A BIT OF EXPERIENCE

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jul 31, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 38.

A BIT OF EXPERIENCE.

I HAVE met with a good many people, In jogging o'er life's varied way— I've encountered the clever, the simple, The crabbed, the grave, and the gay; I have traveled with beauty, with virtue, I have been with the ugly and bad, I have laughed with the ones that were merry, And wept with the ones that were sad.

One thing I have learned in my journey,— Ne'er to judge one by what he appears,— The eyes that seem sparkling with laughter Oft' battle to keep back the tears. And long, sanctimonious faces Hide often the souls that are vile, While the heart that is merry and cheerful Is often the freest from guile.

And I've learned not to look for perfection In one of our frail humankind; In hearts the most gentle and loving Some blemish or fault we can find. But yet I have ne'er found the creature So low, so depraved, or so mean But had some good impulse, some virtue, That 'mong his bad traits might be seen.

And, too, I have learned that most friendships We make are as brittle as glass— Just let a reverse overtake us, Our "friends" on the other side pass. But, ah! I have found some few loyal, Some hearts ever loving and true, And the joy and peace they have brought me Will cheer me my whole journey through. —Selected.