The Reckoning

Search well thy ways, thy wishes,—
Thy deepest life lay bare;
Against to-morrow’s daylight,
Desire and deed prepare.

Of reckless ease and pleasure,
And slothful will, beware;
Against to-morrow’s daylight,
Thy stewardship prepare.

Ambition, aim, and motive,—
To each give honest care;
Against to-morrow’s daylight,
Thy character prepare.

O Judgment-journeying brother!
Thyself shall meet thee there;—
Against to-morrow’s daylight,
Thy destiny prepare.

Choose well; thy choice is endless!
Be this our earnest prayer:—
“Against to-morrow’s daylight,
O God, my soul prepare.”