Poems (Dodd)/Hymn
For works with similar titles, see Hymn.
HYMN."Ye have the poor always with you."—Matt. 24: 2.
Stern winter weaves his spell around us now; - Brief is the sunshine and the flowers are dead;The murmuring waters long have ceased to flow, Chained to their banks beneath his icy tread.While the wild winds of winter wanton free,How many stand in need of charity.
List to the raging of the bitter storm; Many unsheltered heads it passes o'er,And though unfelt within your dwellings warm, It rudely enters at the poor man's door.Shut out the chilling blast with bounty free,And heaven will smile upon your charity.
Let not the sufferer's plea be heard in vain; Let not despair within the bosom stay;'T is sweet to see the orphan smile again, 'T is sweet to wipe the widow's tears away.Would that the hearts of all might ever be,"Open as day to melting charity."
Have ye fair children who around your hearth, In playful happiness your blessings share?Think of the cheerless homes where smiles and mirth, Are banished far by penury and care.'T is sad a shade upon young brows to see;Bring back the smile with angel charity.
We need not wander far to find distress, Beside our doors the needy ask for bread;Their aching bosoms many cares oppress, Their eyes are dim with tears in silence shed.While always near us, thus the poor we see,Oh, Lord! incline our hearts to charity.