As once for Jonah, so the Lord

The gourd by John Newton


 * As once for Jonah, so the Lord
 * To soothe and cheer my mournful hours,
 * Prepared for me a pleasing gourd,
 * Cool was its shade, and sweet its flow'rs.


 * To prize his gift was surely right;
 * But through the folly of my heart,
 * It hid the Giver from my sight,
 * And soon my joy was changed to smart.


 * While I admired its beauteous form,
 * Its pleasant shade and graceful fruit;
 * The LORD, displeased, sent forth a worm,
 * Unseen, to prey upon the root.


 * I trembled when I saw it fade,
 * But guilt restrained the murm'ring word;
 * My folly I confessed, and prayed,
 * Forgive my sin, and spare my gourd.


 * His wondrous love can ne'er be told,
 * He heard me and relieved my pain;
 * His word the threat'ning worm controlled,
 * And bid my gourd revive again.


 * Now, Lord, my gourd is mine no more,
 * 'Tis thine, who only couldst it raise;
 * The idol of my heart before,
 * Henceforth shall flourish to thy praise.