Pause and Think
O! HOW many souls are sorrowing
In this sunlit world, to-day,
Because Wrong, heaven’s livery borrowing,
Leadeth trusting souls astray;
Because men, all thoughtless rushing,
Dance along on Error’s brink,
And, the voice of conscience hushing,
Will not for a moment think!
’T is the lack of thought that bringeth
Man to where he needs relief;
’T is the lack of thought that wringeth
All his inner self with grief.
Would he give a moment’s thinking
Ere his every step is made,
He would not from light be shrinking,
Groping on in Error’s shade!
Think, immortal! thou art treading
On a path laid thick with snares,
Where mischievous minds are spreading
Nets to catch thee unawares.
Pause and think! the next step taken
May be that which leads to death;
Rouse thee! let thy spirit waken;
List to, heed the word it saith!
Think, ere thou consent to squander
Aught of time in useless mirth;
Think, ere thou consent to wander,
Disregarding heaven-winged truth.
When the wine in beauty shineth,
When the tempter bids thee drink,
Ere to touch thy hand inclineth,
Be thou cautious-pause and think!
Think, whatever act thou doest;
Think, whatever word is spoke;
Else the heart of friend the truest
May be by thee, thoughtless, broke.
How much grief had been prevented,
If man ne’er had sought to shrink
From the right:-to naught consented,
Until he had paused to think!