Classic Poem

When the Spirit came to jephtha,
Animating his great heart,
He arose, put on his armor,
Girt his loins about to part,
Bowed the knee, implored a blessing,
Gave the earnest of his faith,
Then, divinely strung, departed,
Set for victory or death.

If a rude, uncultured soldier
Thus drew Wisdom from above,
How should we, enlightened Laborers,
Children of the Sire of Love,—
How should we, who know “the Wisdom
Gentle, pure and peaceable.”
Make a prayerful preparation
That our work be square and full!

Lo, the future! O NE can read it,—
H E its darkest chance can bend.
Lo, our wants, how great, how many!
H E abundant means can lend.
Raise your hearts, then, Pilgrims, boldly
Build and journey in His trust;
Square your deeds by precepts holy,
And the end is surely blest.

Vainly will the builders labor
If the O VERSEER be gone;
Vainly gate and wall are guarded
If the A LL -S EEING is withdrawn;
Only is successful ending
When the work's begun with care;
Lay your blocks, then, Laborers, strongly,
On the Eternal Rock of Prayer.