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Poem
December 19, 1865
Delaware State Journal And Statesman
Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware
What is this article about?
Inspirational poem urging individuals to contribute to good causes in small ways if unable to achieve great feats, emphasizing service to others, moral duty, and Christian devotion through everyday acts like helping sailors, cheering travelers, visiting the afflicted, and aiding the wounded.
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
YOUR MISSION.
If you cannot on the ocean,
Sail among the swiftest fleet:
Rocking on the highest billows,
Laughing at the storms you meet;
You can stand among the sailors,
Anchored yet within the bay,
You can lend a hand to help them
As they launch their boats away.
If you are too weak to journey
Up the mountains steep and high,
You can stand within the valley,
While the multitudes go by;
You can chant in happy measure,
As they slowly pass along,
Though they may forget the singer,
They will not forget the song
If you have not gold and silver
Ever ready to command;
If you cannot toward the needy
Reach an ever open hand,
You can visit the afflicted,
O'er the erring you can weep;
You can be a true disciple,
Sitting at the Savior's feet.
If you cannot in the conflict
Prove yourself a soldier true;
If where fire and smoke are thickest,
There's no work for you to do,
When the battle-field is silent
You can go with silent tread,
You can bear away the wounded,
You can cover up the dead.
Do not then stand idly waiting
For some greater work to do;
Fortune is a lazy goddess,
She will never come to you;
Go and toil in any vineyard,
Do not fear to do or dare,
If you want a field of labor,
You can find it anywhere.
If you cannot on the ocean,
Sail among the swiftest fleet:
Rocking on the highest billows,
Laughing at the storms you meet;
You can stand among the sailors,
Anchored yet within the bay,
You can lend a hand to help them
As they launch their boats away.
If you are too weak to journey
Up the mountains steep and high,
You can stand within the valley,
While the multitudes go by;
You can chant in happy measure,
As they slowly pass along,
Though they may forget the singer,
They will not forget the song
If you have not gold and silver
Ever ready to command;
If you cannot toward the needy
Reach an ever open hand,
You can visit the afflicted,
O'er the erring you can weep;
You can be a true disciple,
Sitting at the Savior's feet.
If you cannot in the conflict
Prove yourself a soldier true;
If where fire and smoke are thickest,
There's no work for you to do,
When the battle-field is silent
You can go with silent tread,
You can bear away the wounded,
You can cover up the dead.
Do not then stand idly waiting
For some greater work to do;
Fortune is a lazy goddess,
She will never come to you;
Go and toil in any vineyard,
Do not fear to do or dare,
If you want a field of labor,
You can find it anywhere.
What sub-type of article is it?
Hymn
What themes does it cover?
Moral Virtue
Religious Faith
What keywords are associated?
Personal Mission
Serving Others
Moral Duty
Christian Service
Humble Contributions
Poem Details
Title
Your Mission.
Form / Style
Rhymed Stanzas
Key Lines
You Can Stand Among The Sailors,
Anchored Yet Within The Bay,
You Can Lend A Hand To Help Them
As They Launch Their Boats Away.
You Can Be A True Disciple,
Sitting At The Savior's Feet.
Go And Toil In Any Vineyard,
Do Not Fear To Do Or Dare,
If You Want A Field Of Labor,
You Can Find It Anywhere.