University of Virginia Library

TO THE PATIENT CHRISTIAN.

Bless'd Spirit, gently resting in yon clay,
Patient in hope, expectant of the day,
Calm thou thy fears, the Lord accept thy prayer,
And take the humble casting of thy care.
Thou youth of mind whom nature hath not made,
For this world's profit be it justly said,
Thy smile though sickly, hath a charm for me
Most pure and sweet as innocence can be.
Thy pallid brow, no restless care displays,
Thy lips repeat in humble words of praise,
Thy Maker's glory, and thy trust in one,
That Maker's love, God's great Eternal Son,
'Tis sweet to see the Christian on his bed,
By pillows propt, reclining; whilst his head
Supported by the effort of his soul,
Pours forth in silence, all that makes the whole
Of this life perfect; that is, trust in thee,
Thou pure, pure font, of faithful piety.
Thou Christian spirit, may thy God reward
In future life, thine innocent regard.
I know thy sorrow, know thy souls repose,
I know thy purity at evenings close,
When life is sinking, as departing sun,
And joy though night, anticipates the one,
The one bright day star, glory of the skies,
Who comes in splendor, to the world's surprize.
Yea though I know thee, I can see thy heart
Is torn at thought of sin. The Christian's part
Is so to feel, and truly all who lie
In sickness patient, or prepared to die,
Must feel their sinfulness, yet not despair
Must feel they have been, and that still they are
In sin envelop'd. But in God the just
For merit not of man, their pious trust
On Him rely, the giver of thy breath;
Thy sickness may, or may not be to death
Still wilt thou say, through Jesus Christ his Son,
O Lord thy will, not mine O Lord be done.