LIFE'S HARDEST LESSON by Elizabeth Percival

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Feb 5, 1880

LIFE'S HARDEST LESSON.

By Elizabeth Percival

Nothing is there but serves its purpose well, Throughout all space; Nothing so low but does its part, and fills Some destined place.

Nothing which fails, of that for which 'twas sent O'er sea or land, But seeing darkly, oft, these truths, we fail To understand.

And doubt, and grieve, and wonder why such things Should ever be; Because the perfect plan, completed, done, We cannot see.

Call life's defeats and failures not a curse, Oh! troubled soul; Nor yet the clouds of darkness, which o'er thee Often may roll.

Because of storms that lash the ocean waves, The waters there Keep purer than if the heavens above Were always fair.

The waxen lily fashions whitest leaves From blackest mould. By patient toil, down in the damp, dark earth She spins her gold.

The brightest banner of the skies floats not At noon-day warm; The rainbow traileth after thunder-clouds, And after storm.

And ever, countless forms of life decay, That one may rise. What matter if a stately oak repay The sacrifice.

Nor count it loss, if you are called to lay At duty's feet, The cherished dreams and fondest hopes of life; 'Tis bitter sweet.

Your life is nobler for the sacrifice, And more divine. Acres of bloom are crushed to make a drop Of perfume fine.

Reproof is needed, lest thy weakness be Too soon forgot. God never gives a father's care to those Who need it not.

Thou canst not rest, till thou hast labored well; And set for thee Are Alpine hights to climb, ere thou canst dwell In Italy.

—Elizabeth Percival.