Classic Poem

Who is ready for the onset?
Who, with helmet, sword and shield,
Will go forth to conquer Error,
On life's battlefield?
Who will strike at Superstition,
In his goblin-haunted cell,
And unloose the myriad victims
Fettered by his spell?
Call the roll.

Who will strive, on God relying,
With unwavering faith and hope,
To pull down the gory scaffold,
And the gallows rope?
Who will break the yoke of bondage,
And unbar the prison door,
Saying to the trembling sinner,
" Go and sin no more? "
Call the roll.

Who, forgetting self, will listen
To sweet charity's appeal?
Who will labor for the lowly
With untiring zeal?
Casting bread upon the waters,
Not for human praise,
Trusting Heaven again to find it,
After many days?
Call the roll.

Who will put what God has given
To the wisest, noblest use?
Who will clothe the homeless orphan,
Fill the widow's cruse,
And, like him of old Samaria,
Help the stranger in his need,
Reckless of his name and nation,
Reckless of his creed?
Call the roll.

Who, when slander's tongue is busy
With an absent neighbor's name,
Will excuse his faults and failings,
And defend his fame?
Who will view poor human nature
Only on the brightest side,
Leaving God to judge the evil
Charity would hide?
Call the roll.