Saint Matthias's Day

1. Why, when our thoughts could turn to thee,
Oh! chosen saint, apostle dear,
Why mingles with the memory
A feeling strange of awful fear?
Because remembrance of His doom
Who lost his place for foulest sin
Across the trembling heart will come,
Till the scared spirit shrinks within.

2. Thus souls have watched the morning light
Break calm along the wild sea shore,
Yet thought upon the fearful night
Of storms and wrecks that went before.
So, conscious of our own heart's stains,
The weak, bad thoughts that in us dwell,
We think on mercy spent in vain,
On the high place from which he fell.

3. Oh! who shall boast the name we bear,
Our privilege of service high,
The saintly commune that we shares,
While still temptation watches nigh?
When one of Christ's own twelve on Earth
Forswore his faith, betrayed his trust,
And gave what whole worlds were not worth
For some few grains of silver dust?

4. How should we watch our hearts, and mark
The first small covetous desire,
And quench the little, growing spark,
That else may kindle endless fire!
And still thy name shall hope renew
Who filled so well the traitor's place,
Thy faith held on, firm, constant, true;
We too in Christ, have strength and grace.

Source: Hymns and Devotions for Daily Worship #175