SPIRITUAL SONGS

Scarce tongue can speak, ne'er human ken The myst'ry could discover, That God, from His high throne to men Makes known the world all over: That He alone is King above All other gods whatever, Great, mighty, faithful, full of love, His saints doth aye deliver, One substance but three persons!

God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost! The name thrice holy given, On earth by all the ransom'd host, And by the hosts of heaven. [2] He's Abraham's and Isaac's God, And Jacob's whom He knoweth, The Lord of Hosts, who every good Both night and day bestoweth, Who only doeth wonders!

His Son, from all eternity Begotten hath the Father, Who came as man, when God's decree Had fix'd, His sheep to gather. The Holy Ghost eternally, While all Their glory sharing, Their honour, pow'r, and majesty, A crown all equal wearing, Proceeds from Son and Father!

Be glad, my heart! thy portion see, Thy rich unequall'd treasure, He is thy Friend, supply will He Thy needs with bounteous measure. Who made thee in His image fair Thy load of guilt removeth, Gives thee His chosen's faith to share, Thy Joy in sorrow proveth, Through His own word most holy.

Bestir thyself, with all thy heart Thy God to know endeavour: Sweet rest such knowledge will impart, Thy soul with pure love ever Will cause to glow, and nourish thee For life and joy in heaven; Things heard of only here, shall be To open sight there given, By God to His dear children.

Woe! woe! to the besotted crew In wilful blindness living, Rejecting God, the honour due To Him, to creatures giving. The time will come when close shall He 'Gainst them the door of heaven; Who God drive from them here, shall be By Him hereafter driven, From His high throne most holy!

O Prince of might! Thy mercy show, Thou God of earth and heaven, To every sinner here below May saving grace be given! [4] Bring back Thy sheep who go astray, And blinded eyes enlighten, And turn Thou every thing away That wickedly might frighten Thine own, whose faith is feeble.

Grant this, that we Thy people may All reach the heav'nly portals, And in Thy kingdom sing for aye, 'Mid all the bless'd immortals: That Thou above art King alone All other gods high over, The Father, Son, and Spirit, One, Thy people's Shield and Cover, One substance but three persons!

Why without, then, art Thou staying, Blessed of the Lord from far? Enter now, no more delaying, Let it please Thee—Thou, my Star! Thou, my Jesus, Friend indeed, Helper in the hour of need! Saviour! ease the wounds that pain me, Let Thy comforts rich sustain me.

Lord, my wounds are pain and sorrow, That the hammer of the law With its terrors, night and morrow, Causeth, filling me with awe. Oh! the dreadful thunder peals When His anger God reveals, All my blood to tingle making, And my heart's foundation shaking!

Then with wiles the great deceiver Would to me all grace deny, Saying, in the hell for ever That torments him, I must be. But I suffer sorer pangs, For with poison'd serpent fangs Doth my conscience gnawing, tearing, Stir remorse beyond all bearing.

Do I seek my woe to soften, And to lessen pain desire, With the world commingling often, Sink I quite into the mire. There is comfort that deceives, Joy that by my mischance lives, Helpers there who only grieve me, Friends who only mock and leave me.

Nothing in the world endureth, Or the soul's thirst can allay; Fleeting is the rank that lureth. Have I riches? What are they [7] Better than small dust of earth? Have I pleasure? What's it worth? What to-day my heart doth gladden, That to-morrow doth not sadden?

Comfort, joy, in boundless measure, Stor'd, Lord Jesus, are in Thee, Pastures of unfading pleasure, Where we roam and feast so free. Light of joy! illumine me Ere my heart quite broken be! Jesus, let mine eyes behold Thee; Lord, refresh me and uphold me!

Heart, rejoice, for He doth hear thee, And He visits thee again; Now thy Saviour draweth near thee, Bid Him gladsome welcome then, And prepare thee for thy guest, Enter thou into His rest, While with open heart receiving, Tell Him all that is thee grieving.

Lo! the things that seem'd to hinder How they all fall out for good. Hark! how He in accents tender Comforts thee in gracious mood. Ceas'd the dragon has to roar, Scheming, raging, now no more. His advantages forsake him, He must to th' abyss betake him.

Now thy life is calm and even, All thy heart's desire is thine; Christ Himself to thee hath given All He hath—exhaustless mine! His grace is thy fairest crown, Thou His seat art and His throne; With Himself as one He makes thee, Freely to His bosom takes thee.

God His golden-curtain'd Heaven Spreadeth to encompass thee! Lest thou shouldst away be driven By thy raging enemy. [9] Angel hosts keep watch and ward At thy side and are thy guard; Lest in journeys aught should hurt thee, By the way their arms support thee.

