SINCE God first oped His treasure-house above,—
Poured countless blessings from His throne of love;
Since on this earth unnumbered blessings came,
God's laws of giving still remain the same.
No life in heaven but a life which gives,
And from the living throne again receives;
No life in earth but that designed to be
A giving and receiving ministry.
Learn but the ways of God, and thou shalt find
His laws of giving for all human kind;
Search thru all Nature with the greatest care,
Thou'll find God's laws of giving written there.
The beams of light from the eternal throne
Light many million suns besides our own;
A million suns send light, and life, and love,
And forth roll songs of praise to God above.
The gentle rain and snow from heaven fall,
Preparing bread and seed for one and all.
What heart will not send forth a song of praise,
Who knows the magnitude of all God's ways?
Then ope the storehouse, and thou shalt behold
Rich, priceless treasures,—worth far more than gold;
All these—if thou wilt give to all that's told—
Thou shalt receive,—more than a hundredfold.
Give to the stranger, outcast, and the vile;
Give to the sick, and dying; and the while
Give with a cheerful heart, and God above
Will love the one who gives because of love.
Give to the weak, the erring, and the wild;
Give to the widow, and the orphan child;
Give to the poor and needy—thou shalt see
True peace and comfort flowing back to thee.
Give of thy bread—nor from thy store withhold,
For it shall sure return, as Christ hath told.
Give but a cup of water in Christ's name,—
He shall refill and give thee back the same.
To him with scanty garment give thy cloak,
And blessings on thy head and his invoke.
Give freely—of thy comfort, smiles, and love,
As Christ gave when He left the courts above.
Give all thy tithes, and offerings; God will give
Far greater than thy soul and barns receive.
Make all thy life a gift—and that to bless;
Receive eternal life and righteousness.
FLORA E. WARREN.