Be Strong

By Maltbie Davenport Babcock; 1858 - 1901

Photographed from portrait hanging in the lecture room of the
Brick Presbyterian Church) New York, of which Dr. Babcock was formerly pastor.

Be strong!

We are not here to play, to dream, to drift;
We have hard work to do, and loads to lift;
Shun not the struggle—face it; 'tis God's gift.

Be strong!
Say not, "The days are evil. Who's to blame?"
And fold the hands and acquiesce—oh shame!
Stand up, speak out, and bravely, in God's name.

Be strong!
It matters not how deep intrenched the wrong,
How hard the battle goes, the day how long;
Faint not—fight on! To-morrow comes the song.