Then murmur not if toils obscure And thorny paths be thine; To God be true--they shall secure The joy of life divine Who in the darkest, sternest sphere For Him their powers employ; The toils contemned and slighted here Shall yield the purest joy. When endless day dispels the strife Which blinds and darkens now, Perchance the brightest crown of life Shall deck some lowly brow. Then learn, despite thy boding fears, From seed with sorrow sown, In love, obscurity and tears The richest sheaves are grown. --Edward Hartley Dewart. "DOE THE NEXTE THYNGE" From an old English parsonage Down by the sea, There came in the twilight A message to me; Its quaint Saxon legend Deeply engraven, Hath as it seems to me Teaching for heaven; And on through the hours The quiet words ring, Like a low inspiration, "Doe the nexte thynge." Many a questioning, Many a fear, Many a doubt, Hath guiding here. Moment by moment Let down from heaven, Time, opportunity, Guidance are given. Fear not to-morrow, Child of the King; Trust it with Jesus, "Doe the nexte thynge." O He would have thee Daily more free, Knowing the might Of thy royal degree; Ever in waiting, Glad for his call, Tranquil in chastening, Trusting through all. Comings and goings No turmoil need bring: His all thy future-- "Doe the nexte thynge." Do it immediately, Do it with prayer, Do it reliantly, Casting all care: Do it with reverence, Tracing His hand Who hath placed it before thee With earnest command. Stayed on Omnipotence, Safe, 'neath his wing, Leave all resultings, "Doe the nexte thynge." Looking to Jesus, Ever serener, Working or suffering, Be thy demeanor! In the shade of his presence, The rest of his calm, The light of his countenance, Live out thy psalm: Strong in his faithfulness. Praise him and sing, Then as he beckons thee, "Doe the nexte thynge." ZEAL IN LABOR Go, labor on; spend and be spent, Thy joy to do the Father's will; It is the way the Master went; Should not the servant tread it still? Go, labor on; 'tis not for naught; Thine earthly loss is heavenly gain; Men heed thee, love thee, praise thee not; The Master praises--what are men? Go, labor on; your hands are weak; Your knees are faint, your soul cast down; Yet falter not; the prize you seek Is near--a kingdom and a crown! Toil on, faint not; keep watch, and pray! Be wise the erring soul to win; Go forth into the world's highway; Compel the wanderer to come in.