8. Poor Esau repented too late

Hymn 8

Poor Esau too late That once he his birth–right despised; And sold, for a morsel of meat, What could not too highly be prized: How great was his anguish when told, The blessing he sought to obtain, Was gone with the birth–right he sold, And none could recall it again!

He stands as a warning to all, Wherever the gospel shall come; O Hasten and yield to the call, While yet for there’s room! Your season will quickly be past, Then hear and obey it today; Lest when you seek mercy at last, The Savior should frown you away.

What is it the world can propose? A morsel of meat at the best! For this are you willing to lose A share in the joys of the blest? Its pleasures will speedily end, Its favor and praise are but breath; And what can its profits befriend Your soul in the moment of death?

If Jesus for these you despise, And sin to the Savior prefer; In vain your entreaties and cries, When summoned to stand at his bar: How will you his presence ? What anguish will torture your heart? The all enthroned by his side, And you be compelled to depart.

Too often, dear Savior, have I Preferred some poor trifle to thee; How is it thou dost not deny The blessing and birth–right to me? No better than Esau I am, Though pardon and heav’n be mine; To me belongs nothing but shame, The praise and the glory be thine.