p. 198 | Lived in Vain

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Jul 4, 1878

Lived in Vain.

THOUGH we climb fame's proudest hight, Though we sit on hills afar, Where the thrones of triumph are; Though all deepest mysteries be open to our sight, If we win not by that power For the world another dower— If this great Humanity share not in our gain, We have lived our life in vain.

THOUGH we revel in sweet dreams; Though with poet's eye we look Full on Nature's open book, And our spirits wander, singing with the birds and the streams; If we let no music in To the world of grief and sin— If we draw no spirit heavenward by the strain, We have lived our life in vain.

THOUGH our lot be calm and bright; Though upon our brows we wear Youth, and grace, and beauty rare, And the hours go swiftly, singing in their flight; If we let no glory down Any darkened life to crown— If our grace and joyance have no ministry for pain, We have lived our life in vain.

THOUGH for weary years we toil; Though we gather all the gold From the mines of wealth untold, Though from farthest shores of ocean we have brought the spoil; What at the last is won If we hear not God's "Well done"? If the world's want and sorrow be not lessened by our gain; We have lived our life in vain.

THOUGH we be, in heart and hand, Mighty with all foes to cope, Rich in courage and in hope, Fitted as strong laborers in the world to stand— If with these we right no wrong What avails it to be strong? If we strengthen not the weak, raise not the bowed again, We have lived our life in vain.

TO the giver shall be given— If thou wouldst walk in the light Guide the erring to the right; They shall deck a starry crown for thee in heaven. For, in blessing we are blest And in labor find our rest. If we bend not to our life work, heart, and hand and brain We have lived our life in vain.—Sel.