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BOOK I 7 The law like this hand-writing stands, And speaks the wrath of God ; But Jesus answers its demands, And cancels it with blood.

1 As once for Jonah, so the Lord, To sooth and cheer my mournful hours, Prepared for me a pleasing gourd, Cool was its shade, and sweet its flowers.

2 To prize this 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.

3 While I admired its beauteous form, Its pleasant shade and grateful fruit, The Lord, displeased, sent forth a worm, Unseen to prey upon the root.

4 I trembled when I saw it fade, But guilt restrain d the murm ring word; My folly I confess d, and pray d Forgive my sin, and spare my gourd.

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

6 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.

1 Sox of God, thy people shield ! . Must we still thine absence mourn ?