Classic Poem

I Set out in an unknown Walk,
A Zany led the Way;
He walk'd so fast, I was fatigued —
'Twas a hot Summer's Day.

Not so when my dear Saviour leads, —
The Sun does on me smile;
No evil hurts me all the Day,
He guards me all the Night.

Well, Zany's at his Journey's end,
And here we parted be: —
Not far from this I had a Friend,
Whom I did go to see.

So quite fatigued I sat me down,
'Till I grew cool again;
And little from my Tongue was heard,
Unless t'was to complain.

So when in follies Paths we stray,
If Wisdom does us find;
All is but Vanity we say,
Vexation of the Mind.

That Friend was glad my Face to see,
The Time pass'd swift away;
I do remember parting when
She thus to me did say.

If you do up to London go,
No more I shall you see:
Perhaps she Thought the Small Pox would
Be fatal unto me.

In this I trusted to my God,
He did not me confound;
Thus he his Promise did make good,
As in his Word 'tis found.

The Small-Pox quickly gave he me,
So gentle and so kind;
I wanted then a thankful Heart,
I'd not a grateful Mind.

My Friend and I met here again,
Our Friendship to renew;
But now the Time was hast'ning on;
Again we bid adieu.

So then the Night was coming on,
I gently walked my Way;
Here grew a Wood that some did fear,
Upon the left it lay.

No harm by Nature is in Woods,
There Songster's too delight;
But yet we hear that Thieves sometimes
Will harbour there by Night.

But they are worse than Thieves by far
Who steal the Virgin's Heart;
And hate them for the Love they bear,
And sport but with their Smart.

The heat of Day was over now,
The Evening all serene;
Why sure methinks, 'tis Harvest Time,
Yes there the Shocks are seen.

Thus may I too be all serene,
In Christ my Lord be found;
When that the Husbandman call'd Death,
Is sent to cut me down.