Hymns For Communion Vi Poem by John Pierpont

'For my flesh is meat indeed.'
-John vi. 55.


Had Jesus left his scattered fold
The legacy of pride,
Golconda's gems and Ophir's gold,
When he, their Shepherd, died;


Few would have hoarded many a gem,
Of those who shared them first;
And O, how many, even of them,
Had, in that gift, been cursed!


Had such a legacy been cast
Upon the stream of time;
Would it have come through ages past,-
Ages of night and crime?


And had it reached us all, should we
In such a boon be blessed?
O no;-a part might misers be,
And prodigals the rest.


But all may now a treasure hoard,
That ne'er engenders strife;
For we may all, around this board,
Partake the bread of life.