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Show p&B. The Gospel of Work gpggj i I am the Spirit of Labor Born in travail from the womb of time, earth is blest in my coming, Mine is the task eternal. Ageless and sexless I minister to human needs. Fancies turn to facts, thoughts translate into deeds under my revivifying touch. Mine is the genesis of progress. In my hands lies the destiny of the race. II I am the Spirit of Labor Toiling I waken deserts to life, make the wilderness blossom into beauty Through my endeavor man rides upon the seas and floats among clouds. Mine is the gift of sacrifice, my reward is in work well done. Wealth b my creation. I am the apostle of a higher civilization, III I am the Spirit of Labor Master am I, who only seek to serve, I am earth's sole regenerator, Hills do I level and the valleys fill, I sow, reap and garner for the feast whither I am unbidden. Temples to learning I rear, yet me and mine languish in ignorance Mansions I build for the mighty of earth, yet lowly are my dwelling dwell-ing places. IV I am the Spirit of Labor Rare fabrics I weave and spin, yet rude garments cover my nakedness. Fires warm the favored ones while I sit outside the glowing circle, I hunger in the fullness of harvests. Barefoot I trudge life's thorny ways, but with eyes uplifted to brighter days. Through patient strivings shall I gather the fruits of my endeavors, in God's good time my recompense shall come. I am sole arbiter of my destiny. For mine is the Spirit of Labor. Charles Payne Smith 1 |