Classic Poem

Pro Ecclesia — up and toil,
While the crimson east is glowing,
Thickly soon Night's shade will fall,
Fast the stream of life is flowing:
Heart and hand, and voice and pen,
Pledge them all to dying men.

Mind'st thou not that solemn vow,
Which from altar-side ascended?
Wilt thou shrink a craven now,
Ere the dusty road be ended?
Heat and burden nobly bear,
Strife and watching firmly share.

Ye are shepherds — guard the fold,
" People of His pasture " feeding,
Let His Truth be kept unsold,
Error's syren voice unheeding:
Want and woe, if come they must,
Ne'er should drive you from your trust.

Pro Ecclesia — stand you then,
Like the Vestals, by the Altar,
Never for the scoff of men,
Should your heart a moment falter:
If the Saviour do but smile,
Bear the taunt, and spurn the wile.

Faithful Steward! oh, when Death,
Like a shadow o'er thee stealeth,
Gladly wilt thou yield thy breath,
For the bliss thy God revealeth:
Then, like star from waning free,
Shalt thou shine eternally.