LIVED IN VAIN by Eliza Thayer

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 3, 1878

“LIVED IN VAIN.”

By Eliza Thayer

The poetry under this heading which appeared in No. 25 of the Signs, caused many serious reflections; and lest some of our young friends may have passed it by unnoticed, we wish to call attention to it here as worthy of a careful perusal. Lived in vain! How much is comprehended in these three short words and what sadder testimony could be borne concerning those whose opportunities for repentance and reform have forever passed away! Life, the greatest of earthly blessings, was given, but vainly misspent, and nothing remains but just and certain retribution, rendered so much more bitter by the recollection of what might have been had the God-given powers been devoted to the Giver. No tongue can tell nor heart fully realize the remorse and anguish which will be experienced by those who have lived in vain, as they awake to a sense of their irretrievable loss.

And while we would shun their fatal mistake, let us seriously ask ourselves, Are we living in vain? What is our daily life-record in the courts of Heaven? Are we consecrated to God and his work? or are our time and talents employed principally in the interests and pursuits of earth, seeking our own comfort and happiness, while the love of God and of souls for whom Christ died has but a small place in our hearts? I fear that in too many cases our own hearts testify against us. But it should not be so. It is too late to be thus indifferent. Both the word and providence of God call plainly to us, “Son, go work to-day in my vineyard.” To-day laborers are needed, and an opportunity is presented to all to act some part in the harvest field. None need hesitate, though possessing but one talent. God will accept the services of any, however humble, who with a consecrated heart engage in his work. Though all cannot perform the same work, there is still work for all. Yes, if we will— “We can let some music in To the world of grief and sin; We can draw some spirit heavenward by the strain.”

Dear young friends, be not satisfied to live without a purpose. There is a blessing connected with the work of God which you cannot afford to lose. It is not all ease and pleasure. There are crosses and burdens to be borne, and toil and sacrifice are necessary; but with these there is a comfort and satisfaction not to be found when we are living for self. It is sweet to work for Jesus even now, and what will be the blessedness of knowing at life's close that we have not lived in vain, but that some souls have been saved from death and despair by efforts and sacrifices that we have made?

ELIZA THAYER.