Aspirations of Youth: A Poem
Improvement Era, vol. 2, no. 8, June 1899, p. 613
Montgomery
GOSPEL STUDIES. 613
sively to eternal damnation. Both conditions are potential in every human life. A small arc of Heaven and a small arc of Hell are both plainly visible in earth-conditions to whoever will open his eyes. In either case the circle grows larger for each of us according to the way we live; for let us be assured of this fact: we make our own Heaven or Hell. There is no mystery about the matter; the principles operating in daily conduct are shaping our lives for eternity.
ASPIRATIONS OF YOUTH.
Higher, higher will we climb Up the mount of glory, That our names may live through time In our country's story; Happy, when our welfare calls, He who conquers, he who falls. Deeper, deeper let us toil In the mines of knowledge; Nature's wealth, and learning's spoil, Win from school or college; Delve we there for richer gems Than the stars of diadems. Onward, onward may we press Through the path of duty; Virtue is true happiness. Excellence true beauty, Minds are of celestial birth, Make we then a heaven on earth. Closer, closer let us knit Hearts and hands together, Where our fireside comforts sit. In the wildest weather: Oh! they wander wide who roam For the joys of life from home. Montgomery.