“From Labour to Refreshment”

“From Labour to Refreshment”. [No. 44]

“From Labour to Refreshment” is not wrong,
When Temperance and Harmony unite
To form for Mason’s innocent delight,—
The rational Feast, wise Speaking, and the Song
Which elevates the Soul. Then let us Use 5
All things as they were meant by Him who made
Them for wise ends. True pleasures never fade
From memory: it is only their Abuse
Which leaves a sting behind. We must be Pure,
If we’d be Happy. Virtue is indeed 10
Its own Reward: but Vice will cause to bleed
The Heart that harbours it. They must endure
The Penalty who dare to Disobey;
But Blessing aye Reward the Souls who will Obey.

by George Markham Tweddell  1st published 1887