p. 207 | BEAUTIFUL ALLEGORY

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 27, 1856

BEAUTIFUL ALLEGORY.

A TRAVELER who spent some time in Turkey, relates a beautiful parable which was told him by a dervish, and which seemed even more beautiful than Sterne's celebrated figure of the accusing spirit and recording angel. "Every man," says the dervish, "has two angels, one on his right shoulder, and another on his left. When he does anything good, the angel on his right shoulder writes it down and seals it, because what is done, is done for ever. When he has done evil, the angel on his left shoulder writes it down; he waits till midnight; if before that time the man bows down his head and exclaims, Gracious Allah, I have sinned—forgive me! the angel rubs it out, if not, at midnight he seals it, and the angel on his right shoulder weeps."

The following beautiful lines by J. C. Prince, entitled "Forgiveness," contain the same sentiment.

Man hath two attendant angels Ever waiting by his side, With him whereso'er he wanders, Whereso'er his feet abide; One to warn him where he walketh, And rebuke him if he stray; One to leave him to his nature, And so let him go his way.

Two recording spirits, reading All his life's minutest part, Looking in his soul, and listening To the beatings of his heart; Each with pen of fire electric, Writes the good or evil wrought— Writes with truth, that adds not, errs not, Purpose—action—word—and thought.

One the Teacher and Reprover, Marks each heaven-deserving deed; Graves it with the lightning's vigor, Seals it with the lightning's speed; For the good that man achieveth— Good beyond an angel's doubt— Such remains for aye and ever, And cannot be blotted out.

One, (severe and silent Watcher!) Noteth every crime and guile, Writes it with a holy duty, Seals it not, but waits awhile; If the evil doer cry not— "God forgive me!" e'er he sleeps, Then the sad, stern spirit seals it, And the gentler spirit weeps.

To the sinner, if Repentance Cometh soon, with healing wings, Then the dark account is cancelled, And each joyful angel sings; Whilst the erring one perceiveth— Now his troublous hour is o'er— Music, fragrance wafted to him From a yet untrodden shore!

Mild and mighty is Forgiveness, Meekly worn, if meekly won; Let our hearts go forth to seek it Ere the setting of the sun! Angels wait and long to hear us Ask it, ere the time be flown; Let us give it, and receive it, Ere the midnight cometh down!