II. ERE yet I left home's youthful shrine, I went afar; the world unrolled I stored the marvels which she told, Her pleasures quaff'd, I sought awhile But parent's praise and sister's smile So ever sear, so ever cloy Earth's favours as they fade; Since Adam lost for one fierce joy His Eden's sacred shade. d. III. My home is now a thousand mile away; As I speed upward, I shall on me bear, And in no breathless whirl, the things that were, And duties given, and ends I did obey. And, when at length I reach the Throne of Power, Ah! still unscared, I shall in fulness see The vision of my past innumerous deeds, δ. IV. How can I keep my Christmas feast Reft of the sight of the High Priest I hear the tuneful bells around, O Britons! now so brave and high, How will ye weep the day When CHRIST in judgment passes by, And calls the Bride away! Your Christmas then will lose its mirth, Abroad, a scene of strife and dearth; Within, a cheerless home! δ. V. BANISHED the House of sacred rest, At length I heard its Creed confessed, Artless his strain and unadorned, Who spoke CHRIST's message there; But what at home I might have scorned, Now charmed my famished ear. LORD, grant me this abiding grace, Although his speech be slow! 8. REMORSE. VI. SHAME. I BEAR upon my brow the sign Alas! no hopeful cross is mine, It is the mark of Cain. The course of passion, and the fret Of godless hope and fear, Toil, care, and guilt,-their hues have set, Saviour! wash out the imprinted shame ; That I no more may pine, Sin's martyr, though not meet to claim Thy cross, a saint of Thine. d. |