510.
Parable 6.
Of the goodly Pearl. Matt. xiii.
1
Is there, immured in sea or earth,
One precious pearl, of boundless worth,
Greater than man hath bought or sold,
The pearl, of value yet untold?
2
My heart replies, “That pearl be mine;
“Let others seek to rule, and shine,
“I covet not the monarch's throne,
“If I can call that pearl my own!”
3
The merchant bears both heat and blast
To find the goodly pearl, at last;
And now, with gladness in his eyes,
He sells his all, to grasp the prize!
4
Shall merchants, at a sight so low,
Feel, with delight, their hearts o'erflow,
And we, who richer pearl possess,
Feel humbler joy, and transport less?
5
We will not shrink from care or pain,
With God to dwell, with Christ to reign!
Can any thing, too great, be given,
To gain our Crown, secure our Heaven?
6
For such a pearl, shall we withhold
Whatever yet was bought with gold?
Pleasures, that ill deserve the name,
Material treasure?—creature fame?
7
If, gracious Saviour! ere we die,
Thou give thyself, and dross deny,
With such a pearl, such hopes divine,
All other pearls we may resign!
