Laodicea

I

Hear what the Lord, the great Amen,
The true and faithful Witness, says;
He form’d the vast creation’s plan,
And searches all our hearts and ways.

II

To some he speaks as once of old,
“I know thee, thy profession’s vain;
Since thou art neither hot nor cold.,
I’ll spit thee from me with disdain.

III

“Thou boasted, ‘I am wise and rich,
Increased in goods and nothing need;’
And dost not know thou art a wretch,
Naked and poor and blind and dead.

IV

“Yet while I thus rebuke I love,
My message is in mercy sent;
That thou may’st my compassion prove,
I can forgive if thou repent.

V

“Wouldst thou be truly rich and wise!
Come, buy my gold in fire well tried,
My ointment to anoint thine eyes,
My robe thy nakedness to hide.

VI

“See, at thy door I stand and knock!
Poor sinner, shall I wait in vain?
Quickly thy stubborn heart unlock,
That I may enter with my train.

VII

“Thou canst not entertain a king,
Unworthy thou of such a guest!
But I my own provisions bring,
To make thy soul a heavenly feast.”