RICH AND POOR | AdventAI

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 12, 1861

RICH AND POOR.

I saw a poor man enter where The worshipers of God were seen, His garments cheap and worn threadbare, Yet all was tidy, neat and clean— I saw him take a lonely seat, And worship at the Saviour's feet.

I saw hard by, a family, Dress'd out in satin, silk and gold; Their look was haughty, proud and high, Their gait was very stern and bold— They scarcely deigned to look that way, So poor was he, so rich were they.

I looked again by faith ahead, And saw "the great white throne" on high; I saw the living and the dead, All hastening to their destiny: The rich and poor were in that host, And some were saved and some were lost.

I saw the man who years ago Was dressed in tinsel, silk and gold; But O, how changed! how full of woe, What anguish did his looks unfold: His lofty airs were fled and gone, He stood a wretch, unsaved undone.

I saw the poor man clad in white, Stand with the glorious seraphim; Angels that glow in realms of light, Were not ashamed to be with him— O who would not prefer to be A sinner saved, though poor as he?