The Recording Angel by C. M. Willis

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 19, 1864

The Recording Angel.

By C. M. Willis

No transaction, 'scapes his eye, Not one sigh, or groan, or tear, Not one idle word passed by, All must be recorded there. Now one kneels before the throne; If his heart is far away— Thus the record is set down, Thus 'twill read at that great day.

Swearer pause! that awful name, Just about to leave thy tongue, Will appear in words of flame, When thy soul with fear is wrung. Ye who to the poor deny, Of the plenty to you given, Tremble! for that anguished cry, Is recorded high in Heaven.

Though great power may here be gained, To defraud, and cheat, and wrong; Trample on their fellow's claim,— Still that pen is moving on. Though the action may in part, Screen the thoughts that move them here, Every motive of the heart In that record will appear.

Sinner pause! ah! pause with dread! Let this question claim your care: When the judgment books are read, Will your name be mentioned there? Solemn warning! Solemn thought! Sinks the heart in deepest gloom! Mercy then cannot be bought, Fixed for aye, the sinner's doom!

C. M. WILLIS.