The Christians Duty, exhibited, in a series of Hymns ‎#CCXXXVI

CCXXXVI. Esau

1 Poor Esau repented too late,
That once he his Birth-Right despis'd;
And sold, for a Morsel of Meat,
What could not too highly be priz'd:
How great was his Anguish when told
The Blessing he sought to obtain,
Was gone with the Birth-Right he sold,
And none could recall it again!

2 He stands as a Warning to all,
Wherever the Gospel shall come:
O hasten and yield to the Call,
While yet for Repentance there's Room!
Your Season will quickly be past,
Then hear, and obey it to-day;
Lest when you seek Mercy at last,
The Saviour should frown you away.

3 What is it the World can propose?
A Morsel of Meat at the best!
For this are you willing to lose
A share in the Joys of the Blest?
Its Pleasures will speedily end,
Its Favour and praise are but Breath:
And what can its Profits befriend
Your Soul in the Moment of Death?

4 If Jesus for these you despise,
And Sin to the Saviour prefer,
In vain your Entreaties and Cries,
When summon'd to stand at his Bar:
How will you his Presence abide?
What Anguish will Torture your Heart?
The Saints all enthron'd by his Side,
And you be compell'd to depart!

5 Too often, Dear Saviour, have I
Preferr'd some Poor Trifle to Thee;
How is it thou dost not deny
The Blessing and Birth-Right to me?
No better than Esau I am,
Tho' Pardon and Heaven be mine;
To me belongs nothing but Shame,
The Praise and the Glory be thine.

Text Information

• First Line: Poor Esau repented too late
• Title: Esau
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1791
• Scripture:
  Genesis 24:31
• Topic: liturgical: Confession Songs; Penitential Hymns
• Notes: Now Public Domain.

Tune Information

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