Classic Poem

Another conference year has passed,
And we are yet alive;
Our lots not with the dead are cast,
For Heaven we all strive.

Dear bishops, what a privilege
To deal with God in prayer,
To send His shepherds to the field
For loving flocks to care.

May God inspire your heart to work
In vineyards day and night,
And with Him only for you shield
To take up arms and fight.

May you take new courage now
To conquer in the fight,
With God as refuge in your front,
Make Satan take his flight.

And when you in new fields have gone
And the gospel you have proclaimed,
And bade poor sinners come to Christ,
To love and praise His name.

When you have finished your work on earth,
And the Master has called you home,
May your life be spent in saving souls,
Then you will have overcome.

May we all meet on yonder shore,
Where conference never ends,
With Christ as bishop at the head,
And we His children blest.

Dear bishops, then your work will cease;
Dear ministers, then you'll rest,
And all of whom have kept the faith
Will go home and be blest.