The inventor whose fate Is to work and create, And burn out his life by the fires of thought, Is consoled by the fact, That his genius and tact, Have lifted mankind thru work he has wrought. The air navigator, And bird imitator, May fly to his death, then sad the story; But the one who succeeds, Has accomplished great deeds, And established his fame to his glory. ’Tis the brave pioneers Who inhabit frontiers, And many hardships and trials endure; But the work they begun Often ends if well done, In rest, happiness, and comfort secure. The man who discovers, And nature uncovers, Meets dangers that try him from sole to crown, But his triumph is great, When he gains for his state, An honor that brings him lasting renown. The richest mines of gold Are found in regions cold, And where it’s so hot men scarcely can stand; But the dangers o’ercome, There will always be some, To gather great wealth that spreads o’er the land. The poets whose stories, Sing the nation’s glories, May be ignored when honors are given; But the thoughts they imbue, Are ennobling and true, And make patriots and Christians of men. The statemen who are wise, Have bright thoughts men despise, Because greatly in advance of the age; But the wisdom they show, If well rooted will grow, And be emblazoned on history’s page. The minister may work With the zeal of a Turk, And not break the grip of sin upon man; But he reaps his reward By still serving the Lord, Determined to save ev’ry soul he can. The man of advanced thought, May see it come to naught, Because others do not see the same light; But by going before, He has opened the door, To beautiful realms now coming in sight. There’s no loss without gain, Is quite true in the main, And will apply to man or a nation, And each sacrifice made, To lift higher man’s grade, Nature rewards with just compensation. The strictly honest man, Who adheres to his plan, Thru all the trials that over him roll, Can endure with a smile, For he knows all the while He is living in sweet peace with his soul. When man’s record is right, His good deeds make it bright, And bloom in his manhood like golden rod; ’Tis his vindication, And brings compensation, In lifting his soul up nearer to God. EXPANSION. The spirit of progression has spoken, The hour for expansion is here, The thraldom of ignorance is broken, A wave of advancement is near.