| I saw a youth go forth one day, Who met with Truth along the way. Said Truth to Youth, "Come, go with me, I'll make you noble as can be; I'll lead you far from ev'ry wrong, And build you up and make you strong For God and His eternal cause, And keep you true to nature's laws." Said youth to Truth, "I'll go with you, And trust your strength to take me through This world of sin, with ev'ry test, Because I want to do my best To live for God and all that's right, And be a burning, shining light, So when my race on earth is run, I'll hear my Master say, 'Well done.'" I saw the youth begin to climb, And rise in life to things sublime; His aims were high, his purpose good, He used his time as each one should; He formed no habits bad and vile, Though others said, "He's out of style," He proved himself a noble youth As on and on he followed Truth. He lived a life upright and clean, And shunned the low and vile and mean. He did not steal, he did not lie, Nor serve the devil on the sly. His face was bright, his eyes were clear, As on he journeyed year by year, Along the road that leads to God, Which blessed saintly men have trod. In after years I saw this youth, Whose strength and leader still was Truth, Come up to grand and hoary age, Like some blest patriarch or sage. And looking back across the past, He said, "I'm nearing home at last." Then soon he went to meet the Lord, And to receive his rich reward. Although he did not reach a throne And cause a monument of stone To be erected in his name, To long perpetuate his fame, His sons and daughters call him great, And strive his good to emulate, While hundreds live for God today Because he led them in this way. -Walter E. Isenhour |
| Youth and Truth |