TRAVAILING IN BIRTH FOR SOULS
by John Newton
Gal. 4.19 Olney Hymns 26
What contradictions meet
In the minister’s emplo
It is a bitter sweet,
A sorrow full of joy.
No other post affords a place
For equal honour or disgrace
Who can describe the pain
Which faithful preachers feel
Constrained to speak in vain
To hearts as hard as steel!
Or who can tell the pleasure felt
When stubborn hearts begin to melt!
The Saviour’s dying love,
The soul’s amazing worth,
Their utmost efforts move,
And draw their bowels forth:
They pray and strive, their rest departs
Till Christ be formed, in sinners’ hearts
If some small hope appear,
They still are not content;
But, with a jealous fear,
They watch for the event.
Too oft they find their hopes deceived
Then how their inmost souls are grieved
But when their pains succeed.
And from the tender blade
The ripening ears proceed,
Their toils are overpaid;
No harvest joy can equal theirs
To find the fruit of all their care
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