I shall enjoy my children’s prosperity, and pass a quiet old age.” “And then?” “Then? Well, we cannot stay on earth forever; that is a misfortune. Then, well, indeed, then I must die.” “And then?” asked the old man again, taking both his hands in his, and looking earnestly into his face. “My son—and then?” The young man’s face was suffused with blushes. His hands trembled in the hands of his grandfather, and his eyes filled with tears. “I thank you,” he said at last, “I had forgotten the chief end of life, but I shall never forget that it is appointed for men once to die, and after this—the Judgment.”

How is it with you, dear reader? While your hearts are full of plans and pleasurable life, have you thought of that “one thing needful”? Everything earthly comes to an end—and then? Yes, then eternity comes with the harvest of what has been sown in this life. Look well to that! “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he reap.” How many young sow only to the flesh! They follow only their animal, sensual impulses, they clothe themselves in beautiful apparel, they follow fashion, they are pleased with vanities and follies, their hopes are bounded by earthly things. And the vain world praises you, youthful reader; but time flies, and the world is slipping from your grasp—and then “He that soweth to the flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption.” The harvest of a life of vanity and sin is eternal death. The world seems to you a field of pleasure; but oh! the dreadful harvest!

Now is your seed time. O, use it to sow to the Spirit. “Prepare to meet your Saviour,” that you may reap a golden harvest in the kingdom of God.

How will it be with us when after this brief sowing in tears eternity shall open its precious harvest, its peace and its blessedness? Yes—and then. That will be a happy THEN.

Translated from the German by ELD. S. F. SMITH, D. D., in Christian Era.