As Ye Sow, So Shall Ye Reap.
By Frances D. Gage
SCATTER we must, and scatter we will,
Strewing at broadcast all the day long,
Down through the valley or over the hill,
The seeds of right, or the seeds of wrong. Every thought is an embryo,
Every word is a planted seed;
Look to it well, that the seed ye sow
Be for the flower, and not for the weed. Folly and vice gaily sown in spring,
Oh! when ripe harvest days are come,
Will nothing to manhood's store-house bring,
To make glad shouts for the harvest home. Too often a precious hour is spent
In seeming pleasure, in youthful time,
That makes us a whole life long, repent,
For the fruit of the sowing is sin and crime. Scatter we must, and scatter we will,
Strewing at broadcast where'er we go,
Down in life's valley or over its hills,
Seeds for humanity's weal or woe. Beware! beware! lest the seeds ye sow,
Be mixed with malice and pride and strife,
For the wheat and the tares must together grow,
Till the reapers bind in the field of life. Cull the good seed for the coming hour,
That all thy days may be calm and free,
Evermore plucking the planted flowers,
Binding rich sheaves for Eternity.