My friend much respected, 'tis hardly the thing
That I on some subjects so often should sing,
And yet never manage a rhyme to bestow
On one whose great kindness I'd gratefully show.
It oft has been spoken, as oft has been penned
That 'It cannot be ever too late to amend.'
And as I'm unconscious of lacking respect,
Will do what I can to repair my neglect.
O, can I look back to the time of my need,
When thou, under God, prov'dst a kind friend indeed,
And feel no emotion my bosom to swell?
'Twere baseness of conduct too shocking to tell.
Time was when chill penury stared in my face,
And I was made feel it almost a disgrace.
As a fruit of thy kindness that time has gone by,
So I to be thankful would constantly try.
O, well I remember how often I thought
My business endeavors would all come to naught;
That I, 'midst my toiling should surely stick fast,
And most sad disappointment meet me at last.
The Lord sent thee to me at such time of trial,
When exercised well with the grace Self-denial.
Thy kind way of speaking took from me my sadness,
And left in its place a rich increase of gladness.
And oft since that time though a much chequered life
Amidst this world's bustle, its turmoil and strife
My mind has been solaced with thoughts of thy love,
Which does thy relation to Christ clearly prove.
Under the weakness of age thou art bending,
Yet no doubt have I that the Lord is still sending
The joy of His presence thy spirit to cheer,
By doing thy duty while thou stayest here.
And Oh, may it please our kind Father and God
Thy steps to support with his 'Staff and his Rod;'
Then cause his bright Angels thy way to attend,
And thus bring thee safely to Life-journey's end.
May thy good example to those that remain,
Be useful in showing Religion is gain,
That they may still follow the path that Christ trod,
And join thee in singing the praises of God.
