p. 755 | A CHOICE by Mary Lowe Dickinson

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Dec 15, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 48.

A CHOICE.

By Mary Lowe Dickinson

If all Love's gifts of grace or power Lay spread before my choice this hour, What would I claim as life's best dower? Dear Lord, how should I know?

Unfailing love from sun to sun? Unfailing wealth, in honor won? Unfailing health—all gifts in one? Nay; all of these may go.

For love that comes our lives to bless Must evermore be counted less, In grace and might and tenderness, Than gifts that from us flow.

And health, the tender soul may drain Of grace to share the sufferer's pain; And strength is weakness, power is vain, That soothes no human woe.

And wealth of treasure, land, or gold Is only sweet to have and hold When streams of mercies manifold In ceaseless gifts o'erflow.

So, from the dazzling, tempting three, How can I choose? Choose thou for me; Give or withhold; but let me be Content God's will to know.

Give love until I love outpour; Give pain till those whose hearts are sore May feel for them I suffer more Than for my own small woe.

Give wealth, but not for selfish greed, But for the sad world's pain and need; Give thou thyself; then, rich indeed, All else may come or go. —Mary Lowe Dickinson.