DUTY.
Reading edition
Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.—Ecclesiastes, xii. 13.
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.—Luke, xvii. 10.
Who shall, O God! ascend thy holy hill? Ev’n he whose hands are clean, whose heart is pure, Faithful of Word, and dutiful of Will. J. A. Heraud.
Between ourselves and our desires, too oft, We build a wall impassable. We mar By futile artifice what honest skill In either would alone effect.—Straight on, And up the mountain, heavenwards aloft, Should be the chosen path; however far The goal may be; to reach it wants but will To trust in God, and prudent courage drawn From honourable purpose. Hard may be The track, and steep to climb, but walls are none To scale, nor ladders lack we, ’midst the chill Of mental Alps, but only eyes to see These words of truth light-written in the sun— “The path of duty aye runs up the hill.” Calder Campbell.
Rugged strength and radiant beauty— These were one in nature’s plan; Humble toil and heavenward duty— These will form the perfect man. Mrs. Hale.
Stern daughter of the voice of God! O Duty! if that name thou love Who art a light to guide, a rod To check the erring, and reprove; Thou who art victory and law When empty terrors overawe, Give unto me, made lowly wise, The spirit of self-sacrifice. Wordsworth.