THE COMMUNION OF THE SICK.
O PRIEST beloved! a favored guest,
Bidden of thee, how oft I kneel
Where some poor sufferer distressed
Looks to thy hand to soothe and heal!
Bidden of thee, how oft I kneel
Where some poor sufferer distressed
Looks to thy hand to soothe and heal!
His sacramental coming there
God's messenger of pain precedes,
The shadowed chamber to prepare,
And fit it for the Master's needs.
God's messenger of pain precedes,
The shadowed chamber to prepare,
And fit it for the Master's needs.
"Arise and walk," thou dost not say,
But thou the Bread of Life dost break
To strengthen souls upon their way,
Their thirst with Wine immortal slake.
But thou the Bread of Life dost break
To strengthen souls upon their way,
Their thirst with Wine immortal slake.
The humble table by the bed,
Followed sometimes by dying eyes,
How often have I seen thee spread,
And offer there the sacrifice.
Followed sometimes by dying eyes,
How often have I seen thee spread,
And offer there the sacrifice.
How often from thy reverent hands
Received the Manna veiled from view;
Then by the sick one seen thee stand
And feed him with that Manna true.
Received the Manna veiled from view;
Then by the sick one seen thee stand
And feed him with that Manna true.
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