Poems (David)/To a dear friend at Worthing
TO A DEAR FRIEND IN WORTHING.
THE old year wanes, oh, let it die With all its trouble and its care,A deathless name on history's page Its mem'ries for us did prepare.Watch and pray when another year Is born to mark our narrow way;—Oh! who amidst each thoughtless band May see another Christmas Day?
Bury the faults with the fading year, Usher in a happier time;Forget the past so false, untrue, Remember justice, love divine;Tread the paths of hope eternal, Be watching ever, think and pray;—Pilgrims of faith ye, speeding onward To an endless Christmas Day.
Oh! bury all this world hath placed-— Of griefs and tears around us ranged;Think not of them save as battles Into bright deathless garlands changed.Bright angels ever watch around, And hover o'er us while we pray;Be assured they stoop and bless us The hallow'd night of Christmas Day!