88
The Flood
I
Through small the drops of falling rain
If one be singly view’d,
Collected, they o’erspread the plain.
And form a mighty flood.
II
The house it meets with in its course
Should not be built on clay,
Lest, with a wild, resistless force,
It sweep the whole away.
III
Though for awhile it seem secure.
It will not bear the shock
Unless it has foundations sure,
And stands upon a rock.
IV
Thus sinners think their evil deeds.
Like drops of rain, are small;
But it the power of thought exceeds
To count the sum of all.
V
One sin can raise, though small it seem.
A flood to drown the soul;
What then, when countless million stream—
Shall join to swell the whole!
VI
Yet, while they think the weather fair,
If warn’d they smile or frown:
But they will tremble and despair,
When the fierce flood comes down.
VII
Oh! then on Jesus ground your hope.
That Stone in Zion laid;
Lest your poor building quickly drop
With ruin on your head.