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many years been resident in Glasgow. THE MISSIONARY. He left his native land, and, far away Across the waters sought a world unknown, Though well he knew that he in vain might stray In search of one so lovely as his own. He left his home, around whose humble hearth His parents, kindred, all he valued, smil'd-- Friends who had known and loved him from his birth, And who still loved him as a fav'rite child. He left the scenes by youthful hopes endear'd, The woods, the streams, that sooth'd his infant ear; The plants, the trees that he himself had rear'd, And every charm to love and fancy dear. All these he left, with sad but willing heart, Though unallur'd by honours, wealth, or fame; In them not even his wishes claim'd a part, And the world knew not of his very name. Canst thou not guess what taught his steps to stray? 'Twas love, but not such love as worldlings own, That often smiles its sweetest to betray, And stabs the breast that offered it a throne! 'Twas love to God, and love to all mankind! His Master bade the obedient servant go, And try if he in distant realms could find Some who His name and saving grace would know. 'Twas this that nerved him when he saw the tears His aged mother at their parting shed; 'Twas this that taught her how to calm her fears, And beg a heavenly blessing on his head. 'Twas this that made his father calmly bear A godly sorrow, deep, but undismay'd, And bade him humbly ask of God in prayer, His virtuous son to counsel, guide, and aid. And when he rose to bless, and wish him well, And bent a head with age and sorrow gray-- E'en when he breath'd a fond and last farewell, Half sad, half joyful, dashed his tears away. "And go," he said, "though I with mortal eyes Shall ne'er behold thy filial reverence more; But when from earth to heaven our spirits rise, The Hand that gave him shall my child restore. "I bid thee go, though human tears will steal From eyes that see the course thou hast to run; And God forgive me if I wrongly feel, Like Abraham call'd to sacrifice his son!" And he is gone, with ardent steps he prest Across the hills to where the vessel lay, And soon I ween upon the ocean's breast They saw the wh
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