Loving Words by L. D. Santee

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Aug 11, 1914

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 41, No. 31.

Loving Words

By L. D. Santee

By L. D. SANTEE

"Having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous." 1 Peter 3:8.

THERE are hearts that in anguish are breaking With their pitiful weight of despair. There are bosoms in loneliness aching, For life's burdens are heavy to bear. Let love fill the heart with its sunshine, And comfort the bosoms that yearn; And the joy that we feel in our giving, Our Father to us will return.

When we yield to the flashing of temper, And our cruel words cut like a knife, We darken the wearisome hours Of this troubled, unsatisfied life; And heads that are gray with life's ashes, And feet that are palsied and slow, Are carrying heavier burdens, That we in our anger bestow.

Too late, when the tired hands are folded, And the life-giving spirit has fled. No use to bring violets and roses To garland the forms of the dead. The chance to retrace will come never, Though our faces with tear-drops are wet. The old life has vanished forever, And leaves unavailing regret.

Let us bathe, with the balm of contrition, The wounds that our anger has made. Let smiles fill the heart with their sunshine, While yet the keen sickle is stayed. Let our flowers fill the hands of the living, And their fragrance a home in the heart; And the joy that we feel in the giving, Our Father to us will impart.

There's a joy, if our lips will but learn it, In speaking the language of love. There's a peace, if we will but discern it, That comes from the Saviour above. And when the last step has been taken, And the gate of the city appears, Then the welcoming song of the angels Will fall on our listening ears.