Hymnal: A Selection of Christian Hymns
Date: 1818
Compiler: Rice Haggard
Publisher/Printer: John Norvell
First Line: Behold Paul a prisoner at Felix's bar
Topic: <no topic given>
Writer: <no first name given> <no last name given>
Composer:
Tune:
Hymn Number: 348
Page Number: 337, click to see hymnal pages
LyicsBehold Paul a prisoner, at Felix's bar,
And from the example, learn never to fear;
No doubt all assembled expected to see
The pris'ner wait trembling the Judge's decree.
But the scene is quite chang'd, how strange to behold,
The Judge seized with trembling, the pris'ner so bold,
'Twas no carnal weapon, nor majestic sound,
But God in the man, and his word gave the wound.
While Paul spoke of Jesus, and faith in his name,
Of righteousness, temp'rance, and judgment to come,
The word which descerneth the thoughts of the heart,
Addressed to conscience, and pierc'd as a dart.
But Felix lov'd darkness and hated the light,
His deeds were all evil, the works of the night;
His conscience was troubled, to fly from the pain,
He said of this matter, I'll hear thee again.
Thus sinners, proud sinners, in ruin's wide field,
Are oft met by Jesus, intreated to yield;
When call'd to repentance, or death must ensue,
The devil persuades them tomorrow will do.
The heart becomes harder, the conscience is sear'd,
Some bait is presented, by which they're ensnar'ed;
Again when exhorted to turn from their ways,
They'll answer we're waiting for God's time and grace.
Of all Hell's devices to lead souls astray,
'Tis procrastination the most doth betray,
While Jesus says open, e'en now I'll come in,
The soul says I cannot, I'll hear thee again.
O sinner, says Jesus, my grace is all free,
All things are now ready, I'm come unto thee,
I come to shew mercy, from wo to relieve;
I offer you pardon, now only believe.
Dear sinners don't linger, obey the glad voice,
In Jesus be happy, in Jesus rejoice,
Choose him for your portion, resign all below;
Unite with his people; to glory we go.