Poems for our Children/Sabbath Morning
SABBATH MORNING.
Welcome, welcome, quiet morning—
I 've no task, no toil to-day;
Now the Sabbath morn returning,
Says a week has passed away.
Let me think how time is gliding;
Soon the longest life departs;
Nothing human is abiding,
Save the love of humble hearts;
Love to God, and to our neighbor,
Makes our purest happiness;
Vain the wish, the care the labor,
Earth's poor trifles to possess.
Swift my childhood's dreams are passing,
Like the startled doves they fly,
Or bright clouds, each other chasing,
Over yonder quiet sky.
Soon I 'll hear earth's flattering story,
Soon its visions will be mine—
Shall I covet wealth and glory?
Shall I bow at pleasure's shrine?
No, my God—one prayer I raise thee,
From my pure and happy heart,
Never let me cease to praise thee—
Never from thy fear depart.
Then, when years have gathered o'er me,
And the world is sunk in shade,
Heaven's bright realm will rise before me,
There my treasure will be laid.