Hymns for Communion VI

"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.