LIFE'S TRUE PURPOSE

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jun 21, 1899

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 25.

LIFE'S TRUE PURPOSE.

WHAT is the greatest good in life To work for, O my soul? To give thy time and purpose to, As on the moments roll? For what has He who placed us here, Confined us to this earth? Why are we here? What shall we do To fill our lives with worth?

Shall we toward wealth fast set our eyes, As the supremest goal? The wisest seer of ages past, Cries, "Seek it not, O soul." Is pleasure, then, O ancient seer, The best thing we can gain? "I tried it once," he said, "I find It empty, drear and vain."

Now surely, tell me, O wisest one, Is what we all should seek! "I find, O soul, it's vanity!" Thus did the wise man speak.

For what, then, shall we strive, O king? Thou wisest of mankind! For what great purpose are we here? I would the answer find.

I would not have my days go past, And close my eyes in death, And find that I had missed the good, For which God gave me breath?

Listen, O ye who for life's gold Are losing endless treasure! Listen, ye sons of fame! give ear: And you, ye sons of pleasure!

The greatest good for which to live— 'Twill fill your life with beauty— Is to fear God, and keep His law, The Christian's glorious duty. For into judgment shall be brought Each secret of the past, He has lived best who lived for God And held His precepts fast.

Brantford, Ontario.