TO THE GIRLS by Jennie L. Lyall.

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 20, 1900

TO THE GIRLS.

By Jennie L. Lyall.

I’LL tell you a story, my girl, to-day, And the story I tell is true; There is not a power on earth to win So strong as the power in you. Hold firm to the beautiful things in life, Learn both to work and to pray, Let holiness have its royal place, And the world is yours to sway.

The power of right is more than might: The weakest ones are strong When they reach above to the hand of love; And goodness conquers wrong. The ages in passing have garnered their store, Have brought things good and true; But time’s unfolding has left no gift Like the gifts he has left for you.

For you, my girl, who, more than queen, May hold a royal place By the winsome charms of beauty and youth, And the power of goodness and grace; For hearts are breaking, and souls are sad, There are lives to brighten and cheer. There’s hope in the touch of a kindly hand, And a smile may dry a tear.

And, remember, your right of dower, my girl, Is gaining a world from sin, Is strengthening manhood’s noblest aims, Is womanhood’s crown to win. Then strive, my girl, for all that’s pure, And seek for all that’s true. Be thoughtful, and loving, and gentle, and kind; For the world has need of you.

— Jennie L. Lyall.