The Cyber Hymnal ‎#12105

12105. Be Active

1 Look ye, brothers, time is rolling,
Rolling rapidly away;
Vesper bells will soon be toiling,
Toiling for the dying day;
Rouse thee, comrades, nerve for labor,
In life’s battle, dare and do!
Boldly wield truth’s gleaming saber,
Vanquish wrong and right pursue.

Refrain:
Hark! the bugle sounds the rally,
Gird you, comrades, for the fight;
Hark! the bugle sounds the rally,
Gird you for the fight.

2 Plant your standard firm and fearless,
On the citadel of might;
Hard may seem the task and cheerless,
But the promised crown is bright;
Poor yourself, you have for others
Wealth you may not, must not, keep:
Words of cheer for drooping brothers,
Tears to shed with those who weep. [Refrain]

3 Smiles to cheer the lone one’s labor,
Toiling o’er life’s weary way,
Bread to share with poorer neighbors,
Hungering, starving every day;
Go to hearts that pine and perish,
Wipe the flowing tears away;
Every smitten spirit nourish,
Drooping sadly by the way. [Refrain]

4 Carry gladness to the sighing,
Give your strength to bear the lame,
Whisper comfort to the dying,
Whisper softly Jesus’ name;
Up some hill or down some valley,
Seek the lost to guide aright,
Hark! the bugle sounds the rally,
Gird you, comrades, for the fight. [Refrain]

Text Information

• First Line: Look ye, brothers, time is rolling
• Title: Be Active
• Author: Luther Janes
• Refrain First Line: Hark! the bugle sounds the rally
• Meter: 87.87.87 D
• Language: English
• Source: Good Will, by T. M. Towne & J. M. Stillman (Chicago, Illinois: Fleming H. Revell Company, 1878)
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: SUNNYVALE
• Composer: Thomas Martin Towne
• Meter: 87.87.87 D
• Key: E♭ Major
• Copyright: Public Domain