Who Are the Truly Brave

“Inscribed to the “Expeditionary Force Branch” in Turkey, and the “Floating Branch” in the Black Sea, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
[For more on these Latter-day Saints during the Crimean War, see here.]

By Elder James F. Bell.

In times like these, full of deceit and strife,
When those in power so reckless are of life,
It may be thought that he is brave who dies,
And gives his life a willing sacrifice,
to gain a victory o’er his country’s foes;
Or, steeped in blood, to fight in aid of those
Who call on Britain, with her hearts of steel,
To sally forth, and make the despot feel
That right, not might, should rule the nations now,
And even he yet to this truth must bow.
But braver, nobler, wiser far are they
Who hear the truth, and quickly do obey.

But braver still are they, who having heard
And been obedient to the heavenly word,
Hold on thereto, despite the powers of hell,
And dare, in this dark age, the truth to tell;
Whose course is onward, and whose hearts are fir’d
With noble zeal, and energy untir’d;
Whose union, love, and harmony increase;
Whose conversation tendeth still for peace;
Whose feet through all things ever upward tend
To joys celestial, which shall never end.
Yes, braver, nobler, wiser far are they
Who persevere until the perfect day.

Then, O my brethren, let your hearts be pure,
Your faith unwavering, and your progress sure;
Let not the temper for one moment stay,
Nor find success in leading you astray,
Lean still on God, His Holy Spirit seek,
Be wise and watchful, ever kind and meek;
Uphold each other in much fervent prayer,
Let each the other’s joy or sorrow share;
Abide in counsel – do it with delight,
And even he yet to this truth must bow.
But braver, nobler, wiser far are they
Who hear the truth, and quickly do obey.
And God will bless you, and all will be right.
For happy, happy, yea thrice happy they
Who persevere until the perfect day.

(Malta, June 27, 1854)