TUG AT THE OAR.

Tuapeka Times, Volume V, Issue 251, 21 November 1872, Page 9

TUG AT THE OAR.

On the wild stream of life, be the wind e'er so fair, »Tis not always up river blowing," _prthe sunshine bright, or the waters clear, Or running the way we are going ; For the blast veers round, and the-tide will obb The current will set from shore, A*d he is wise who with all his might Ttlg* faarifuliy at the oar. In the boat that we row not all are true— , Not each one is strong and willing ; And the coward is sure to lean the wrong way When the bark with the waves is filling. We muat trust to ourselves— to ourselves alone — As we drift towards the cataract's roar ; For safety lies in the stout right arm That ceaselessly tugs at the oar. Every shore is lined witn the warning wrecks . - Of those who grow faint with endeavour, Content to have faith that no storms would arise— Their boat glide on smoothly for ever ; That their way would be free of treacherous reefsNo breakers would guard the shore , And to late they learned, that to reach ths land They must ever tug on at the oar. Though the wind be warm and the waters calm As if the deep slumber lying, Yet the listening ear can hear from below The mournful wail of the dying ; And the chambers of pearl and cells of spar The richest of ocean's store, Are strewn with the bones of those who failed To fearlessly tug at the oar. Whatever the lot of man on earth, His struggles must be unceasing ; Should he pause to rest, or hopelessly pine, Teh danger will be increasiug. • Be rich or poor, it will matter not — Have plenty, or long for more— To save or to gain, the only sure way Is to manfully tug at the car. r ' ' Tis not enough to have faith and to pray To the heaven above us bending, And be content to teceii'e the gifts The goodness of God is sending ; We must help ourselves- be earnest and strong, No mattter what fierce storms roar, For He will help us, if we help ourselves, And faithfully tug at the oar.