189. He sat to watch o'er customs paid

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

2 But grace within his breast had stirred;
There needed but the timely word:
It came, true Lord of souls, from thee,
That royal summons, 'Follow me.'

3 Enough, when thou wast passing by,
To hear thy voice, to meet thine eye:
He rose, responsive to the call,
And left his task, his gains, his all.

4 O wise exchange! with these to part,
And lay up treasure in the heart--
Who now with crown of light doth shine
Among the apostolic line.

5 Come, Saviour, as in days of old;
Pass where the world has strongest hold,
And faithless care and selfish greed
Are thorns that choke the holy seed.

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

Text Information
First Line: He sat to watch o'er customs paid
Author: William Bright, 1824-1901 (alt.)
Meter: LM
Language: English
Publication Date: 1986
Topic: St. Matthew: September 21st; The Christian Year: Festivals and Other Holy Days: Proper
Tune Information
Name: ALFRETON
Meter: LM
Key: G Major
Source: Supplement to the New Version, 1708; composer not named



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