I cried when first my Saviour did all my guilt remove,
“What can I do, Lord Jesus, my gratitude to prove?”
And soon there came a message, in answer to my plea,
“Teach thou this class of children, and train them up for Me.”
I listened to the message, I listened and obeyed,
And “all my class for Jesus” my motto then I made;
Knowing far whom I labored, my way was very plain;
This thought, in all my efforts, did nerve me and sustain.
I taught and prayed and labored to do what Christ had set,
And though I’ve oft grown weary, the work employs me yet;
For since I work for Jesus, Why should I turn aside?
No; boldly I go forward, in strength by Him supplied.
Now up to busy effort, let fears aside be laid,
For “all my class for Jesus” my motto I have made;
These precious souls entrusted by Jesus to my care,
Must be by grace converted, and led His love to share.
I bring my class to Jesus, that He each soul may bless,
Assured my loving Saviour will crown me with success:
I will not be discouraged, though barren all appear,
But pray for strength to labor, and grace to persevere.
“My word not void returneth,” thus hath my Father said;
I claim the glad assurance, I need not be dismayed;
‘Tis true I’m weak and helpless but I go not forth alone,
And the Lord who worketh with me, can soften hearts of stone.
Yes, “all my class for Jesus” my motto still shall be;
For this I’ll pray and labor until the fruit I see:
Discouragements confront me, yet still I’ll persevere,
And bread cast on the waters, in hope and not in fear.
If one among my scholars has listened to His voice,
And trusted in the Saviour, I cannot but rejoice;
I take it as an earnest of what my Lord will do;
He who turns one scholar’s heart can change the others, too.
Still I am not contented with what the past has brought;
I can’t forget my motto, nor do I think I ought;
O, Father, cause Thy Spirit to enter every breast,
Bring ALL my class to Jesus, let none remain unblest!
O, let me meet my scholars around Thy heavenly throne;
Let not ONE soul be missing, but there be every one:
So entering into glory, their blood-bought souls shall meet,
And in my Saviour’s presence the CLASS will stand complete.