The Reader
For years, my husband and I have collected antiquarian
and rare books by a variety of authors. Our daughters grew up reading the novels
that inspire noble character and strong moral behavior, those principles founded on Biblical virtues. Reading inspirational and wholesome material in addition to the
Bible, guides the tender conscience of a young child.
While at Wildrose cottage last week, we foraged
through some antique shops and located some rare old volumes. One book by James
Bell Naylor included some thought provoking prose.
THE FINAL TEST
When all is said and all
is done,
When all is lost or all
is won—
In spite of musty theory,
Of purblind faith and
vain conceit,
Of barren creed and
sophistry:
In spite of all—success,
defeat,
The Judge accords to
worst and best,
Impartially, this final
test:
What hast thou done with
brawn and brain,
To help the world to lose
or gain
An onward step? Canst
reckon one
Unselfish, brave or noble
deed,
That thou—nor counting
cost! Hast done
To help a brother’s
crying need?
Not what professed nor what believed—
But what good thing hast thou achieved!
James Ball Naylor
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