Untitled article by Mary E. Guilford

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, October 29, 1867

SHALL I FALTER NOW?

By Mary E. Guilford

Long I have trod the narrow path, And climbed o’er many a rugged steep. Have braved the worldling’s frowns and wrath, Though oft their taunts have made me weep, And shall I faint or falter now, Because new duties are revealed? Shall murmuring thoughts becloud my brow? Or pride lay in my heart concealed?

I’ve borne my cross in weakness long Where duty led, have tried to go; Tho’ weak, yet grace has made me strong To meet life’s ills, and face the foe. And shall I lose the blessing now, Because the cross grows heavier still; Falter, or faint, or e’en allow One selfish wish my heart to fill?

What! falter now so near the prize, Which every soul should stimulate? Lose all my hopes of paradise, Unworthy pride to satiate? Forbid, my God, that I thus weak Should yield myself a slave to lust! But oh! may I be humble, meek, Remembering that I am but dust.

Ah! no; I will not falter now, While here, the cross I’ll faithful bear, That Heaven’s bright crown may deck my brow, When saints are called its bliss to share. Yes, yes, I will go bravely on, And conquer every worldly lust, That I may hear the glad “Well done,” And dwell forever with the just.

MARY E. GUILFORD.

Castalia, Ohio.