Now, from her youth, this damsel’s mind
Was most industriously inclined;
No little girl could sew, or hem,
Or stitch, or mend, like Sarah M——.
Her father had not wealth to spare,
And many children claimed his care,
So little Sarah early learned,
That her own living must be earned.
Yet no complaining Sallie made,
That she must work while others played,
But set about with right good will,
The task her fingers should fulfil.
Though aching head and weary sight
Were sometimes hers, her heart was light,
And equal was her well-earned store,
For clothes to wear, and even more.
Thus, while from day to day she drew
Her ready needle through and through,
She gained far more than worldly pelf,
She learned to commune with herself.
And this communion, deep and still,
Soon led her heart to know its ill,
And ask her Maker to impart,
For Jesus’ sake, a holy heart.
Now, had she spent in early days,
Her time in idleness and plays,
At work repining, sought her joys
With careless girls and idle boys—
Her after years had never known
The independence now her own;
Perhaps those wasted hours had even
Dispelled the thoughts which turned to heaven.
But care and industry are found,
With, heaven and earth’s best blessing crown’d
And those who truly value them,
Should early do like Sarah M——.