The Change

By Ben F. Taylor

Octographic Review, Vol. XLVII, No. 7

(February, 14, 1905), 2

On the earth the dark clouds gather

‘Round the throbbing heart of man;

And they fill his life with sorrow,

As he trods across the sand.

But the golden light of glory

Sends it rays across the sea,

And it lights upon the traveler,

As he lingers on the lea.

And it sparkles in his being,

And it wakens all his soul;

And he says unto the angel,

Put my name upon the scroll.

Put my name among the blessed

That have labored for the King,

Let me enter in the battle,

For there’s more to do than sing.

Let me in the field of action

With the weapon true and strong,

Give me strength to meet the fiercest,

And to labor all day long.

When at last the day is over,

And the night of peace has come,

Let me close my eyes in slumber,

As the true have ever done.

Let me waken in the morning,

Morning of eternal light;

Let me shout the shout of glory,

And be found among the right.

At the judging and the crowning

Let me still a witness be,

Let me hear the welcome sentence,

“Thou shalt live—eternally.”