Saint Matthew

He sat to watch o’er customs paid,
A man of scorned and hard’ning trade;
Alike the symbol and the tool
Of foreign masters’ hated rule.

But grace within his breast had stirred;
There needed but the timely word;
It came, dear Jesus Christ, from thee,
That blessed summons, “Follow me.”

He rose, responsive to the call,
And left his task, his gains, his all.
O wise exchange! with these to part
And lay up treasure in his heart.

Who keep thy gifts, O bid them claim
The steward’s, not the owner’s name;
Who yield all up for thy dear sake,
Let them of Matthew’s wealth partake.

William Bright, 1889; alt.
Tune: NEW YORK (L.M.)
T. Tertius Noble, 1917

One Year Ago: Saint Matthew