In parables the Lord doth show

Verse 1

In Parables the Lord doth shew, What Gospel Ministers must do-- How to perform their duty well, We find here in this Parable.

Verse 2

The Church, a Vineyard of the Lord: Those who he sends to teach his word, They labour in his Vineyard here; They have the charge, the trust and care.

Verse 3

God, to erect his Church on earth, The vineyard of the greatest worth; Thus did his labour'rs early send, That sacred Vineyard to attend.

Verse 4

And as the passage plainly shews, The call was first unto the Jews: When Priests and Levites, taught & shew'd The laws and ordinance of God.

Verse 5

They minister'd as they were taught, But otherwise they labour'd not; Till they did first with him agree, And know what their reward should be.

Verse 6

Those who have not the cause at heart, Do with reluctance act their part; And as a penny for the day Such hirelings do teach and pray.

Verse 7

Not only unto Jacob's race Did God reveal his plan of grace; But after many years were past, The Gentiles too were call'd at last.

Verse 8

The call they did with joy embrace, To be intrusted with such grace; In such a call to serve the Lord, It was to them a great reward.

Verse 9

They ask'd not what shall we receive? As a support on which we live-- They trust, the word and promises, And act their part with willingness.

Verse 10

They teach, admonish and reprove, And all they do is out of love; They act with fervency and zeal, And God rewards their labours well.