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MAN'S MISSION.
IV.Life is combat, life is striving, Such our destiny below;Like a scythed chariot driving Through an onward pressing foe.Deepest sorrow, scorn, and trialWill but teach us self-denial; Like the alchymists of old,Pass the ore through cleansing fireIf our spirits would aspire To be God's refinéd gold.
V.We are struggling in the morning With the spirit of the night;But we trample on it scorning— Lo! the eastern sky is bright.We must watch. The day is breaking;Soon, like Memnon's statue waking With the sunrise into sound,We shall raise our voice to Heaven,Chant a hymn for conquest given, Seize the palm, nor heed the wound.
VI.We must bend our thoughts to earnest, Would we strike the idols down;With a purpose of the sternest Take the Cross, and wait the Crown.Sufferings human life can hallow,Sufferings lead to God's Valhalla; Meekly bear, but nobly try,Like a man with soft tears flowing,Like a God with conquest glowing So to love, and work, and die!