All the ill thou hast done ever It is now remitted quite; God's love thee doth now deliver From sin's tyrant pow'r and might. Christ the Prince hath won the day, Rise against thee what ill may, He, to purest good converting, Robbeth of the pow'r of hurting.

All for thine advantage proveth, E'en what hurtful may appear. Christ accepteth thee and loveth, And His thoughts are all sincere. Thou in turn but faithful be, Then shall certainly by thee, With the angel hosts in Heaven, Thanks and praise for aye be given.

Say with what salutations Shall I Thine advent greet? Desire of all the nations, My Joy and Succour meet! O Jesus! Jesus! lead me On by Thy blessèd light; What's Thy delight thus guide me To understand aright.

With palms doth Zion meet Thee, Spreads branches in the way; To raise my soul to greet Thee Glad psalms I'll sing to-day. My heart shall blossom ever, O'erflow with praises new, And from Thy name shall never Withhold the honour due.

What hast Thou e'er neglected For my good here below? When heart and soul dejected, Were sunk in deepest woe, [11] When from Thy presence hidden, Where peace and pleasure are, Thou camest, and hast bidden Me joy again, my Star!

In bitter bondage lying, Thou com'st and sett'st me free; 'Neath scorn and shame when sighing, Thou com'st and raisest me. Thy grace high honour gives me, Abundance doth bestow, That wastes not, nor deceives me As earthly riches do.

No other impulse led Thee To leave Thy throne above, Upon Thine errand sped Thee, But world-embracing love! A love that deeply feeleth The wants and woes of men, No tongue its fulness telleth, It passeth human ken.

In thy heart be this written, Thou much afflicted band! Who evermore art smitten With griefs on every hand. Fear not! let nothing grieve thee, For help is at thy door, He'll consolation give thee, Oil in thy wounds will pour.

No care nor effort either Is needed day and night, How thou may'st draw Him hither In thine own strength and might. He comes, He comes with gladness! O'erflows with love to thee, To chase away the sadness He knows oppresseth thee.

Sin's debt, the mighty burden Let not thy heart affright; The Lord will freely pardon, His grace will cover quite. [13] He comes! He comes! Salvation Proclaiming everywhere, Secures His chosen nation Their heritage so fair!

Thy foes why should they move thee? Their wiles and rage are vain, Thy Saviour, who doth love thee, Will scatter them again. He comes! a Conq'ror glorious, He'll scatter every band Of foes—His course victorious Too few they're to withstand.

He comes to judge each nation; Who curs'd Him, curse shall He; With grace and consolation, Who lov'd, receiv'd shall be. Oh! come, Thou Sun, and lead us To everlasting light, Up to Thy mansions guide us Of glory and delight.

Behold! behold! what wonder's here! The gloomy night turns bright and clear, A brilliant light dispels the shade, The stars before it pale and fade.

A wondrous light it is, I trow, And not the ancient sun shines now, For, contrary to nature, night Is turned by it to day so bright.

What means He to announce to us, Who nature's course can alter thus? A mighty work design'd must be When such a mighty sign we see.

To us vouchsafèd can it be The Sun of Righteousness to see, The Star from Jacob's stem so bright, The woman's Seed, the Gentiles' Light?

'Tis even so—for from the sky Heav'n's hosts with joyful tidings hie, That He is born in Bethl'hem's stall, Who Saviour is and Lord of all!

Oh blessedness! the goodly throng Of sainted fathers waited long To see this day, with hope deferr'd, As we may learn from God's own word.

Awake, ye sons of men, awake! Up! up! and now your journey take With me, let us together go To where the blessèd angels show.

Behold! there in yon gloomy stall He lies who ruleth over all; Where once their food the cattle sought, The Virgin's child for rest is brought.

Oh, child of Adam! ponder well, And stumble not at what I tell, He who appears in this low state For us is, and aye shall be great.

In mortal flesh we Him behold, Who all things made and doth uphold, The Word who was with God is He, Himself is God whom now we see.

It is God's sole-begotten Son Through whom we now approach His throne, The First and Last, the Prince of Peace, The Conqueror through whom wars cease.

The times predicted are fulfill'd, God's fiery wrath must now be still'd; His Son, made man, doth bear our load Of guilt, our peace buys with His blood.

It is a time of joy to-day, With mourning and with woe away! Woe, woe to him who us revil'd! God's seen in flesh—we're reconcil'd.

The Lord who bears our sin is here, Who'll bruise the serpent's head is near, The Death of death—the Woe of hell— The Lord of Life with us doth dwell.

