871. S. M. Drummond. "Is it such a fast that I have chosen?"

1 "Is this a fast for me?" --
Thus saith the Lord our God; --
"A day for man to vex his soul,
And feel affliction's rod? --

2 "Like bulrush low to bow
His sorrow-stricken head,
With sackcloth for his inner vest,
And ashes round him spread?

3 "Shall day like this have power
To stay th' avenging hand,
Efface transgression, or avert
My judgments from the land?

4 "No; is not this alone
The sacred fast I choose, --
Oppression's yoke be burst in twain,
The bands of guilt unloose? --

5 "To nakedness and want
Your food and raiment deal,
To dwell your kindred race among,
And all their sufferings heal?

6 "Then, like the morning ray,
Shall spring your health and light;
Before you, righteousness shall shine,
Behind, my glory bright!"