Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler rover many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.
Matthew 25:21
Words: Mrs. A. M. Adams, in the African Methodist Episcopal Hymn and Tune Book (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: African Methodist Episcopal Book Concern, 1898), number 730.
Music: Lee Charles A. White, of the Wilberforce Concert Company,
1898 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know Adams’ full name, or where to get a good photo of her or White (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Softly sing our parting lay,
Volume four we close today;
Aspiration, courage, cheer,
All are found recorded here.
Lay this treasured book aside,
Other volumes open wide,
Rend we must our mutual bond,
Grasp alone the more beyond!
Grasping things to us now sealed,
Hidden truths will be revealed,
Myriad wonders meet our eyes,
Minds to higher levels rise.
We would lighten others’ cares,
Lift them heav’nward unawares;
Not for self alone would live,
Much received, would freely give.
Comrades, faint not, do not tire,
After nobler things aspire;
Ever onward, ne’er despond,
This our signal, More beyond.
Glorious race may each one run,
Priceless plaudits hear—Well done,
Lay then every burden down;
Welcome, victor, wear thy crown.