CPWI Hymnal ‎#806

806. 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 all up 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: L.M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2010
• Scripture:
  Matthew 9:9-13
• Topic: Saints' and Other Holy Days: St. Matthew
• Notes: A higher setting of ST SEPULCHRE is found at 135, 468

Tune Information

• Name: ST SEPULCHRE
• Composer: George Cooper, 1820-1876
• Meter: L.M.
• Key: D Major