Olney Hymns (1840)/Book 1/Hymn 8

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8.
Esau.— Gen. xxv; Heb. xii, 16.

1 Poor Esau repented too late That once he his birthright 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 birthright he sold, And none could recall it again!
2 He stands as a warning to all Wherever the gospel shall come; O hasten and yield to the call While yet for repentance there's room! Your season will quickly be past; Then hear and obey it to-day, Lest, when you seek mercy at last, The Saviour should frown you away.
3 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 bless'd? Its pleasures will speedily end, Its favour and praise are but breath; And what can its profits befriend Your soul in the moments of death?
4 If Jesus for these you despise, And sin to the Saviour prefer, In vain your entreaties and cries When summon'd to stand at his bar: ​How will you his presence abide? What anguish will torture your heart! The saints all enthroned by his side, And you be compell'd to depart.
5 Too often, dear Saviour, have I Preferr'd some poor trifle to thee; How is it thou dost not deny The blessing and birthright to me? No better than Esau I am, Though pardon and heaven be mine; To me belongs nothing but shame— The praise and the glory be thine.

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