Classic Poem

EVENING PRAYER .

Hark, brothers, hark, " Go forward, "
The silver trumpets sound!
The camp of Israel hears it,
Tents are struck around.
What laggard heart refuses
By doubt or fear oppress'd?
" My Presence shall go with thee:
I will give thee rest. "

Forward into the desert!
Let no man's heart despond.
That desert waste and howling,
Canaan lies beyond.
Forward, and lean when weary
Upon His sheltering breast.
" My Presence shall go with thee:
I will give thee rest. "

Forward, although the pathway
Be hitherto untrod!
That rugged journey leads thee
To the home of God.
Forward, within His palace
To be a welcome guest!
" My Presence shall go with thee:
I will give thee rest. "

Forward, although the waters
Of Jordan roll between,
And mists hang round the confines
Of the things unseen!
Himself hath won by dying
That kingdom of the blest.
" My Presence shall go with thee:
I will give thee rest. "