General Conference Bulletin, vol. 6

A CALL TO ACTIVE SERVICE

W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, I. H. Evans, C. M. Snow, T. E. Bowen

A Voice from Australia

[Composed for a farewell service for missionaries departing for the East Indies, held in the Stanmore church, Australia, on Sabbath afternoon, Jan. 30, 1908, and printed in the Australasian Union Record.] GCB May 31, 1909, page 233.14

There are tokens all around us that the end is drawing near,
Tokens in the Word of God so long foretold,
Telling those who, looking upward, watch and wait and work and pray,
That erelong their feet shall tread the streets of gold.
For the blessed consummation, how our hearts all long and sigh!
How we joy to see the signs that it is nigh!
But there’s conflict still before us, and much labor to be done,
Ere we lay our sword and shield forever by. GCB May 31, 1909, page 233.15

The advance is surely sounding, all along the lines ‘tis heard;
And the soldiers of the Lord a loyal host,
To the field of earnest conflict ‘gainst the powers of hell go forth,
Nothing fearing, nothing caring what the cost.
What though tidings from the battle tell of dangers, pain, or loss,
That confront the fighting line on every hand!
What though ties of home and kindred plead with eloquence, “O stay”!
They advance, nor heed aught else but God’s command. GCB May 31, 1909, page 233.16

Hark! they call for re-enforcements!
Hear them! louder, louder still!
See the battle growing fiercer day by day!
See some noble hearts responding and preparing for the fray,
See some falling at their stations far away.
Ask yourself the solemn question, “What would God have me to do?”
Ask yourself, “Is this the time myself to please?
Is it time for idle comfort, doing only that which needs
Naught of sacrifice, of selfish plan or ease?” GCB May 31, 1909, page 234.1

As we bid farewell to comrades who are leaving for the front,
Let us ready stand for action, one and all,
Let us fit ourselves for service, learning hardness to endure
As good soldiers of the Lord, till us he calls.
Let our daily prayers ascending to the throne of grace above,
Plead for blessings on the noble fighting line.
Let us give both full and freely, first our hearts and then our all:
Let us onward speed the light of truth divine.
There is work for every Christian, and a place within the ranks
Of the fighting line, or garrison at home.
There’s a call to active service, “Leave your nets and follow me!
To the help of God against the mighty, come!”
‘T is the call of Christ our Captain to his saints in every land,
Gird your armor on and take the Spirit’s sword!
None will gain the victor’s laurels, or the crown of glory wear,
Who have never worn the armor of the Lord. GCB May 31, 1909, page 234.2

Soon the conflict will be over, for the Lord will cut it short;
There’s no question who the victory will win.
Soon will rise the shout of triumph from the soldiers of the Lord;
Soon will cease the cruel reign of death and sin.
Then take courage, brother Christian, though the struggle may be sore,
There is grace to help in every time of need.
Short and sharp, the battle over, all the pain will be forgot
In the bliss awaiting all the faithful seed. GCB May 31, 1909, page 234.3

C. H. P.