Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, UNPROFITABLE SERVANTS, by ELIZABETH OAKES PRINCE SMITH


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

UNPROFITABLE SERVANTS, by             Poet's Biography
First Line: Vain we number every duty
Last Line: For the good we leave undone.
Alternate Author Name(s): Smith, Seba (e. Oakes), Mrs.; Oakes-smith, Elizabeth


VAIN we number every duty,
Number all our prayers and tears,
Still the spirit lacketh beauty,
Still it droops with many fears.

Soul of Love, O boundless Giver,
Who didst all thyself impart,
And thy blood, a flowing river,
Told how large the loving heart;

Now we see how poor the offering
We have on thine altar cast,
And we bless thee for the suffering
Which hath taught us love at last.

We may feel an inward gladness
For the truth and goodness won,
But far deeper is the sadness
For the good we leave undone.





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