[Lord, weary of a painful way]
‘Into whatever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence.’—Matt. x. ii.
Lord, weary of a painful way,
All night our heads we would not lay
Under the naked sky;
But ask who worthiest? who will best
Entreat a tired and lowly guest
With promptest courtesy?
And Thou art worthiest; there will not
One loving usage be forgot
By Thee; thy kiss will greet
Us entering; Thou wilt not disdain
To wash away each guilty stain
From off our soilëd feet.
We enter, from this time to prove
Thy hospitality and love
Shown tow'rd thy meanest guest:
From house to house we would not stray
For whither should we go away?
With Thee is perfect rest.
