4 Thus blinded mortals fondly scheme Till death difturbs the pleafing dream, 5 Ah! who can speak the vast difmay When torn, by death's ftrong hand away, 6 Wretches, who cleave to earthly things, 7 Dear Saviour, make us timely wife, That we may live above the skies, CIII. The barren fig-tree. Chap. xiii. 6-9 I HE church a garden is THE In which believers ftand, Like ornamental trees Planted by GoD's own hand: His Spirit waters all their roots, And ev'ry branch abounds with fruits. 2 But other trees there are, No fruits of grace are on them found, They ftand but cumb'rers of the ground. 3 The under gard'ner grieves, He hears the LORD his will make known, To cut the barren fig-trees down. 4 How difficult his poft, His labours useless prove! : My digging I'll renew: Who knows but yet they fruit may yield! If not 'tis juft they must be fell'd." 6 If under means of grace, No gracious fruits appears It is a dreadful cafe, Tho' GOD may long forbear: At length he'll strike the threat'ned blow(d), And lay the barren fig-tree low. CIV. The prodigal Son. Chap. xv. II—24i A In mercy oft are fent; Fflictions, tho' they seem fevere, They ftopp'd the prodigal's career, (d) Book II, Hymn 26. 2 Altho 2 Altho' he no relentings felt 3 "What have I gain'd by fin, he said, 4 I'll go and tell him all I've done, 5 His father faw him coming back, "Father I've finn'd-but O forgive!" 7 Now let the fatted calf be flain, 8 'Tis thus the LORD his love reveals, CV CV. The rich man and LAZARUS. Chap. xvi. 19-25. A Worldling spent each day In luxury and state; While a believer lay, A beggar at his gate: Think not the LORD's appointments ftrange, Death made a great and lafting change. 2 Death brought the faint release His foul, by angels borne, 3 The rich man alfo dy'd, And in a moment fell From all his pomp and pride The beggar's blifs from far beheld, To footh my tongue's tormenting heat." 5 Let all who worldly pelf << Remember thou waft fill'd with good, 6 Neglected at thy door, With tears he begg'd his bread; 2 CVI. The importunate widow (e). Chap. 3 4 OUR xviii. 17. UR LORD, who knows full well Invites us, by a parable, To pray and never faint. He bows his gracious ear, We never plead in vain; Yet we must wait till he appear, Why fhould we longer wait? 'Twas thus a widow poor, (e) Book II, Hymn 60. Befet |