VISITATION OF THE SICK

The Sabbath bells renew the inviting peal;

Glad music! yet there be that, worn with pain

And sickness, listen where they long have lain,

In sadness listen. With maternal zeal

Inspired, the Church sends ministers to kneel

Beside the afflicted; to sustain with prayer,

And soothe the heart confession hath laid bare —

That pardon, from God's throne, may set its seal

On a true Penitent. When breath departs

From one disburthened so, so comforted,

His Spirit Angels greet; and ours be hope

That, if the Sufferer rise from his sick-bed,

Hence he will gain a firmer mind, to cope

With a bad world, and foil the Tempter's arts.