MY CHOICE | AdventAI

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 16, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 49.

MY CHOICE.

I WOULD not choose to be, as some desire, Clever or great, or in the world renowned; But I would seek to live for others' good, And let my life with gentle deeds be crowned, If but one soul for heaven's kingdom gain, Nor reckon that it had been lived in vain.

I would not choose the path with roses strewn, The seeming sunlit path of selfish ease, For 'twould not lead by Calvary's rugged cross Or mid the shades of dark Gethsemane; I'd rather tread the thorny path with Him, My suffering Lord, than walk in noonday's beam.

I would not choose aught that the world can give; Its fairest honors are of little worth; To one whose soul has been by blood redeemed What are the evanescent joys of earth? I'd rather bear the cross, and hear, "Well done," Than wear its richest diamond jeweled crown.

I would not choose to mingle with the throng, And hear the merry song and laughter gay; Give me instead the quiet, unnoticed spot Where I can meet alone with God and pray, And in the secret of his presence hide, Gaining fresh grace from whate'er may betide.

"My Father, I would choose what seemeth best To thee, let it be joy, or pain, or loss, Knowing thy loving hand doth guide my way, Thy never-ceasing love doth guide my cross," And I can say in face of earth or hell, My God and Father "doeth all things well." —Selected.