First Fruits

Verse 1

Behold! the grain of wheat that dies Yet lives in nature's womb; Matur'd by death, to life arise, A type of things to come.

Verse 2

This Isr'el saw in ancient days, When dedicate to heav'n, The first ripe sheaf, with songs of praise, To God, their God was given:

Verse 3

Here dwelt their opes for time to come, That he who blest that fruit, Would bring the future harvest home, A harvest like the root.

Verse 4

Hail! first begotten from the dead! The church first born are thine— Thine at thy coming. Then the head, The head of man divine.

Verse 5

(Lord of a harvest yet to come) The rest of earth shall reap; And gath'ring his unnumber'd home, One feast forever keep.