XXIII. RAGGED BOY’S HYMN.

I would not take what is not mine, for hoards of wealth untold,— Far better grasp the red-hot steel, than touch another’s gold; The love of money, God hath said, of evil is the root, And if dishonesty thence spring, destruction is the fruit.

I would not take what is not mine, though none were near to see, Conscience would my accuser stand, and God my judge would be; The covetous desire, the wicked thought I would control,— What shall it profit man to gain the world, and lose his soul?

I would not take another’s goods,—the loser might repine, His loss might heavy seem to him, but small compared to mine; For oh! more precious far than all the wealth to nobles given, An honest name, a quiet conscience, and the hope of Heaven!

I would not take what is not mine, but treasure seek above, Gained without money, without price, from our Redeemer’s love; Time cannot change it, moth corrupt, nor thieves break through and steal, And all eternity will but its boundless worth reveal!