THE NEW YEAR LEDGER by Amelia E. Barr

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Dec 26, 1892

THE NEW YEAR LEDGER.

By Amelia E. Barr

I SAID one day a year ago, I wonder, if I truly kept A list of days when life burnt low, Of days I smiled, and days I wept— If good, or bad, would highest mount When I made up the year's account.

I took a ledger, fair and fine, And now, I said, when days are glad, I'll write with bright red ink the line, And write with black when they are bad, So that they'll stand before my sight As clear apart as day and night.

I will not heed the changing skies, Nor if it shine, nor if it rain; But if there come some sweet surprise Of friendship, love, or honest gain, Why, then, it shall be understood That day is written down as good.

When hands and brain stand labor's test, And I can do the thing I would, Those days when I am at my best Shall all be traced as very good; And in "red letter," too, I'll write Those rare, strong hours when right is might.

And when pure, holy thoughts have power To touch my heart and dim my eyes, And I, in some diviner hour Can hold sweet converse with the skies, Ah, then my soul may safely write, "This day hath been most good and bright."

What do I see on looking back? A red-lined book before me lies, With here and there a thread of black, That, like a passing shadow, flies— A shadow, it must be confessed, That often rose in my own breast.

And I have found 'tis good to note The blessing that is mine each day; For happiness is vainly sought In some dim future far away. Just try my ledger for a year, Then look with grateful wonder back, And you will find there is no fear, The red days far exceed the black.

—Advance.