SELF DISCIPLINE.
Reading edition
Self discipline and perseverance strong, Effort on effort, with endurance long, Make kings of men, who subjugate and sway Stern empire over self each hour of day.
They, like skilled generals, lead on the van Of thoughts progressive in the inner man, And marshal well their forces, so to fight That truth and justice be diffused as light.
Such constitute an empire grand within, Raise fortresses 'gainst known and secret sin, And thus become brave conquerors, whose deeds Leave all the monument that goodness needs.
They form a true refining power on earth, A high nobility of sterling worth, Who, though oft poor in worldly riches, may Far nobler thrones than those of earth's kings sway.
Triumphs o'er self-will, selfishness and pride, Ensure a wealth of consequences wide, Which gain the victor armour that shall win Him further victories o'er self and sin.
But 'tis the will of heaven that each should keep This armour bright, and sow what he would reap, That industry unflinching, tireless zeal Should to earth's workers rich results reveal.
Endurance disciplines to sympathy, Which deals a death blow to cold apathy, Making its owner ready to risk all, And smile down obstacles at duty's call.
Kind gentleness comes also in its train, Constraining men to serve those some would blame. Patient with erring strayed ones far from home Sternly severe unto themselves alone.
Then comes the blissful privilege that flows Through self-denial, of assisting those Who may through ignorance have lost their way, Or blindly stumbled in the glare of day.
That charity translated into love, Is of all graces foremost, all may prove, Meaning not merely money, which counts naught, Unless with sympathetic kindness fraught.
Intelligible to the searching mind, Is the Creator's message to mankind, If it with fervour study His grand laws, Which prove that each effect must have a cause.
As naught material is lost in space, So nothing spiritual can man efface; Exemplifying thus the axiom sure, That conquering love, truth, justice must endure.
So let each strive to serve as best he can. His Father God, himself, and fellow man, By subjugating self, and shewing forth That justice, love, truth, peace, should rule on earth.
Then might that brotherhood which Christ ordained, Be through the wide world practised and proclaimed, As one grand creed for earth's vast family, Of loving service to the Deity.