When Jesus taught the Jews of old

1 When Jesus taught the Jews of old
The way of righteousness;
They rose in anger, fierce and bold,
And scorn'd him to his face.

2 The prince of darkness gets enrag'd
To see the truth succeed--
And all his subjects are engag'd
To join with him their head.

3 The Gospel truth conveys a dart,
Tho' Satan should oppose!
And oftimes it does reach the heart
Of those who are its foes.

4 But those who do not wish to b'lieve,
Will vent and spit their spite--
Much rather than the truth receive
Be blinded with the light.

5 And thus the case is ever so,
All such who teach the truth:
In all they seek, or say and do,
They feel the serpents tooth.

6 The soul that is not born of God,
Will never love his ways;
But ever slight the Saviours blood
And all the means of grace.

7 How awful must their cases be,
Who wilfully refuse:
To scorn the Lord who bought them free,
And did the stubborn Jews.


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.) #LXI