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1798 August 4
The 73d Anniversary of the Rev'd John Newton's Birth-Day
1.
Down from the Willow, where it long has hung,
I'll take my Harp, and tune a cheerful song,
Chase the sad gloom of Cypress shades away,
And gladsome hail, this dear returning Day.
2.
Auspicious Day! In which to man was giv’n,
A Friendly Guide to point the way to Heav’n,
An under shepherd from the Great I Am,
To feed and lead lost sinners to the Lamb.
3.
Newton - the sage, the Holy and the Kind,
Whose Life, and Doctrine, equally conjoin'd;
This Day was Born - the Saviour's grace to show,
Strong to Redeem - and Mighty to renew!
4.
Sure! tis a pleasing theme - it cheers my heart,
Extracts from sorrow's sting, its keenest smart;
That in this dreary Desert still is spar'd,
A Friend, so valu'd, and so much rever'd!
5.
What tho' immers'd in complicated woe,
And ev'ry spring of human comfort low,
Fair are the retrospective views that rise,
Of brighter scenes, which once illum'd my skies.
6.
And brighter far, the joys which Faith reveals,
Of perfect Bliss, where endless Pleasure dwells;
There - when the toils of suff'ring life are o'er,
We'll meet, Triumphant on the happy shore!
7.
Yes - in the confidence of Hope, I see,
Vile, tho' I am, I shall exalted be,
With him to sing the ceaseless song above,
Of Glory, Honour, to the Saviour's Love!
8.
Oh might I add, to thankfulness, and praise
One supplicating note for length of Days;
'Tis this - that he may many Birth Days live,
And I, may First, the Victor's Crown receive!
S Gardiner
PS
To Dear Eliza, I would not neglect,
My love to send, and, to each Friend, Respect.
Acknowledgement:
Lambeth Palace Library, MS 3972, f138 |
02/06/2026
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