Be strong, and of good courage.
1 Chronicles 22:13
Words: Maltbie D. Babcock, Thoughts for Every-Day Living (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1901), pages 168–69.
Music: Harold Carl F. Price, 1921 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tune:
If you know where to get a good photo of Price (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
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, be strong, be strong!
Be strong!
Say not the days are evil—ho’s to blame?
And fold the hands and acquiesce—O shame!
Stand up, speak out, and bravely, in God’s name.
Be strong, be strong, be strong!
Be strong!
It matters not how deep entrenched the wrong,
How hard the battle goes, the day, how long;
Faint not, fight on! Tomorrow comes the song.
Be strong, be strong, be strong!
Be strong!
What light of earth but springeth from the sun?
What human love but from the Father’s heart?
Then let my thanks be giv’n to God, the One
Above, and you below, to each a part.
Be strong, be strong, be strong!
Be strong!
You are not robbed, and doubly rich am I;
For love of God, through you, I love you more.
Nor is God robbed by thanks to you, and why?
For your dear sake I newly Him adore.
Be strong, be strong, be strong!