As the boy goes on his errand he shall say,"To such duty I, too, am born. I am God'smessenger."As the young man tells the story to hissweetheart, he shall say, "We are God's children also, you and I, and we have our duties."
They look backward, only to look forward.
"God needs me, that this city may still standin the forefront of his people's land. Here amI. God may draft me for some special duty, ashe drafted Warren and Franklin. Present!Ready for service! Thank God I come frommen who are not afraid in battle. Thank God,I am born from women whose walk was closeto him. Thank God, I am his son."
And she shall say, "I am his daughter."
He has nations to call to his service. "Heream I."
He has causeways to build, for the marchforward of his people. "Here am I."
There are torrents to bridge, highways indeserts. "Here am I."
He has oceans to cross. He has the hungryworld to feed. He has the wilderness to clothein beauty. "Here am I."
God of heaven, be with us as thou wert withthe fathers.
God of heaven, we will be with thee, as thefathers were.
Boys and girls, young men and maidens,listen to the voices which speak here.