PERSEVERANCE

Crushing a rock to fragments by hard toil,
The patient workman follows blow with blow;
Though an unyielding surface seems to foil
His strength, his arm doth no cessation know,
Till shattered bits his diligence proclaim.
By which of sturdy strokes his purpose gained?
The last? Nay, every one to final aim
Made needful contribution; thus attained
The wished result—by perseverance. So,
God's Word 's the hammer furnished us to wield
In breaking error's adamant. What though
Its stubborn, mocking face refuse to yield?
Devoid of power, feigning to exist
Active in mortal consciousness, untrue;
No force it owns perversely to resist
Love's sway, but must give way and fade from view
Before the onslaughts of the mighty voice
Of good. Chanting exultant, faith-born song,
Brave worker, ever ready to rejoice,
Remember, the next affirmation strong
May crown thy hope, and matter's impotence
Unmasked appear in swift collapse, reduced
To dust, or nothingness, and suffering sense
Exchanged for harmony, as thou art loosed.
What cheer to see that not alone the last,
But every impact of the law divine,
Backed by omnipotence,—be slow or fast
Sin's vanquishment,—avails to win the sign
Of Truth's supremacy. Our task, with joy
To persevere, conscious of naught save Mind's
Authority all evil to destroy.
Thus comes to light our freedom and mankind's.