UPS AND DOWNS | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 26, 1877

UPS AND DOWNS.

Life is full of ups and downs— Valleys, plains, and mountains. Not forever are our tents Pitched by pleasant fountains,— Sometimes in the burning sun, Sometimes in the shadow; Now we climb the rocky steep, Now we tread the meadow.

Life is full of ups and downs— Made of gains and losses, Flowers that grow on prickly stems, Crowns that hang on crosses. Summer breezes fan our cheeks, Wintry blasts affright us; And when snow’s white mantle rends, Spring’s fair sights delight us.

Murmur not at ups and downs; They are needful changes; He can never err in aught Who thy lot arranges. Seek not, as the highest good, Thy content and pleasure; Wings have they to fly thee still, Seek a better treasure.

Would’st thou make life’s ups and downs Easier seem and brighter, Share thy fellows’ heavy load Thine shall be the lighter. Smooth the pillow of the sick, Sweet shall be thy slumber; Will to bless shall bring to thee Blessings without number.

Who would dread these ups and downs, Since they bring us nearer To the outer wall of life, Where the light grows clearer? Nearer to the heart of Him Who, with gentle guiding, Leads through all life’s weary ways Into peace abiding?

Love can take from ups and downs All the pain and trouble; For the joy we give away Comes back more than double; Love to Christ and love to man, And a heart forgiven, Make the ups and downs of life Just the path to Heaven.

—The Cottager and Artisan.