1864

THE AGED PASTOR

by William Cullen Bryant

THE AGED PASTOR -

Thy love, O God! from year to year,

Has watched thy faithful pastor here,

Till fifty years of toil have now

Engraved their tokens on his brow. -

Fast have the seasons rolled away;

A moment in thy sight were they,

Yet while their rapid course was run,

What mighty works thy hand has done! -

What empires rose, and, at thy frown,

In sudden weakness crumbled down!

What barriers, reared by earth and hell,

Against thy truth, gave way and fell! -

Meanwhile, beneath thy gracious sight

This flock has dwelt in peace and light,

By living waters gently led,

And in perennial pastures fed. -

Oh, when before thy judgment seat

The pastor and his flock shall meet,

May thy benignant voice attest

Their welcome to thine endless rest. - -