The thrush that sings upon the aged thorn, The garments coarse but clean,-frequent at church, I've noted such an one, feeble and pale, Yet standing, with a look of mild content, Till beckon❜d by some kindly hand to sit. (22) give To those who were in want; but now old age And lingering disease have made her helpless. Be expectation of the life to come. Examine here, explore the narrow path In which she walks; look not for virtuous deeds In history's arena, where the prize Of fame or power prompts to heroic acts. Peruse the lives themselves of men obscure ; There charity, that robs itself to give, There fortitude in sickness nurs'd by want, There courage that expects no tongue to praise,There virtue lurks, like purest gold deep-hid, With no alloy of selfish motive mix'd. The poor man's boon, that stints him of his bread, Is priz'd more highly in the sight of Him Who sees the heart, than golden gifts from hands That scarce can know their countless treasures less :* * "And Jesus sat over against the treasury, and beheld how the people cast money into the treasury; and many that were rich cast in much. And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. And he called unto him his disciples, and saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury; For all they did cast in of their abundance, but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living."MARK, xii. 41.-44. Yea, the deep sigh that heaves the poor man's breast To see distress, and feel his willing arm AND should all bounty that is cloth'd with power Be deem'd unworthy ?-Far be such a thought! Even when the rich bestow, there are sure tests Of genuine charity: yes, yes, let wealth Give other alms than silver or than gold,— Time, trouble, toil, attendance, watchfulness, Exposure to disease;-yes, let the rich Be often seen beneath the sick man's roof; Or cheering, (24) with inquiries from the heart, And hopes of health, the melancholy range Of couches in the public wards of woe: There let them often bless the sick man's bed, At home, that plenty smiles upon the board,- YE bless'd with wealth! (another name for power Of doing good,) O would ye but devote Shun not the crouded alley; prompt descend |