WHAT SHALL I GIVE?

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 11, 1860

WHAT SHALL I GIVE?

"It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Give prayers, the evening hath begun; Be earlier than the rising sun. Remember those who feel the rod; Remember those who know not God. His hand can boundless blessings give; Breathe prayers; through them the soul shall live.

Give alms; the needy sink with pain; The orphans mourn; the crushed complain. Give freely; hoarded gold is cursed, A prey to robbers and to rust. Christ, through his poor, a claim doth make; Give gladly, for our Saviour's sake.

Give books; they live when you are dead; Light on the darkened mind they shed; Good seed they sow, from age to age, Through all this mortal pilgrimage. They nurse the gems of holy trust; They wake untired when you are dust.

Give smiles, to cheer the little child, A stranger on this thorny wild; It bringeth love its guard to be— It, helpless, asketh love of thee. Howe'er by fortune's gifts unblessed, Give smiles to childhood's guiltless breast.

Give words, kind words, to those who err; Remorse doth need a comforter. Though in temptation's wiles they fall, Condemn not—we are sinners all. With the sweet charity of speech, Give words that heal, and words that teach.