Olney Hymns (1840)/Book 1/Hymn 140

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140.
Laodicea.β€”Rev. iii, 14β€”20.

1 Hear what the Lord, the great Amen,
The true and faithful Witness, says;
He form'd the vast creation's plan,
And searches all our hearts and ways.

2 To some he speaks as once of old,
"I know thee, thy profession's vain;
Since thou art neither hot nor cold.,
I'll spit thee from me with disdain.

3 "Thou boasted, 'I am wise and rich,
Increased in goods and nothing need;'
And dost not know thou art a wretch,
Naked and poor and blind and dead.

4 "Yet while I thus rebuke I love,
My message is in mercy sent;
That thou may'st my compassion prove,
I can forgive if thou repent.

5 "Wouldst thou be truly rich and wise!
Come, buy my gold in fire well tried,
My ointment to anoint thine eyes,
My robe thy nakedness to hide.

6 "See, at thy door I stand and knock!
Poor sinner, shall I wait in vain?
Quickly thy stubborn heart unlock,
That I may enter with my train.

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7 "Thou canst not entertain a king,
Unworthy thou of such a guest!
But I my own provisions bring,
To make thy soul a heavenly feast."