THE GOLD AND THE DROSS by W. H. Colcord

S. D. A. Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 26, 1881

FromThe Signs of the Times, Vol. 7, No. 20

THE GOLD AND THE DROSS.

By W. H. Colcord

BY W. H. COLCORD.

ALL is not gold that glitters; Though it sparkle like diamonds of light, Though its bursts of refulgence bright May pleasantly dazzle the sight, Yet, ’tis not conclusive quite That the beautiful metal is gold.

Figs do not grow on thistles, Though thistles thrive everywhere; In sunlight’s brightest glare, In swampland’s poisoned air,— Thistles are always found there, But their buds never figs unfold.

Mankind are not always men; In appearance they often will vie With the truest: and though they defy The noblest in stations high, And laud their own acts to the sky, They are glitter without any gold.

Friends will sometimes prove false: They meet us with seeming good cheer, Their courteous ways we revere; But when needed they never are near, Their pretensions are all insincere, They are sepulchers, empty and cold.

But all is not false and untrue,— Rich gold is yet dug from the hill, Figs flourish and ripen still; And men can be found with a will To do, to dare, and to fill Every station by Heaven ordained.