Lessons by C. M. Willis

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 24, 1885

Lessons.

By C. M. Willis

THERE are lessons in the noon-tide, Beauteous lessons all around; We may find them by the wayside, In the brooklet's murmuring sound; Read them in the book of nature, Hear them in the surging flood, Tell they of the great Creator, Of the handiworks of God.

When the spring with smiles rejoices, Beauteous thoughts her pages fill, Speaking with ten thousand voices, You may hear them if you will. Heed their teachings, don't despise them, Purer thoughts their presence bring; You in time will learn to prize them, If you heed their whispering.

We may find them in affliction, Teaching, as we kiss the rod, To submit to his restriction, Meekly bear the will of God. In the church-bell's solemn tolling, Telling one has passed away, That old time is onward rolling, And we too must turn to clay.

Lessons in the lightning's flashes, Grand ones in the thunder's roll, Where the raging cataract dashes, Listen to them, O my soul! Solemn thoughts their presence wakens, Of that great terrific day, When the powers of earth are shaken, And the heavens shall pass away.

When we feel war's desolation, And its cruel ravage fear, Learn we then this consolation, Our redemption draweth near! Though the fig tree shall not blossom, And with power the heathen rage, God will hide us in his bosom, He will save his heritage.

When we bow beneath oppression, And the earth is draped in gloom, Then we learn a joyful lesson, Learn we're swiftly nearing home! Home! our joyful place in Heaven, Where the blest a crown receive,— In the time then to us given, Let us try to learn to live.

C. M. WILLIS.

Charlotte, Mich.