Poems (Barker)/The Noble Calling
The Noble Calling.
Onward, brother, nobly onward! Swell the ranks of truth and right,Let your light be grand and glorious; For the cause of justice fight.Shrink not from the field of labor Farthest from the path of fame;Look not forward to the hour When a nation speaks your name.
For if wealth and fame should meet you Half way up the rugged steep,At the close of life, my brother, Would you not have cause to weepThat your only aim had ever Been to reach the sparkling gem,Which a nation proudly gave you To adorn your diadem?
E'er pursue in life the pathway That will aid your fellow man;Be a lamp to guide them homeward; Strive to help them all you can.Angel hands will point the glory That awaits you over there;Death will ne'er corrupt such jewels, They are ever bright and fair.
Gently raise a fallen brother,— Jesus' lost and weary sheep;And, remembering His example, Lead them up the rugged steep.Just across the mystic river, In that pure and sinless land,Angel forms will gladly watch you, And will lend a gentle hand,
To direct your footsteps ever Higher up the mountain side,Nearer to the happy mansions Just across the flowing tide.When the toilsome march is ended And the pain of life has fled,Oh! what joy to see some wanderer That your words have homeward led;
Or to hear the gentle blessing Of the trusting little childThat your hands had gently guided To the savior undefiled.Onward, brother, nobly onward! Swell the ranks of truth and right,Let your light be grand and glorious; In the noblest calling fight.