Rowing Against the Tide.

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J. H. ROSECRANS.

1. It is easy to glide with its ripples
A down the stream of time,
To flow with the course of the river,
Like music to some old rhyme.
But, ah, it takes courage and patience
Against its current to ride;

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And we must have strength from heaven
When rowing against the tide.

REFRAIN.
It is easy to glide with its ripples
A-down the "stream of time,"
To flow with the course of the river,
Like music to some old rhyme.

2. We may float on the river's surface,
While our scarce touch the stream;
And visions of earthly glory
On our dazzled sight may gleam.
We forget that on before us
The dashing torrents roar;
And when we are idly dreaming,
Its waters will carry us o'er.

REFRAIN.

3. But a few — ah, would there were many!
Row up the stream of life;
They struggle against its surges,
And mind neither toil nor strife.
Though weary and faint with labor,
With singing triumphant they ride;
For faith is the hero's captain
When rowing against the tide.

REFRAIN.

4. And shall we be one of that number
Who mind not toil nor pain?
Shall we moan the loss of earth's pleasure
When we have a crown to gain?
Or shall we glide on with the river,
With death at the end of our ride?
While our brother, with heaven before him,
Is rowing against the tide.

REFRAIN.