Exchange by Iva M. Lawson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park, Washington, D. C. · Jun 13, 1912

Exchange

By Iva M. Lawson

I'VE a white robe of glory, transcend-ingly bright, Saith the Saviour and King to the pil-grims of night, To exchange for the dark robe of sin; This robe of bright glory, its fabric di-vine, For aye in the kingdom eternal shall shine; This pure robe of righteousness never can fade, Nor aye in the ages eternal grow old: Wilt thou make the exchange?

I've a mansion above in the city of love, Where the streets are of gold, which I gladly will give In exchange for thy home in this world. This mansion is builded of jewels and gold, Its brightness by mortal can never be told. Near by flows the wonderful life-giving stream, And life's tree in its beauty forever shall bloom, And its sweet, healing shade shall be thine.

I've a life that's eternal for thy life to give,— A pure life of righteousness, holiness, love, To exchange for thy life that must cease. This life is not darkened by sorrow or pain Or grief or remorse, nor clouded by sin; This life is immortal, unburdened, and free, And its joy and its happiness all are for thee: Wilt thou give me thy life?

I've riches to give which thy heart can not know, Of gold and of lands and of treasures untold, For the riches thou claimest below. These riches shall never, no never decay, Nor rust nor corrupt through eternity's day; No foe shall defraud, and no thief enter there, E'en death can not rend thee from treasures so fair; Thy wealth shall remain.

I'll give thee the friendship of angels of God, The redeemed of the earth, and the friends thou hast loved, For the friendship of those of the world; These pleasures I'll give, which forever shall last, When the pleasures of earth are but thoughts of the past. Thy heart shall be glad in that kingdom of love, If the world thou wilt give for these treasures above: Wilt thou make the exchange?

This life that's eternal, I bought at the cost Of the death that I suffered on Calvary's cross, That thou mightest be with me above. Wilt thou give up the dark robe of sin thou dost wear, The friendships of earth, and its pleasures so fair? Wilt thou give up the gain that so soon must decay, That thou mayest receive what I've purchased for thee? Canst thou give up these trifles for me?

Milton, Fla.