That Only Is Important Which Is Eternal
Over the triple doors of the Cathedral of Milan there are three inscriptions spanning the arches. Over one is carved a wreath of roses with the legend, “all that which pleases is but for a moment.” Over another is sculptured a cross accompanied by the words, “all that which troubles is but for a moment.” But on the great central entrance to the main aisle is the inscription, “That only is important which is eternal.”
What is the goal of life? We may answer the question by asking another, and tiying to live up to an affirmative answer: Are we tender, loving, self-denying, and honest, trying to fashion our lives after that of the model Man of Nazareth,—the first true gentleman that ever breathed?
—O. S. Marden.
Marriage
Marriage on earth seems such a counterfeit,
Mere imitation of the inimitable;
In heaven we have the real and true and sure;
‘Tis there they neither marry nor are given
In marriage, but are as the angels; right,
O how right that is, how like Jesus Christ
To say that! Marriage making for the earth,
With gold so much,—birth, power, repute so much,
Or beauty, youth so much, in like of these!
Be as the angels, rather, who, apart,
Know themselves into one, are found at length
Married, but marry never, no, nor give
In marriage; they are man and wife at once
When the true time is; here we have to wait.
Not so long, neither!
—Robert Browning.
Alternate Reading: Matthew 13: 23-30.