Classic Poem

In Lonely Vigil

O thou in lonely vigil led
To follow Truth's new-risen star
Ere yet her morning skies are red,
And vale and upland shadowed are, —

Gird up thy loins and take thy road,
Obedient to the vision be;
Trust not in numbers; God is God,
And one with Him majority!

Soon pass the judgments of the hour,
Forgotten are the scorn and blame;
The Word moves on, a gladdening power,
And safe enshrines the prophet's fame,

Now, as of old, in lowly plight
The Christ of larger faith is born:
The watching shepherds come by night,
And then — the kings of earth at morn!English