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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · July 23, 1867

YOUR MISSION.

The following poem was published in Review No. 21, Vol. xxvi, from “Musical Leaves.” We give it again by request.

If you cannot on the ocean, Sail among the swiftest fleet, Rocking on the highest billows, Laughing at the storms you meet, You can stand among the sailors Anchored yet within the bay; You can lend a hand to help them, As they launch their boats away.

If you are too weak to journey Up the mountain steep and high, You can stand within the valley While the multitude go by; You can chant in happy measure As they slowly pass along— Though they may forget the singer, They will not forget the song.

If you have not gold or silver Ever ready to command, If you cannot toward the needy Reach an ever open hand, You can visit the afflicted, For the erring you can weep; You can be a true disciple, Sitting at the Saviour’s feet.

If you cannot in the conflict Prove yourself a soldier true; If where smoke and fire are thickest There is naught for you to do; When the battle field is silent, You can go with softly tread— You can bear away the wounded— You can cover up the dead.

Do not, then, stand idly waiting For some greater work to do, Fortune is a fickle goddess, She will never come to you; Go and toil in any vineyard, Do not fear to do or care; If you want a field of labor, You can find it any where.