The Sower

(Matthew, xiii.3) Ye sons of earth prepare the plough, Break up your fallow ground; The sower is gone forth to sow, And scatter blessings round. The seed that finds a stony soil Shoots forth a hasty blade; But ill repays the sower's toil, Soon wither'd, scorch'd, and dead. The thorny ground is sure to balk All hopes of harvest there; We find a tall and sickly stalk, But not the fruitful ear. The beaten path and highway side, Receive the trust in vain; The watchful birds the spoil divide, And pick up all the grain. But where the Lord of grace and power Has bless'd the happy field, How plenteous is the golden store The deep-wrought furrows yield! Father of mercies, we have need Of thy preparing grace; Let the same Hand that give me seed Provide a fruitful place!