A SERMON IN RHYME by D. W. Hoyt

Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Thursday, June 10, 1880

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 55, No. 24

A SERMON IN RHYME.

By D. W. Hoyt

If you have a friend worth loving, Love him. Yes, and let him know That you love him, ere life's evening Tinge his brow with sunset glow. Why should good words ne'er be said Of a friend until he's dead?

If you hear a song that thrills you, Sung by any child of song, Praise it. Do not let the singer Wait deserved praises long. Why should one who thrills your heart Lack the joy you may impart?

If you hear a prayer that moves you By its humble, pleading tone, Join it. Do not let the seeker Bow before his God alone. Why should not your brother share The strength of “two or three” in prayer?

If you see the hot tears falling From a loving brother's eyes, Share them. And, by sharing, Own your kinship with the skies. Why should any one be glad, When a brother's heart is sad?

If a silvery laugh goes rippling Through the sunshine on his face, Share it. ’Tis the wise man's saying— For both grief and joy a place There's health and goodness in the mirth In which an honest laugh has birth.

If your work is made more easy, By a friendly, helping hand, Say so. Speak out brave and truly, Ere the darkness veil the land. Should a brother workman dear Falter for a word of cheer?

Scatter thus your seeds of kindness, All enriching as you go— Leave them. Trust the Harvest-giver, He will make each seed to grow. So, until its happy end, Your life shall never lack a friend. —D. W. Hoyt.