Posted by Richard S (38.30.253.2) on July 29, 2001 at 19:10:03:
In Reply to: Just so you all know: posted by Gizi on July 29, 2001 at 17:48:06:
You have a refreshing attitude, Gizi, and folks should appreciate your prayerful concern, whether or not they share your beliefs. Just don't feel too sorry for us hell-bound sinners, as we also may have a small role to play in the scheme of things. :-)
Abou Ben Adhem
by James Henry Leigh Hunt
Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!)
Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace,
And saw, within the moonlight in his room,
Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom,
An angel writing in a book of gold: -
Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold,
And to the Presence in the room he said
'What writest thou?' -The vision raised its head,
And with a look made of all sweet accord,
Answered 'The names of those who love the Lord.'
'And is mine one?' said Abou. 'Nay, not so,'
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low,
But cheerly still, and said 'I pray thee, then,
Write me as one that loves his fellow men.'
The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night
It came again with a great wakening light,
And showed the names whom love of God had blessed,
And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest.