Temperance by Rev. L. F. Cole

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 8, 1880

Temperance.

By Rev. L. F. Cole

SAVE THE BOY.

Once he sat upon my knee, Looked from sweet eyes into mine, Questioned me so wondrously Of the mysteries divine; Once he fondly clasped my neck, Pressed my cheek with kisses sweet. Oh my heart! we little reck Where may rove the precious feet.

Once his laugh with merry ring Filled our house with music rare, And his loving hands would bring Wreaths of blossom for my hair. Oh the merry happy sprite! Constant, ceaseless source of joy! But to-night, O God! to-night, Where, oh! where’s my wandering boy?

'Midst the glitter and the glare Of the room where death is dealt, Scarce you’d know him; but he’s there, He who once so reverent knelt At my knee and softly spoke Words into the ear of God. Oh my heart! ’tis smitten, broke; Crushed, I bend beneath the rod.

O this curse! that spoiled my boy, Led him down and down to death, Robbed me of my rarest joy, Made a pang of every breath. Mothers, fathers, hear my plea! Let your pleadings pierce the sky; Pray and work most earnestly: Let us save our boys or die!

-Rev. L. F. Cole, in Youth's Temp. Banner.