The following lines, under the above title, were displayed through a large town in connection with the visit of a theatrical company:
"Laugh, and the world laughs with you;
Weep and you weep alone;
For this solid old earth must borrow its mirth,
It has trouble enough of its own.
Sing, and the hills will echo it,
Sigh, and 'tis lost on the air.
For they want full measure of all your pleasure,
But nobody wants your care.
Feast, and your halls are crowded,
Fast, and they'll pass. you by;
Succeed and give, and they'll let you live—
Fail, and they'll let you die.”
Yes, this witness is true and perhaps the reader has experienced it to his sorrow, just like the poor prodigal in Luke 15:11-1711And he said, A certain man had two sons: 12And the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. 13And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with riotous living. 14And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. 15And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16And he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him. 17And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! (Luke 15:11‑17).
Men in every sphere of life, and in all ages, have proved this at some point in their life's history; but what a contrast this is to the "way of the Lord," for:
"Joy, and your Lord joys with you,
Weep, and He sees your tears;
He came down to earth to give you true mirth,
And to banish your sorrows and fears.
Sing, and the heavens will sound it;
Sigh, and 'tis caught by His ear;
He gives full measure of all His pleasure.
He will carry your burden and care.
Feast, for there's peace and plenty;
Fast, still your Lord is nigh;
Succeed and give, for Him thou dolt live,
His grace your unfailing supply.”
This is the portion of all who have trusted in Christ, for our blessed Lord Jesus not only saves us from our sins by His most precious blood, but He lives to keep and care for us through all life's journey.
Reader, have you tried this poor world and found it lacking? Is there still within your breast that unsatisfied desire? Do you long for rest and joy? Thank God if this is so, for there is One who loves you—even when you don't love Him.
There is every reason why you should love Him, for He has died that the way of salvation might be opened up for you. Despise not the way of peace that He has opened for you. Receive Him, the Prince of peace, and eternal glory awaits you.