Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-10-03
The Young Ruier.
CBy Margaret J. Preston.)

(By Margaret j. Gfeston.)
published by request)
He had riches and ease and honor,
Never a Jewish boy
Had passed on the banks OF Jordan
A quieter youth of joy.
He had houses. and fields and vineyards
Blessings of all degree
None had a fairer portion,
In beautiful Galilee.
Whate'er the world could offer
OF pure and innocent bliss,
Whatever his nature needed,
The best OF gifts were his.
He felt no weary longing,
No wants that were unsupplled
Upright, and just. and noble,
His sISrit was satisfied.
Only one thought had power
Even doubt TO cast;
Joy TO be wholly perfect,
He knew must be joy to last!
But he felt that his was fieeting,
For he read IN the sacred PasiP
That man must fade as flower.
And this disturbed his calm.
He turned TO the Holy Prophets,
Security thence to draw,
He listened TO Mosess teaching
AS he strove TO keep the law:
He tithed his Anlse and Cummin,
He tithed his Mint and his RE;
He knew he had earth's best treasurer
He hoped he had Heavens, too.
In the midst of busy city
i
That a throng OF curious people
Were choking the narrow way
All gazing with upturned faces
Eager to hear and see
The Miracle Working Rabbi
Who had come TO Galilee.
Now, verify, what VIII IL profit man
Though he should gain the whole
or this world, with its utmost glory
And then should lose his soul?
Come unto me, we weary.
All fell on the passing ear
OF the young and happy Ruler.
Anxious now TO hear.
But ne would not pause to listen,
AS he skirted the crowd, but went
Homeward, athwart the city,
Wrapped In his sweet content
But ever and oft that Teacher
Rose TO his inward eye.
Der and over that question,
Waited his hearts reply.
Bliss that should be eternal,
Pleasures that could not cloys
There were the very blessings
Needed to crown his JOY.
Again. thro' the Palmgirt highway
When noontdes sultry flame
Was soaring the lovely yineyardA
The wonderful Teacher came:
And the Ruler hailed his coming.
For the Harvest and vintage cneer
Had never sileneed the question
That had fallen on hit ear.
fastening. he sought the Propnet,
Whose words had walked the strfe.--
Saying, what shall / do, good Master,
| TO inherit eternal lifeT'
| AS he kneeled, so young and guiieiess'
Single In aim and art
| Jesus seeing him. loved him,
| Though He read his inmost heart.
| So He answered. ard said as gently
AS father would say to son,
'sThou knowest the ten commandments,v
! And He spake them one BY one;
| A look that was half reproachfui.
M. Of fha a xin
| II have kept them even from chiiancoos
| Master. what lack I YETI
| Jesus seeing him, loved him.
And human sympathy stole
/ CAS- he gazed on the earnest pleaceD
| Deep into his sacred soul.
| All blessings this life could give him
| Zen now were his he knew;
| But he coveted both possessions,
The earthly and heavenly. TOO.
Never diviner pity melted the mourufO
eye.
Never more fearful yearnIng
Than softened the firm reply;
only one thing thou lackeAt.
| give up thy portion here,
"All OF thy stored abundance,
"Ail that thine heart holds dear;
Choose thou between the piessihss
| "Of this. or the life 10 be.
Thou shalt have treasure IN heaVeS
| "Tf thou wilt follow Le.
A sudden. surprised detection
O'erfiooded that lifted race;
Doubt and disappointment
Darkened the wistful gaze
Truly. this was a doctrine
Hard for the Flesh. and sores
This was q self-denying
Never conceived before
Were only one half required
Then ne might heed the cali.
Dignities. loves, possessionss
How could he yield them air
Bitter the stern exacuon
Fell on his heart that day,
And wishing. wagering. choosing
He sorrowly turned away.
Won who have heard and maryeiie4
That Jesus who loved him so
Shoud let him dcpart unhinderoQ
Will Won. like the Ruler 70?
Ponder the solemn question:
r>eep In each conscience set:
Asking In soul-iike earnest
master what lack yetf''
Choose ye as every one.
Who findeth him truly doth.
frarthly or heavenly treasure
You cannot inherit both.
You may be near the kinEdonob
Nearer than any know.
Jesus may lovo ana Fifty YOU
And act may let you 81 ---<-l