To J. B—

ONWARD, Christian, be not weary,
Onward in thy work of love,
Though the task be long and dreary
There remains a rest above.

Onward, Christian, though temptations
Threaten hard to press thee down;
Bear the cross, and soon in glory
Thou shalt wear the conqueror’s crown.

Spread the everlasting Gospel,
Tell the glorious news around,
Till the earth’s remotest regions
Echo with the joyful sound.

Sow the seed beside all waters:
Though at times no fruit appears,
Sow in faith, and thou shalt see it
Springing up in after years.

Onward, Christian, fight for Jesus,
Satan shall not make thee yield,
He is strong, but Christ is stronger,
Thou shalt surely win the field.

Grasp the loving hand of Jesus,
While the arrows round thee fly,
Resting on the “Rock of Ages,”
Every one shall pass thee by.

Onward, Christian, trust the promise,
As thy day thy strength shall be,
Run the race by God appointed,
Thou shalt more than conqueror be.

He who bids thee work for Jesus
Will each feeble effort bless,
And, in spite of opposition,
Crown thy labors with success.

Onward then a little longer,
Till the summons shall be given,
“Welcome, good and faithful servant,
Welcome to my home in heaven.

“Welcome to the many mansions,
I have kept in store for thee,
Welcome to a crown of glory
And a palm of victory!

“I was hungry, Thou did’st feed me;
Thirsty, Thou did’st give me drink;
Naked, but Thou did’st not leave me
In my poverty to sink.

“Come thou blessed of my Father,
Take the kingdom promised thee,
Since thou did’st it to my brethren,
Thou halt done it unto me.”