English poem
GOD'S reasonable Expectations from his Vineyard. Isaiah v. 1. 7
by Philip Doddridge (1773–1832)
The Vineyard of the LORD how fair! Planted by his peculiar Care: Behold its Branches spread, and fill The Borders of his sacred Hill.
His Eye has mark'd the chosen Ground; His mighty Hand has fenc'd it round; His Servants by his Order wait, To watch and aid its tender State.
But when the Vintage he demands For all the Labour of their Hands, What Clusters does his Vine produce? The Grapes are wild; and sour the Juice.
Well might he tear its Fence away, And leave it to the Beasts of Prey, Might give it to the Wild again, And charge his Clouds to cease their Rain.
But spare our Land, our Churches spare, Thy Vengeance long-provok'd forbear; Let the true Vine its Influence give, And bid our with'ring Branches live.
More by Philip Doddridge
- GOD'S Presence desireable. Exodus xxxiii. 15
- GOD's Purposes effectual, and CHRIST's Invitations sincere. John vi. 37
- GOD'S quickening the Dead. Isaiah xxvi. 19
- GOD's Readiness to give all Things argued from the Gift of his Son. Rom. viii. 32
- GOD'S saying to the Soul, that he is its Salvation. Psalm xxxv. 3
- GOD'S speaking Peace to his People. Psalm lxxxv. 8
- GOD'S stirring up the Spirit of CYRUS to redeem ISRAEL. Ezra i. 1. compared with Isaiah xlv. 1.-4
- GOD's strengthening the Souls of his praying People. Psalm cxxxviii. 3