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APPRECIATION

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Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 21, 1892

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 3.

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APPRECIATION.

By Jessie Hocker

BY JESSIE HOCKER.
THE sweet, cool calm of autumn afternoon Sleeps where last summer's drifted leaflets lie. The tinkling bells seem with all earth atune, But in the midst of this will summer die. O Summertime, with all your witching grace, I think how sanguine were your prospects all, How beauteous was your sweet, fresh, glowing face, But now the scepter must be given to Fall!
Oh, breathe forgiveness ere too late it be For opportunities you kindly gave,— Lost opportunities, alas, which we Must now bewail here at your open grave! But he who truly grieves o'er past mistakes Will turn without delay to present need, Will find within its depths the power that wakes His soul to zest in life, and word, and deed.
Therefore, though summer flowers and tints be dead, We thankfully will gather Autumn's store. How beautiful her fruits! her leaflets red Ne'er seemed one-half so wonderous before! O loving Father, do thou help us find In every phase of life thy love portrayed, In every test to read thine august mind, For this is joy if it is but obeyed!
College Place, Wash.