The Reaper Poem by Benjamin Cutler Clark

There's a reaper who's been reaping
Ever since 'Old Time' began,
And he claims for his theatre,
Earth,—and for his harvest, man!

On the battle-field he reapeth,
By the way-side, on the sea,
Everywhere this mighty reaper
Reapeth frail mortality.

Unlike 'most all other reapers,
Who ne'er let their crops decay,
He reaps on, the rapid reaper
Reaps—but lets the harvest lay.

Since this reaper began reaping,
Millions have by him been hurl'd,
And have, from life's busy scenes, been
Gathered—to the 'spirit-world.'

Though he has been constant reaping,
Still the harvest is not done;
Whilst he passes by, he tells us
That our reaping-time will come.

Stern and bold this reaper's reaping,
And his locks are thin and white,
Yet he bravely wields the sickle,
And is reaping day and night.

No distinction does this reaper
Make—but reaps without delay;
Some of ev'ry tongue and nation
Have by him been swept away.

If we're ready for this reaper,
In the final deadly strife,
When the conflict's fairly over
We shall enter into life.

Ode. 'Behold! a noble band'
Behold! a noble band,
United heart and hand,
To keep from rum!
Who now stand pledg'd to save,
All men and women brave,
From the poor drunkard's grave,
All time to come.

We raise our banners high,—
Old Alcohol defy—
We scorn his power!
Samaria's daughters, we,
And sons, are pledged to be,
In bonds of unity,
This sacred hour.

And in the hour of prayer
We feel each other's care
In friendship bind.
And now and ever more
The wounded we'll restore,
And feed and clothe the poor
Of all mankind.

In this, our humble sphere,
While thus we journey here,
We'll raise our voice,
And with a noble shout,
We'll find the drunkard out,
And turn him right about,
And then rejoice!

Our 'Grand Master' on high,
Who reigns triumphantly,
And dwells above,
Bids us go on, and bind
The worst of human kind—
The poor, the halt, the blind—
With cords of love.

Then, when our work is done,
When the last sand is run,
When we're no more;
Then may our sentence be—
'Thou hast done faithfully,
Enter eternity,
Thy God adore!'