Hail, O Sun of Righteousness![82]
George Wither (1588-1667), lawyer, soldier, poet, Cavalier, Roundhead, Puritan, Anglican, was a writer of many hymns. He finds a secluded corner in a few modern hymnals; but had there been what we call hymn-books in his day, he would have been a considerable contributor. His hymns are more of the Evangelical than the Puritan type. His songs of the Church form a ‘Christian Year,’ and some of the hymns for Saints’ days are much more original and poetic than those commonly in use. Here are three verses for—
ST. MATTHEW’S DAY
For God doth not a whit respect
Profession, person, or degree;
But maketh choice of His elect
From every sort of men that be,
That none might of His love despair,
But all men unto Him repair.
For those, oh let us therefore pray,