To J. J. H., Of Kentucky <br /> <br /> <br />Gathering brands from the burning, <br />Plucking them out of the fire, <br />Lifting the sheep that have wandered, <br />Out of the dust and the mire, <br />Bringing home sheaves from the harvest <br />To lay at the Master's feet- <br />Lord! all thy hosts of angels <br />Must smile on a life so sweet. <br /> <br /> <br />Speaking with fear of no man, <br />Speaking with love for all, <br />Warning the young and the thoughtless <br />From the wild beast-'Alcohol.' <br />Showing the snares that the tempter <br />Weaveth on every hand. <br />Lord! all thy dear, dear angels <br />Must smile on a life so grand. <br /> <br /> <br />Fighting the bloodless battle <br />With a heart that is true and bold; <br />Fighting it not for glory, <br />Fighting it not for gold, <br />But out of love for his neighbor, <br />And out of love for his Lord. <br />And I know that the hands of the angels <br />Will crown him with his reward. <br /> <br /> <br />For whoso works for the Master, <br />And whoso fights his fight, <br />The angels crown with a star-wreath, <br />And it glows with gems most bright. <br />They wear them for ever and ever, <br />The saints in that land of bliss, <br />And I know that heaven's best jewel <br />Is kept for a soul like this.<br /><br />Ella Wheeler Wilcox<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/god-s-work-2/
