by the Rev. Alfred J. Hough
[During the Freethinkers' Convention at Watkins, NY (in 1881), in response to statements that the churches throughout the land were losing all aggressive power, a message was received from Chaplain McCabe, of the Methodist Episcopal Church Extension Board, saying in substance and speaking only of his own denomination, "All hail the power of Jesus' name; we're building two a day!"]
The infidels, a motley band,
In council, met and said:
"The churches die through all the land.
The last will soon be dead.
When suddenly a message came,
It filled them with dismay:
"All hail the power of Jesus' name;
We're building two a day."
"We're building two a day" and still
In stately forests stored,
Are shingle, rafter, beam, and sill,
For churches of the Lord;
And underpinning for the same,
In quarries piled away;
"All hail the power of Jesus' name;
We're building two a day."
The miners rend the hills apart,
Earth's bosom is explored,
And streams from her metallic heart
In graceful molds are poured,
For bells to sound our Saviour's fame
From towers, -- and swinging, say,
"All hail the power of Jesus' name;
We're building two a day."
The King of saints to war has gone,
And matchless are his deeds;
His sacramental hosts move on,
And follow where He leads;
While infidels His church defame,
Her corner-stones we lay;
"All hail the power of Jesus' name;
We're laying two a day."
The Christless few the cross would hide,
The light of life shut out,
And leave the world to wander wide
Through sunless realms of doubt.
The pulpits lose their ancient fame,
Grown obsolete, they say;
"All hail the power of Jesus' name;
We're building two a day."
"Extend," along the line is heard,
"Thy walls, O Zion, fair!"
And Methodism heeds the word,
And answers everywhere.
A new church greets the morning flame,
Another evening's gray.
"All hail the power of Jesus' name;
We're building two a day."
When infidels in council meet
Next year, with boastings vain,
To chronicle the Lord's defeat,
And count His churches slain,
Oh then may we with joy proclaim
If we His call obey:
"All hail the power of Jesus' name!
We're building THREE a day."