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WHAT IS CHARITY?

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 21, 1858

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 11, No. 11.

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WHAT IS CHARITY?

By Susan Elmer

'Tis not to lead the erring on Through error's darkest maze, Or when we see one going wrong, To fellowship his ways.
'Tis not to say if they're sincere 'Tis naught what they believe; We cannot be united here, Or all the truth receive.
'Tis not a brother's faults to hide Because 'twill him offend; With these true love is ne'er allied, It serves a nobler end.
'Tis free from every selfish aim, And wheresoe'er it goes, It seeks the wanderer to reclaim And feels for others' woes.
It joins not with the giddy crowd, Doth in the truth rejoice; It looks in pity on the proud, And makes a wiser choice.
It joins not in the syren song, But feels 'tis death to sleep, And as it points out every wrong, Goes forth to pray and weep.
It is of a celestial birth, Of heaven the noblest heir; 'Twill guide us through this lonely earth, And seal our passport there. Susan Elmer. Buckland, Mass.