O brothers in a common cause, did you ever feel Coming to your being a joy you can't reveal? A baptism, or a birth, an unction from on high? An evolution of happiness, that moistens every eye? Like the joy that came to Abraham, when he offered up his son, When his guardian angel shouted, "Hold! Harm not the precious one!" The metal has been proven in the crucible of pain; The dross has been rejected, the gold alone remains. So tonight, we say to Mary, a daughter native born-- We have known her from the cradle, in sunshine and in storm; One of the chosen spirits our Father sent to earth To labor in the mission field, a trust of sacred worth. And every soul within our town will hasten to the hall To witness his approval of this angelic call; Go forth, thou blessed sister, into the mission field; To meet the mists of darkness, keep virtue as thy shield; Strong in thine own inheritance, a pure and spotless life, And you shall be victorious in every gospel strife. Chapter 37. The Young Men's Pledge.--Brigham Young's One Hundredeth Birthday--Mary's Birthday.--Some Things that I Remember. THE YOUNG MEN'S PLEDGE. Joseph Smith and John M. Horner. Two boys were hoeing corn one day, Beneath a July sun. And as they worked, in friendly chat Their youthful fancies run. "I'll be a farmer," the younger said, "And study nature's laws-- If there is growth of tree or plant I'll know the primal cause." Thus John, the younger of the two, With a bright, progressive mind, Explained to Joseph what he'd do When he became a man. I watched and listened with interest now, To the elder boy's reply; For his was a fine, intellectual brow, And a keen, prophetic eye. "I'll be a man of God," he said-- "A student of truths divine; I'll soar from earth to realms above Where endless treasures shine. "I'll study the lives of noble men; I'll search the Scriptures too, And I will know, if mortal can, If Hebrew books are true. "I'll know if Moses talked with God, Upon the Mount Sinai; The paths the ancient prophets trod-- I'll tread before I die." And each one, happy with the thoughts That stirred their youthful breasts, Silently finished the task in hand, Then sought their home and rest. As years rolled on, we watched those boys, And history proves to you, Throughout their lives they kept their vows, With motives pure and true. The farmer became a wonderful man In agricultural skill; And boundless wealth came from the soil In obedience to his will. His name and fame went round the world, And kings bestowed their praise. He is today a shining mark Of God's mysterious ways." The other one, would that my pen Could a truthful picture give, Of the prayerful, trustful, God-like life That noble boy did live.