The poetical works of John Godfrey Saxe Household Edition : with illustrations |
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THE GRATEFUL PREACHER. |
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 | The poetical works of John Godfrey Saxe |  |
THE GRATEFUL PREACHER.
A strolling preacher, “once upon a time,”Addressed a congregation rather slim
In numbers,—yet his subject was sublime
('T was “Charity”); sonorous was the hymn,
Fervent the prayer; and though the house was small,
He pounded lustily the Sacred Word,
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As one who meant the Gospel should be heard.
And now, behold, the preacher's hat is sent
Among the pews for customary pence,
But soon returns as empty as it went!—
Whereat,—low bowing to the audience,—
He said, “My preaching is not all in vain;
Thank God! I 've got my beaver back again!”
| The poetical works of John Godfrey Saxe | |