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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