871. S. M. Drummond.
"Is it such a fast that I have chosen?"
1"Is this a fast for me?"--
Thus saith the Lord our God;--
"A day for man to vex his soul,
And feel affliction's rod?--
2"Like bulrush low to bow
His sorrow-stricken head,
With sackcloth for his inner vest,
And ashes round him spread?
3"Shall day like this have power
To stay th' avenging hand,
Efface transgression, or avert
My judgments from the land?
4"No; is not this alone
The sacred fast I choose,--
Oppression's yoke be burst in twain,
The bands of guilt unloose?--
5"To nakedness and want
Your food and raiment deal,
To dwell your kindred race among,
And all their sufferings heal?
6"Then, like the morning ray,
Shall spring your health and light;
Before you, righteousness shall shine,
Behind, my glory bright!"