Classic Poem

Time past I wandered weeping on my way
O'er the vain changes of all earthly things;
Mid life's dull cares I saw no cheering ray,
And my aspiring spirit droop'd her wings
Earthward in sadness. Holy truths I knew;
And my aw'd soul their sacredness confest;
But had not felt, tho' I believ'd them true,
Their daily influence on my life imprest.
In sorrow then I sought them—now I know
The Cross must be endur'd from hour to hour;
And bitter tho' it seem, in scenes of woe,
It has a blessed and a soothing power;
Its yoke is easy and its burthen light;
Such bosom-cherished hopes it can inspire
That thro' the darkest scenes of this world's night,
The faith-enlightened spirit can look higher
Unto its rest!—O thou example pure,
And untir'd traveller in this holy road,
Still grant thy warning counsel, and secure,
My soul shall follow thine unto its God!

Time past I wandered weeping on my way
O'er the vain changes of all earthly things;
Mid life's dull cares I saw no cheering ray,
And my aspiring spirit droop'd her wings
Earthward in sadness. Holy truths I knew;
And my aw'd soul their sacredness confest;
But had not felt, tho' I believ'd them true,
Their daily influence on my life imprest.
In sorrow then I sought them—now I know
The Cross must be endur'd from hour to hour;
And bitter tho' it seem, in scenes of woe,
It has a blessed and a soothing power;
Its yoke is easy and its burthen light;
Such bosom-cherished hopes it can inspire
That thro' the darkest scenes of this world's night,
The faith-enlightened spirit can look higher
Unto its rest!—O thou example pure,
And untir'd traveller in this holy road,
Still grant thy warning counsel, and secure,
My soul shall follow thine unto its God!