EARTHLY VS. HEAVENLY TREASURE by N. W. V.

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 27, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 22

EARTHLY VS. HEAVENLY TREASURE.

By N. W. V.

N. W. V.

AWAKENED by the lightning This gloomy night, I find Thoughts sometimes dark, now bright'ning, Dart fitful through my mind; They touch on earthly treasure, Then rise to Heaven's renown; They come in rhyme and measure, And so I pen them down.

All that we here inherit Is loaned us from on high; Improved with grateful spirit, It will a treasure buy More precious and enduring Than earth's best riches be, Our hearts to Heaven alluring, Wealth for eternity.

The gratitude of any Whose wants we may relieve, The welcome glad of many Who thus the truth receive, The smile of Christ our Saviour, As if to him 'twere done, Note made with angel favor By the recording one.

But if our wealth be hoarded Ourselves to gratify, The gifts God's grace afforded Will soon take wings and fly, Swift witness 'gainst us turning; Oh foolish stewards we! Amid our treasures burning, Lost to eternity!

Probation will be ended, Love's work for sinners done; High in the heavens ended, We'll see the Holy One; Then saints, “the books” perusing, We'll see what wealth we hid; Or, if our gifts well using, What we for Jesus did.