University of Virginia Library

REFORM

I

O, how shall I help to right the world that is going wrong!
And what can I do to hurry the promised time of peace!
The day of work is short and the night of sleep is long;
And whether to pray or preach, or whether to sing a song,
To plow in my neighbor's field, or to seek the golden fleece,
Or to sit with my hands in my lap, and wish that ill would cease!

II

I think, sometimes, it were best just to let the Lord alone;
I am sure some people forget He was here before they came;
Tho' they say it is all for His glory, 't is a good deal more for their own,

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That they peddle their petty schemes, and blate and babble and groan.
I sometimes think it were best, and a man were little to blame,
Should he pass on his silent way nor mix with the noisy shame.