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Hymns and Sacred Lyrics

In Three Parts. By Joseph Cottle
  

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511. Parable 7. The grain of Mustard Seed. Matt. xiii.

1

The grain of mustard seed is sown
Small, and despised: by means unknown,
It rises now, and branches throws,
In which the birds of heaven repose.

2

An emblem of the seed of grace!
At first, its progress scarce we trace,
Till, to prepare for flowers and fruits,
It spreads its limbs, and strikes its roots.

3

O, may our hearts this grace display,
Water'd, and growing, day by day!
May the immortal germ survive
Whate'er would harm, and in us thrive!

4

It must be planted here below,
And here its earliest buds must blow,
Still watch'd by heaven's unsleeping eye,
Or it will soon decline, and die!

5

Though now, of tenderest hue and form,
It shall withstand the roughest storm,
And bear, beyond this world of strife,
Its fruit to everlasting life!