p. 274 | A VISION OF THE YEARS by Viola E. Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · May 5, 1885

FromThe Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, Vol. 62, No. 18

A VISION OF THE YEARS.

By Viola E. Smith

BY VIOLA E. SMITH.

Methought I stood on a rock-bound coast, While the years glided by, a mighty host,— Glided silently, each like a sheeted ghost, O'er the waters that men call Time. I heard, as I stood on that rocky shore, The swift flowing waters' rush and roar; As they swept to the sea of Forevermore, To another and unknown clime.

There were voices that called from the shadowy main, And they cried to the years, “Come back again;” Though they call in tears, yet they call in vain, For the years return no more. Each one in its turn sad changes makes, Some blessing sweet from our treasures takes, And tarries not for the heart that breaks; It passes, and comes no more.

Then my heart grew as cold as the mist around, And as drear as the desolate coast rock-bound, And I heard but the mournful, dirge-like sound Of the waters' ceaseless flow. Was it true that beyond the dark clouds above, There dwelt in the heavens a God of love? And would not his heart to compassion move, At the sight of his children's woe?

But I looked to the years that were yet to be, And each one was laden bounteously With beautiful gifts more fair to see Than those which had passed away; And unto all those who had nobly striven, Though anguish and grief their hearts had riven, Instead of the lost, new treasures were given, More precious by far than they.

And lo, when the years had all passed by, A radiant glory o'erspread the sky, And the mist from the river was lifted high, As an angel form drew near; All trials and sorrows had fled like a dream, And over the waters of Time's troubled stream, With beauty and gladness and silvery gleam, Had dawned th' Eternal Year.

Mapleton, Ia., April 14.