517.
Parable 13.
Of the Treasure hid in a Field. Matt. xiii. 44.
1
Preeminent, one treasure shines,
Yielding no transitory joy;
Richer than India's choicest mines,
Which moth and rust cannot destroy!
2
It is that word of promise pure;
That hallow'd book! in which are found
Wealth, that for ever will endure,
And hopes, that hell shall not confound!
3
The man who earthly treasure finds,
O'erpower'd by wonder and surprise,
Himself, to boundless joy, resigns,
And buys the field wherein it lies!
4
Oh! if we have secured indeed,
Amid this world of toil and strife,
The streams, that from on high proceed,
The bread of everlasting life!
5
If we have learn'd to say, sincere,
My Saviour! I in thee confide!
This is that pearl, that treasure, rare,
For which we barter all beside.
6
Let us not cast the longing eye
At earth's too fair, but fleeting flowers!
Why should our hearts for shadows sigh,
When Heaven is near, and Christ is ours!
7
Help us, O Lord! to make that choice,
That wealth to prize, that treasure love,
In which, at death, we shall rejoice,
Borne with us to the world above!
