Scripture Verse

Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Revelation 2:10

Introduction

Words: Al­me­da H. Tar­rant, in Hymns of the Faith, by Ed­win Ex­cell & A. C. Smi­ther (St. Lou­is, Mis­sou­ri: Chris­tian Board of Pub­li­ca­tion, 1917).

Music: Ed­win O. Ex­cell (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pho­to of Tar­rant (head & shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els),

portrait
Edwin O. Excell (1851–1921)

Lyrics

When your path is smooth and peaceful,
And your skies are clear and blue,
You may smile in glad contentment
All the happy morning thro’;
If affliction’s call is sounded,
And the number rings for you,
When the clapper strikes the gong,
Strikes the gong,
Will your heart ring true?

Refrain

Will your heart ring true?
Are you loyal thro’ and thro’?
When the clapper strikes the gong,
Strikes the gong,
Will your heart ring true?

When the beauty-bending rainbow
Lays its treasures at your feet,
And a field of loving friendships
Makes your happiness complete,
If you meet with sad reverses
And the tempter faces you,
When the clapper strikes the gong,
Strikes the gong,
Will your heart ring true?

Refrain

When you think you’re fully trusting
In the Sav­ior’s matchless love,
And thro’ faith you feel the wooing
Of companionship above,
If the clouds of doubt assail you
Will you look beyond the blue,
When the clapper strikes the gong,
Strikes the gong,
Will your heart ring true?

Refrain