“It is not the deed we do,
Though the deed be never so fair,
But the love that the dear Lord looketh for,
Hidden with lowly care
In the heart of the deed so fair.
“Be hold us, the rich and the poor,
Dear Lord, in thy service draw near;
One consecrateth a precious coin,
One droppeth only a tear;
Look, Master, the love is here!”
After all, there are few ways in which most of us can do better service for Christ in this world than just by being good. Sir Walter Scott’s farewell to Lockhart contained wise counsel: “Be a good man, my dear.” Cleverness shines more brightly in society; eloquence makes itself heard more widely, and elicits huzzas from the throng; wealth yields a greater show of splendor, gives more worldly power for the time, and gets itself talked about by more people; conspicuous almsgiving is more praised of men – it has its reward; but plain, simple goodness is likely to have as bright a crown and as high a place in heaven as any of her more showy sisters. It is certain, too, that nothing makes a deeper and more lasting impression on human live; and this is the best test of the real value of living.
Page 1