The Home Circle by John Godfrey Saxe

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Dec 29, 1887

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 13, No. 50.

The Home Circle.

By John Godfrey Saxe

THE OLD YEAR AND THE NEW.

Good-by, Old Year! I can but say, Sadly I see thee passing away; Passing away with the hopes and fears, The bliss and pain, the smiles and tears, They come to us in all the years.

Good-by, Old Year! Little indeed Thy friendly voice we were wont to heed, Telling us, warning us, every day: “Transient mortals, work and pray; You, like me, are passing away!”

Good-by Old Year! Whatever may be The sins and stains thou hast chanced to see, Consider, O Year, to purge the same, And wash away the sin and shame. Whilst thou wert passing, Christmas came.

Good-by, Old Year! With words of grace Leave us to him who takes thy place; And say, Old Year, unto the New, “Kindly, carefully, carry them through, For much, I ween, they have yet to do.” —J. G. Saxe.