Many a Scots lad was kept on the straight and narrow through the turbulent years of adolescence and beyond, thanks to the Boys' Brigade. Its decent values of truthfulness, self-discipline, clean living, self-improvement, duty and cameraderie, and respect for elders lasted until the egotistical, hedonistic sixties made all that appear uncool. The solution to declining numbers was always obvious - "Bring back the dummy rifles!" After all, we're the boys who beat the Kaiser - For Kirk and Country!
God bless all the men who selflessly devoted their hours and energies to making generations of Scottish boys into good Christian men and citizens!
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Words: Priscilla Jane Owens
Music: William James Kirkpatrick, 1882
Will your anchor hold in the storms of life,
When the clouds unfold their wings of strife?
When the strong tides lift, and the cables strain,
Will your anchor drift or firm remain?
We have an anchor that keeps the soul
Steadfast and sure while the billows roll;
Fastened to the rock which cannot move,
Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour's love.
Will your anchor hold in the straits of fear,
When the breakers roar and the reef is near?
While the surges rave and the wild winds blow,
Shall the angry waves then your bark o'erflow?
Will your eyes behold through the morning light,
The city of gold and the harbour bright?
Will you anchor safe by the heavenly shore
When life's storms are past for evermore?