p. 71 | A Story with a Moral by C. M. Willis

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Aug 1, 1865

A Story with a Moral.

By C. M. Willis

Tired and faint with heat of day, A weary traveler wound his way, Intent upon his task assigned, To preach the word, and warn mankind.

The setting sun, the lengthening shade, Remind him that the day has fled: He soon the timely warning heeds, And seeks the shelter which he needs.

A cottage presently appears, Its open portals soon he nears, And meekly for himself and beast He asks for shelter, food and rest.

The portly dame thus brought to view, No pity for impostors knew; Sternly she eyed the man and beast, And then declined his meek request.

Kind acts he pleads are never lost, For oftentimes the generous host Dispensing free his earthly fares, Has feasted angels unawares.

The lady laughed with scornful mien : "A pretty angel you, I ween; Entertain angels, did you say? Do angels chew tobacco, pray?"

I know not what the traveler said; I know he should have hung his head, Banished his quid, and from that day Thrown his tobacco-box away.

The moral which my tale doth teach, Whether you practice, is, or preach, To give your idols to the flame, Or, ere you know they'll bring you shame.

But if my moral you refuse, And still persist the bane to use, And all around with filth besmear, Don't try to pass for angels here.

C. M. WILLIS.

Charlotte, Mich.