Esau

I

Poor Esau repented too late
That once he his birthright despised,
And sold, for a morsel of meat,
What could not too highly be prized:
How great was his anguish when told,
The blessing he sought to obtain
Was gone with the birthright he sold,
And none could recall it again!

II

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.

III

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 bless’d?
Its pleasures will speedily end,
Its favour and praise are but breath;
And what can its profits befriend
Your soul in the moments of death?

IV

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 enthroned by his side,
And you be compell’d to depart.

V

Too often, dear Saviour, have I
Preferr’d some poor trifle to thee;
How is it thou dost not deny
The blessing and birthright to me?
No better than Esau I am,
Though pardon and heaven be mine;
To me belongs nothing but shame⁠—
The praise and the glory be thine.