Verse 1

Believe not those who say The upward path is smooth, Lest thou should stumble in the way, And faint before the truth.

Verse 2

It is the only road Unto the realms of joy; But he who seeks that blest abode Must all his powers employ.

Verse 3

Arm-arm thee for the fight! Cast useless loads away; Watch through the darkest hours of night; Toil through the hottest day.

Verse 4

To labor and to love, To pardon and endure, To lift thy heart to God above, And keep thy conscience pure-

Verse 5

Be this thy constant aim, Thy hope, thy chief delight; What matter who should whisper blame Or who should scorn or slight.

Verse 6

What matters—if God approve, And if within thy breast, Thou feel the comfort of His love, The earnest of His rest.

Background: Believe Not Those Who Say The Upward