Zaccheus climbed the tree


 * Zaccheus climbed the tree,
 * And thought himself unknown;
 * But how surprised was he
 * When Jesus called him down!
 * The Lord beheld him, though concealed,
 * And by a word his pow'r revealed.


 * Wonder and joy at once
 * Were painted in his face;
 * Does he my name pronounce?
 * And does he know my case?
 * Will Jesus deign with me to dine?
 * Lord, I, with all I have, am thine!


 * Thus where the gospel's preached,
 * And sinners come to hear;
 * The hearts of some are reached
 * Before they are aware:
 * The word directly speaks to them,
 * And seems to point them out by name.


 * 'Tis curiosity
 * Oft brings them in the way,
 * Only the man to see,
 * And hear what he can say;
 * But how the sinner starts to find
 * The preacher knows his inmost mind.


 * His long forgotten faults
 * Are brought again in view,
 * And all his secret thoughts
 * Revealed in public too:
 * Though compassed with a crowd about,
 * The searching word has found him out.


 * While thus distressing pain
 * And sorrow fills his heart,
 * He hears a voice again,
 * That bids his fears depart:
 * Then like Zaccheus he is blest,
 * And Jesus deigns to be his guest.