He Sat to Watch Over Customs Paid

Verse 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.

Verse 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.'

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 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.

Verse 6

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.