The Home Circle by Fannie Bolton

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · May 28, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 21.

The Home Circle.

By Fannie Bolton

FAITHFUL IN LITTLE.

THERE came to the freight-house quite early one morning, Two youths who were looking for work. Said one, "I'm intelligent, apt, sir, and surely I'm fitted quite well for a clerk." The truckers were wheeling their carts up the alleys. Said the youth, "That is low work to do; It is fit for coarse fellows." "Well, yes," said the master; "But it's all I can offer to you."

The youth turned away with a haughty "Good morning," And passed through the great creaking gate. "And now," said the master, addressing the other, "I suppose you won't handle the freight." "Indeed, sir, I will. 'Tis the best that is offered, It is work that is honest and true. I despise not small sources, great rivers flow from them." "Very well," said the master, "you'll do."

The honest young fellow worked faithfully, truly, Was manly, and gentle, and true; The truckers all liked his frank cheer and bright nature, And nodded, "Young fellow, you'll do." "You see," said the master as higher he raised him, "Promotion is not due to luck; I can tell very nearly just what a man's made of By the way that he handles his truck.

"And whate'er a man says of himself goes for little; His words never make him my clerk; But I put him at trucking, right down at the bottom, And his future's foretold by his work." And step after step rose the honest young fellow, Doing well all the work at his hand; And his fortunes increased, he was temperate and godly, Well honored was he in the land.

So whatever shirks tell you of fortune or witchery, A poor thing to lean on is luck. Be faithful in little. Promotion won't fail you, Even though you begin with a truck; All over the earth if you look you will see it, Naught ever is won by a shirk; But the highest ambition has hope of fulfillment To the one who has courage to work.

Oh, gather great thoughts, my brave lads and sweet lasses, And banish the thoughts low and coarse; For remember the river can never rise higher Than the fount at the river's own source. And do with your might all the work that is given; Success is forever for such. Be faithful in little, and here and hereafter, You'll surely be masters of much. —Fannie Bolton.