PUBLIC OPINION by J. Morgensen

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 11, 1897

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 23, No. 44.

PUBLIC OPINION.

By J. Morgensen

OLD Public Opinion, like a giant tall and grim, Stalks about by night and by day; Tho your words and your actions be nothing to him, Yet he always has something to say. And his words are most cruel—they pierce through the heart, Often causing the lifeblood to flow From innocent victims. They come like a dart From the hand of a vigilant foe.

He oftentimes will speak in tones of highest praise The virtues of men who are dead. But while they were pursuing their old accustomed ways, No word of such flattery was said. And many are the prophets and godly men of old— Likewise, mighty men and men of renown, Who've been hunted to their death, with suff'ring untold, Wearing Public Opinion's thorny crown.

Take the truth; let the truth, which forever stands fast, Unchanged, let happen what may. Be thy guide at the first and thy crown at the last, Thy shield and thy buckler alway— Yes, guide thee forever, whatever befall, Unpopular tho it may be; For the glad day is coming when falsehood must fall; In the truth there is refuge for thee.

J. MORGENSEN. Tygh Valley, Oregon.