JACOB*

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 13, 24 June 1893, Page 9

JACOB*

(Dedicated to the Prohibitionists of Invercargill.) Weary and lonely the patriarch lay. Breedings of evil his thoughts occupy. Selfishness marked him many a day. Dad recollections would not go away. A father deceived —a brother in need— A blessing obtained without due. Sad memories—many they came, we read. And he dreaded the loneliness then indeed. In dreams he is shown a way to evade When foes of his household pursue. Between heaven and earth a ladder is laid, And a host of the angels to join them essayed^ But before he can leave the low earth and regain A right to a place free from self, He must part with the nature which gave him the name— He must make a stroag effort of self to reclaim. He met with a giant he feared t® defy As lonely he lay by himself. “I will seize him,” he said, “and conquer or' die; It may be this stranger will bless even I.” And this champion acknowledged he fought well and long, And valued a soldier so brave ; And left a new name to show he is strong Who fights with Lis nature because it if wrong. Like Jacob, hold still a good grip of the foe I Kemember the night has not gone. You can conquer if only you keep him at bay— For the dawn of the morning will chase him away.