The Holy Christian’s Task: A Poem

The Holy Christian's Task. At early morn I wake and say, What have I to do today? My faithful conscience makes me this reply — Christian ! thou hast a God to glorify ! To imitate a Savior's perfect way ; And, in the narrow path he trod, to stay ! Thou hast a soul to save, which cannot die ; And thou a body hast — to mortify : Graces — from pitying heaven to implore ; And sins — a countless number, to weep o'er : Thou hast a heaven to gain — a hell to shun — Eternity to meditate upon ! Time to redeem, alas, how vainly past, When every moment might have been thy last ! Thy neighbor, by examples to improve ; The world to fear, lest thou its vices love : A heart to keep with diligence and care, Lest any thought of evil harbor there : Devils to wrestle with — most powerful, too ; And many warring passions to subdue : And oh, perhaps, ere night shall veil the earth Thine eyes may close in the long sleep of death ! Thy disembodied soul ; in bliss or woe For this day's work may judgment undergo ! All this have I to do ; I trembling ask, Lord : Grant thy Spirit to perform the task ! Unless thy gracious aid assist the plan I cannot act nor think — so weak is man ! Thy Blessed Holy Spirit's influence send, Shed o'er my heart, and through the fight defend ! So shall I keep the faith, the prize obtain. And not perform my daily task in vain. Ann Robinson (Age 74), Bradford, Leeds Conference, England.