Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO GENERAL BOOTH; ON HIS VISIT TO AMERICA, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO GENERAL BOOTH; ON HIS VISIT TO AMERICA, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The generals of lesser breed
Last Line: In god's name seize the sword and wield it!
Subject(s): Booth, William (1829-1912); Clergy; Salvation Army; Priests; Rabbis; Ministers; Bishops


The generals of lesser breed
Through scenes of death and desolation
And human woe and human need
Have won their crimson elevation;
But you, our General of Peace,
Have gained your dignity supernal
By captives' ransom and release,
And souls redeemed from death eternal.

The other generals through blood
Have waded to their dreadful glory.
What fruitage ruined in the bud!
What end of youth's fair opening story!
But yours the happy skill to close
The wounds of man and class and nation;
The only blood your banner knows,
The Blood that won a world's salvation.

O wielder of a mighty sword
That pierces hearts with thrusts of blessing,
The sword of Gideon and the Lord,
To high crusades your arms addressing,
Long may it war with human guilt;
And when at last to Death you yield it,
May some one worthy of its hilt
In God's name seize the sword and wield it!





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