2 For Satan there in arms resides, 3 Each traitor thought on him as chief, And pride, self-will, and unbelief, 4 Thus Satan for a season reigns, 5 But Jesus, stronger far than he, Appears to set his people free From the usurper's pow'r. 6 "This heart I bought with blood," he says, "And now it shall be mine;" His voice the strong one arm'd dismays, 7 In spite of unbelief and pride, 8 The rebel soul that once withstood Rejoices now, by grace subdu'd, CII. The Worldling. Chap. xii. 16—21. 1 "My barns are full, my stores increase, "And now for many years, "Soul, eat and drink, and take thine ease, "Secure from wants and fears." 2 Thus while a worldling boasted once, He heard the Lord himself pronounce 3 "This night, vain fool, thy soul must pass "Into a world unknown: "And who shall then the stores possess "Which thou hast call'd thine own." 3 Thus blinded mortals fondly scheme Till death disturbs the pleasing dream, 5 Ah! who can speak the vast dismay When, torn by death's strong hand away, He leaves his all behind. 6 Wretches, who cleave to earthly things, Their dying hour is full of stings, 7 Dear Saviour, make us timely wise, Thy Gospel to attend, That we may live above the skies, When this poor life shall end. CIII. The Barren Fig-tree. Chap. xiii. 6-9. 1 THE church a garden is In which believers stand, Like ornamental trees Planted by God's own hand : His Spirit waters all the roots, And every branch abounds with fruits. 2 But other trees there are In this enclosure grow, No fruits of grace are on them found, 8 The under gard'ner grieves, In vain his strength he spends, Afford him small amends: He hears the Lord his will make known, 4 How difficult his post, What pangs his bowels move, To find his wishes crost, His labours useless prove! His last relief, his earnest pray'r, Lord, spare them yet another another year: 5 " Spare them, and let me try "I'll fresh manure apply, My digging I'll renew: "Who knows but yet they fruit may yield! "If not-'tis just, they must be fell'd." 6 If under means of grace It is a dreadful case; Though God may long forbear, At length he'll strike the threat'ned blow*, And lay the barren fig-tree low. CIV. The Prodigal Son. Chap. xv. 11-24. 1 AFFLICTIONS, though they seem severe, In mercy oft are sent; They stopp'd the prodigal's career, 2 Although he no relentings felt, 3" What have I 'gain'd by sin," he said, 66 My father's house abounds with bread, 4" I'll go and tell him all I've done, 5 His father saw him coming back, And threw his arms around the neck 6" Father, I've sinn'd-but, Oh forgive!" "I've heard enough," he said; "Rejoice my house, my son's alive, * Book II, Hyma 26. 7" Now let the fatted calf be slain, 8 'Tis thus the Lord his love reveals, CV. The Rich Man and Lazarus. Ch. xvi. 19-25. 1 A WORLDLING spent each day In luxury and state; A beggar at his gate : Think not the Lord's appointment strange; Death made a great and lasting change. 2 Death brought the saint release From want, disease, and scorn; And to the land of peace, His soul by angels borne, In Abr'ham's bosom safely plac'd, 3 The rich man also dy'd, The beggar's bliss from far beheld, 4 "O Abr'ham send," he cries, (But his request was vain,) "The beggar from the skies "To mitigate my pain! "One drop of water I entreat, "To sooth my tongue's tormenting heat." |