Saint Matthias's Day

Verse 1

Why, when our thoughts could turn to thee, Oh! chosen saint, apostle dear, Why mingles with the memory A feeling strange of awful fear? Because remembrance of His doom Who lost his place for foulest sin Across the trembling heart will come, Till the scared spirit shrinks within.

Verse 2

Thus souls have watched the morning light Break calm along the wild sea shore, Yet thought upon the fearful night Of storms and wrecks that went before. So, conscious of our own heart's stains, The weak, bad thoughts that in us dwell, We think on mercy spent in vain, On the high place from which he fell.

Verse 3

Oh! who shall boast the name we bear, Our privilege of service high, The saintly commune that we shares, While still temptation watches nigh? When one of Christ's own twelve on Earth Forswore his faith, betrayed his trust, And gave what whole worlds were not worth For some few grains of silver dust?

Verse 4

How should we watch our hearts, and mark The first small covetous desire, And quench the little, growing spark, That else may kindle endless fire! And still thy name shall hope renew Who filled so well the traitor's place, Thy faith held on, firm, constant, true; We too in Christ, have strength and grace.