MEMORY by H. M. Ryan

Pacific Press Publishing Company · OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA · Jun 7, 1899

MEMORY.

By H. M. Ryan

Our memory is a boundless plain, Through which run trails of thought, Of good and ill, of God and man, Of ought not and of ought.

We leave the impress of our deeds Upon its bosom white, And can not shield its many faults From truth's pure, searching light.

We try to cover up the trail Where sin has made it red; But time will bring to light each deed, And lift each hiding head.

Ah, people! make the path of life So full of virtues rare That truth may search the trail you make And find but treasures there.

Leave all along your trodden path Landmarks of good intent, That all may see the good you've done As through the plain you went.

Build barracks of religious thought. Good deeds are soldiers true. Leave not a seed in time to come To grow reproach for you.

And, as you travel on your way, Let truth join in your train; Then peace will soothe your weary heart, And hope bedew the pain.

Good-will is always friendly, too; Faith will be quickly won; A virtue rare is charity; Benevolence her son.

And with these powers, pure and strong, Right closely will be found Intelligence, to guide you to High heaven's holy ground.

H. M. RYAN. Pendleton, Oregon.