Poems (Merrill)/Your Real Wealth
Appearance
YOUR REAL WEALTH
Brethren, as you down life's pathway Pass with firm and stately tread When success shall crown your efforts And its glories round you shed—There's a truth that e'er existeth,— Though of high or lowly birth—When death's Angel for you calleth You'll own just "six feet of earth."
Though you're rich in lands and mansions. Though you've gold and jewels rare—Though your life is bright and sunny Never knows a want or care.—Though a brother's life of sorrow Different is from yours of mirth; Yet some day he'll be your equal— Both will own "six feet of earth."
Turn your gaze to scenes Immortal— Is your chance of Heaven more sure Than the lowly one, possessing Naught of fame, but heart most pure? Nay, your riches ne'er can save yon, Virtue is the Gem of Worth; You your wealth can not take with you To the last "six feet of earth.'
Jesus once was poor and lowly, And His crown held many a thorn; Yet His heavenly Father loved Him As He suffered grief and scorn.—If your soul is pure and stainless You have Wealth,—there'll ne'er be dearth; When at last the clay is sleeping In your own "six feet of earth."