The Pioneers — A Historic Review

By Luke Cosgrave

“He that of greatest works is finisher,
Oft does them by the weakest minister.”

— “All’s Well that Ends Well,” Act II, Scene I.

Labored in Missouri, grief-stricken at Nauvoo,
Turned their faces west to begin again anew.
Left their pretty city, to take across the plain
Wives and little children, in winter cold and rain.
Near the Bluffs they rested, to gain needed strength
For wilderness journey, a thousand miles in length.
A soldier came for men to meet their country’s foe,
Five hundred of their bravest answered, “We will go.”

Intrepid volunteers, no boast made of their act,
March on with Kearney’s men, their duty did, in fact.
Those rugged pioneers, ne’er tire nor falter; then
Through Platte and plain advanced they, led by stalwart men.
A trapper said, ’twas hopeless land they could not till;
But even arid desert must yield to human will.

They entered the great valley, now their only home,
Turned mountain water on the rich, but dry, baked loam.
Hung their starry ensign on highest peak they saw,
Holding next to heaven their country’s flag and law.
Their leader, with his staff striking that dry, gray sod,
Said:. “Even here we raise a temple to our God.”

By thought, work and labor, each tried in his own way
To clear earth’s dim sadness, to make a better day.
No help from government, no military force,
Each and all believed it now a matter of course.
Day’s work, and a day’s work, to work, to do, to try.
Small voices whisper: “You have orders from on high.”
Some in high places disapproved their earnest zeal.
Still voices commanded, “Advance your children’s weal.”

They plowed the earth, and planted, and builded the towns,
For they heard not their critics, nor saw they their frowns,
They beckoned to the poor, the needy and the stray,
Taught them faith was mighty, and pointing them the way,
Gave hope and courage for their children yet to come.
Taught them arts and crafts, while the strangers made a home.
Built the school man’s mansion, and begged the master’s lore.
And asked great truths of science proven long before.

Gave the red man of their food, and let the world know
Dinner, not fighting, makes good friends of savage foe.
They built a home for Drama, let the actors play
Even Shakespeare’s magic to charm their working day.
They sang great songs in chorus, built an organ grand.
From sea to sea their choir sings joy-songs through the land.

Their voting men, two by two, in thousands every year,
Tell their gospel story, through each broad hemisphere;
The world’s people wonder, “Can good in that place be?”
The young men each answer, “We pray you come and see.”

(1914)