514.
Parable 10.
Of the Tares and Wheat. Matt. xiii.
1
Hast thou, Lord! within our heart,
Sown good seed? we trust thou hast!
Still thy fostering care impart!
Screen it from the cutting blast!
From whate'er might prove its bane,
Scorching sun, or drenching rain!
2
But we feel, and sigh to own,
That our joy is not complete;
That our enemy hath sown
Tares, that mingle with the wheat!
Let not seed which thou hast sown,
By the tares be overgrown!
3
Visit us with favour free,
Refuge in the time of need!
Lord! we look alone to thee
To restrain the evil seed!
In temptation's trying hour,
Shield us by thy mighty power!
4
Here, O Lord! thy word declares,
Though thy grace the wheat may sow,
Adversaries set their tares,
And together both will grow;
But the sifting-time is near!
Soon the reapers will appear!
5
Where will sinners then retreat,
When, from heaven, the judge descends
To divide the chaff from wheat,
And distinguish foes from friends?
They will view the lightnings fly,
And, in vain, on mountains cry!
6
When the heavens shall melt away,
Mid the whirlwind, fire, and blast,
May we meet that fearful day,
With our trust, on Jesus, cast!
Still, with flames from east to west,
On the Rock of Ages rest!
