To preach the blessed gospel, but the rod
Was often held above him, while he trod
The path of learning. Sickness often came,
And to his failing heart his weakness show’d;
But still within his bosom burn’d the flame
Of love to dying men, and to the Savior’s name.
XVIII.
In early youth religion was his choice—
His solemn choice; and one might often hear,
In some retired place, his deep toned voice—