Challenge to the Boston Youth
by Edward Everett Hale
As the boy goes on his errand he shall say,
"To such duty I, too, am born. I am God's
messenger."
As the young man tells the story to his
sweetheart, 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 stand
in the forefront of his people's land. Here am
I. God may draft me for some special duty, as
he drafted Warren and Franklin. Present!
Ready for service! Thank God I come from
men who are not afraid in battle. Thank God,
I am born from women whose walk was close
to him. Thank God, I am his son."
And she shall say, "I am his daughter."
He has nations to call to his service. "Here
am I."
He has causeways to build, for the march
forward of his people. "Here am I."
There are torrents to bridge, highways in
deserts. "Here am I."
He has oceans to cross. He has the hungry
world to feed. He has the wilderness to clothe
in beauty. "Here am I."
God of heaven, be with us as thou wert with
the fathers.
God of heaven, we will be with thee, as the
fathers were.
Boys and girls, young men and maidens,
listen to the voices which speak here.
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