A sower that goes forth to sow

1 A Sower that goes forth to sow,
Far diff'rent soils he finds;
Such is the case with Preachers too:
They preach to diff'rent minds.

2 Some minds are like the trodden way;
That can't receive the grain;
Tho' they attend to hear and pray,
They hear the word in vain.

3 With such does Satan act his part,
Like birds of prey devour;
He takes the word soon from their heart,
That it can have no pow'r.

4 And some are like the stony soil,
Which soon shoots forth its blade;
First they believe, and hear a while,
But soon they shrink and fade.

5 At first it is a joyful news,
The Gospel truth to hear;
But O, it answers not their views,
The Saviour's Cross to bear.

6 Some are just like that kind of ground,
All fill'd with thorns and brier;
Their hearts with carnal cares abound--
The world is their desire.

7 Tho' they are made to hear and feel,
The need of Saving Grace;
Yet to support their haughty will,
They keep their sinful place.

8 Great God, how cautious should we be!
To keep still on our guard;
To watch and pray, to search and see
That we may be prepar'd.

Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #XLVII