A BOY'S PROMISE by George Cooper

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Oct 9, 1893

A BOY'S PROMISE.

By George Cooper

THE school was out, and down the street A noisy crowd came thronging, The hue of health and gladness sweet To every face belonging.

Among them strode a little lad, Who listened to another, And mildly said, half grave, half sad, "I can't—I promised mother."

A shout went up, a ringing shout Of boisterous derision, But not one moment left in doubt That manly, brave decision.

"Go where you please, do what you will," He calmly told the other, "But I shall keep my word, boys, still; I can't—I promised mother."

Ah! who could doubt the future course Of one who thus had spoken? Through manhood's struggle, gain, and loss, Could faith like this be broken?

God's blessing on that steadfast will, Unyielding to another, That bars all jeers and laughter still, Because he promised mother. —George Cooper.