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Title: On hearing of Dr. O'Carr's Death - Tributary Verses
Author: Thomas Cowherd [
More Titles by Cowherd]
WRITTEN IMMEDIATELY ON HEARING OF DR. O'CARR'S DEATH.
APRIL 18, 1854.
Sorrow stealeth o'er my spirit,
For I hear O'Carr is dead.
Once I tried to sing his merit,
After health began to fade.
Then I thought his end was nigh,
That he very soon would die,
When I saw that he was leaving
His sweet home for distant Isle,
Oft the thought my soul was grieving
"He might linger for a while
And then leave his wife and babe,
Far away o'er Ocean's wave."
Yet I know our loving Father
Often hears his children's prayers;
That he would at all times rather
Ease them of their ills and cares,
Than lay on a single stroke,
If not needful 'neath his yoke.
And I thought he then would listen
To our supplications strong;
That each countenance might glisten
With sweet joy ere very long:
Joy from seeing him come back,
Having of good health no lack.
When I heard of his returning,
And how he was sinking fast,
Soon my soul was strongly yearning
To be with him ere he passed
From these earthly scenes away
To enjoy Eternal Day.
This, my wish, kept growing stronger,
As each day flew o'er my head,
Till I felt I could no longer
Brook delay, when lo! he's dead.
Now I prize this pleasing thought,
He to Bliss is safely brought.
While hot tears bedim the vision
Of dear friends who mourn his death,
May they manifest decision
By the wondrous power of Faith,
In belief that those who sleep
Safe in Jesus shall not weep.
We are not forbid to sorrow,--
Jesus wept at Lazarus' tomb.
Soon will come the glorious Morrow
Which shall chase away our gloom;
If we put our trust in God,
And still seek to kiss His Rod.
[The end]
Thomas Cowherd's poem: Tributary Verses
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