The rush may rise where waters flow

1 The rush may rise where waters flow,
and flags beside the stream;
but soon their verdure fades and dies
before the scorching beam:
2 So is the sinner’s hope cut off;
or, if it transient rise,
’tis like the spider’s airy web,
from ev'ry breath that flies.

3 Fix'd on his house he leans; his house
and all its props decay:
he holds it fast; but, while he holds,
the tott’ring frame gives way.
4 Fair, in his garden, to the sun,
his boughs with verdure smile;
and, deeply fix'd, his spreading roots
unshaken stand a while.

5 But forth the sentence flies from Heav’n,
that sweeps him from his place;
which then denies him for its lord,
nor owns it knew his face.
6 Lo! this the joy of wicked men,
who Heav’n’s high laws despise:
they quickly fall; and in their room
as quickly others rise.

7 But, for the just, with gracious care,
God will his pow'r employ;
he’ll teach their lips to sing his praise,
and fill their hearts with joy.

Source: The Irish Presbyterian Hymnbook #R6