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.
Source: CPWI Hymnal #806
Bright, William, D.D., born at Doncaster, Dec. 14, 1824, and educated at University College, Oxford, where he graduated B.A. (first class in Lit. Hum.) in 1846, M.A. in 1849. In 1847 he was Johnson's Theological Scholar: and in 1848 he also obtained the Ellerton Theological Essay prize. He was elected Fellow in 1847, and subsequently became Tutor of his College. Taking Holy Orders in 1848, he was for some time Tutor at Trinity College, Glenalmond; but in 1859 he returned to Oxford, and in 1868 became Regius Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Canon of Christ Church. His publications include:—
(1) Ancient Collects, selected from various Rituals, 1857, 2nd ed., 1862; (2) History of the Church from the Edict of Milan to the Council of… Go to person page >
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