HYMN CLXXIV. The Ax laid to the Root of unfruitful Trees, Matthew iii. 10

The LORD into his Vineyard comes Our various Fruit to see; His Eye, more piercing than the Light, Examines ev'ry Tree.

Tremble, ye Sinners, at his Frown, If barren still ye stand; And fear that keenly-wounding Ax, Which arms his awful Hand.

Close to the Root behold it laid To make Destruction sure: Who can resist the mighty Stroke? Or who the Fire endure?

LORD, we adore thy sparing Love, Thy long-expecting Grace; Else had we low in Ruin fall'n, And known no more our Place.

Succeeding Years thy Patience waits; Nor let it wait in vain; But form in us abundant Fruit, And still this Fruit maintain.