Hymns

The subtle spider often weaves

by John Newton·1779·Meter 8.6.8.6 (CM)

1

The subtle spider often weaves
His unsuspected snares,
Among the balmy flow'rs and leaves,
To which the bee repairs.

2

When in his web he sees one hang,
With a malicious joy,
He darts upon it with his fang,
To poison and destroy.

3

How welcome then, some pitying friend,
To save the threatened bee!
The spider's treach'rous web to rend,
And set the captive free!

4

My soul has been in such a case,
When first I knew the LORD,
I hasted to the means of grace,
Where sweets I knew were stored.

5

Little I thought of danger near,
That soon my joys would ebb;
But ah! I met a spider there,
Who caught me in his web.

6

Then Satan raised his pois'nous sting,
And aimed his blows at me;
While I, poor helpless trembling thing,
Could neither fight nor flee.

7

But O! the Savior's pitying eye
Relieved me from despair;
He saw me at the point to die
And broke the fatal snare.

8

My case his heedless saints should warn,
Or cheer them if afraid;
May you from me your danger learn,
And where to look for aid.

Creation