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300

Be of Good Courage

Ye who against the evils of our lot
Alone, and single-handed do contend;
Faint not! though you to greatest straits are brought,
And earthly succor fail, and earthly friend.
Near you in sympathy the angels stand,
Their unseen hosts encompass you around;
Strong, and unconquerable the glorious band,
And loud their songs, and hymns of victory sound.
And near you, though invisible, are those,
The good and just of every age, and clime;
Who, while on earth, have fought the self-same foes,
And won the fight, through faith and love sublime;
Let not the hosts of sin inspire a fear,
For lo! far mightier hosts are ever near!
Poem No. 856; c. 21 June 1856