Be Strong! We are not here to play, to dream, to drift;
We have hard work to do, and loads to lift;
Shun not the struggle…face it; ’tis God’s gift.
Be Strong! Say not, “the days are evil – who’s to blame?”
And fold the hands and acquiesce – oh shame!
Stand up, speak out, and bravely, in God’s name.
Be Strong! It matters not how deep intrenched the wrong,
How hard the battle goes, the day how long;
Faint not – fight on! Tomorrow comes the song!
– Dr. Maltbie D. Babcock, Pastor of Brick Presbyterian Church, New York, New York (1858 – 1901)