A sower that goes forth to sow

Verse 1

A Sower that goes forth to sow, Far diff'rent soils he finds; Such is the case with Preachers too: They preach to diff'rent minds.

Verse 2

Some minds are like the trodden way; That can't receive the grain; Tho' they attend to hear and pray, They hear the word in vain.

Verse 3

With such does Satan act his part, Like birds of prey devour; He takes the word soon from their heart, That it can have no pow'r.

Verse 4

And some are like the stony soil, Which soon shoots forth its blade; First they believe, and hear a while, But soon they shrink and fade.

Verse 5

At first it is a joyful news, The Gospel truth to hear; But O, it answers not their views, The Saviour's Cross to bear.

Verse 6

Some are just like that kind of ground, All fill'd with thorns and brier; Their hearts with carnal cares abound-- The world is their desire.

Verse 7

Tho' they are made to hear and feel, The need of Saving Grace; Yet to support their haughty will, They keep their sinful place.

Verse 8

Great God, how cautious should we be! To keep still on our guard; To watch and pray, to search and see That we may be prepar'd.