Contentment
Contentment Fierce passions discompose the mind,As tempests vex the sea; Fierce passions discompose the mind,As tempests vex the sea;But calm content and peace we find,When, Lord, we turn to thee. In vain by reason and by ruleWe try to bend the will;For none but in the Saviour’s schoolCan learn the heavenly skill. Since at his […]
The Sower
The Sower Ye sons of earth, prepare the plough,Break up your fallow-ground; Ye sons of earth, prepare the plough,Break up your fallow-ground;The sower is gone forth to sow,And scatter blessings round. The seed that finds a stony soilShoots forth a hasty blade;But ill repays the sower’s toil,Soon withered, scorched, and dead. The thorny ground is […]
Vanity of the World
Vanity of the World God gives his mercies to be spent;“Your hoard will do your soul no good; God gives his mercies to be spent;“Your hoard will do your soul no good;Gold is a blessing only lent,Repaid by giving others food. The world’s esteem is but a bribe,To buy their peace you fell your own;The […]
A Fable
A Fable ’Tis Providence alone securesIn every change both mine and yours; A raven, while with glossy breastHer new-laid eggs she fondly press’d,And, on her wicker-work high mounted,Her chickens prematurely counted, (A fault philosophers might blame,If quite exempted from the same,)Enjoy’d at ease the genial day;’Twas April, as the bumpkins say, The legislature call’d it […]
A Comparison
A Comparison The lapse of time and rivers is the same,Both speed their journey with a restless stream, The lapse of time and rivers is the same,Both speed their journey with a restless stream.The silent pace, with which they steal awayNo wealth can bribe, no prayers persuade to stay. Alike irrevocable both when pastAnd a […]
The Love of the World Reproved
The Love of the World Reproved “Renounce the world!” the preacher cries.“We do!” a multitude replies. Thus says the prophet of the Turk,Good Mussulman, abstain from pork;There is a part in every swineNo friend or follower of mine May taste, whate’er his inclination,On pain of excommunication.Such Mahomet’s mysterious charge,And thus he left the point at […]