All foes are put our feet beneath, For sin and Satan, hell and death, Are brought to shame and put to flight Upon this great, this wondrous night.

Oh! happy world, thrice happy they! Who on this lowly infant stay Their souls, and with believing eyes In Him their Saviour recognize.

Now praise the Lord whoe'er can praise, Who from their low estate to raise His enemies, from His high throne Sent down His lov'd, His only Son.

Up! join the angel host and cry, Now glory be to God most High; Let peace prevail the world around, Good-will to men and joy abound.

Now with joy my heart is bounding, With delight Angels bright Praises forth are sounding. Hark! hark! how the choirs of Heaven, Through the sky Raise the cry, Christ to you is given!

He who's mighty to deliver, Goes that He Earth may free From all woes for ever. God is man, man to deliver, His dear Son Now is one With our blood for ever.

God in us must now take pleasure, For He gives Whom He loves Far beyond all measure. [19] To redeem us He hath given His own Son From the throne Of His might in Heaven.

Who Himself and Kingdom ever, Giveth free, Oh! could He Drive us from Him?—never! Will not God's own Son now bless us? He who loves And removes All things that distress us!

Had our human nature ever By the Lord Been abhorr'd, He had been man never. Had our Lord delighted ever In our grief, He relief Would have brought us never.

All transgression He assumeth, That we've done 'Neath the sun, And our Lamb becometh. As our Lamb His life is given, So that we, From death free, May have peace and Heaven!

Now He's in the manger lying, Me and thee Calleth He, In sweet accents crying, “Banish, brethren, what's distressing, All your ills, All that falls, I bring times of blessing.”

Come, and let us now go thither, Let us all, Great and small. Flock in crowds together. [21] Love Him who with deep love burneth, See the light He so bright Kindly on us turneth.

Ye who sink in deepest anguish, Look ye here, Joy is near, Grieve no more, nor languish. Cleave to Him and He will bring you To the place, By His grace, Where no pain will wring you.

All ye hearts, oppress'd with sorrow, Ye who feel Sin's sore ill And conviction's arrow, Courage now! for One is living Who hath skill You to heal, All your pain relieving.

All ye poor ones and distressèd, Come—come ye Take—'tis free, Of His store so blessèd. Here do all good gifts flow over, Here is gold Stores untold! Here your hearts recover!

Gracious Saviour! deign to hear me, And let me Hang on thee, Undisturb'd stay near Thee. Of my life Thou art the Giver, I through Thee Joyfully Live contented ever.

Guilt no longer can distress me, Son of God! Thou my load Bearest to release me. [23] Stain in me Thou findest never, I am clean, All my sin Is remov'd for ever.

For Thy sake I'm clean all over, Thou dost me Graciously With fair raiment cover. To my heart's throne I will raise thee, Glory mine! Flow'r divine! Let me love and praise Thee.

Diligently I'll preserve Thee, To the skies To Thee rise, Here live for and serve Thee. With Thee I at last shall wander, Joyfully, Endlessly, And in glory yonder!

Come, and Christ the Lord be praising, Heart and mind to Him be raising, Celebrate His love amazing, Worthy folk of Christendom!

Sin, death, hell, may all be grieving, Satan shame feel to him cleaving, We salvation free receiving, Cast our every care away.

See what God for us provideth, Life that in His Son abideth, And our weary steps He guideth From earth's woe to heav'nly joy.

His soul deeply for us feeleth, He His love to us revealeth, He who in the heavens dwelleth Came to save us from our foe.

Jacob's star His advent maketh, Soothes the longing heart that acheth, And the serpent's head He breaketh, Scattering the pow'r of hell.

Op'd hath He and freedom gain'd us From the prison that contain'd us, Where much grief and sorrow pain'd us, And our hearts were bow'd with woe.

O bless'd hour when we receivèd From the foe who us deceivèd Liberty, when we believèd, And Thee, gracious Savior, prais'd.

Beauteous Infant in the manger, O befriend us! beyond danger Bring us where is turn'd God's anger, Where with angel hosts we'll praise!

Thy manger is My paradise, O Jesus Christ! Where feeds my soul delighted. There 'fore mine eyes The Word now lies, Who to our flesh In person is united.

Whom wind and sea Obey, e'en He In servant's form And place for men's appearing. God's own Son, Thou Assumest now Clay weak and mean, Such as our own, art wearing!

Thou, highest Good! Dost raise our blood Up to Thy throne, [27] High o'er all heights whatever! Pow'r endless, Thou Art brother now To us who like The grass and flowers, wither!

What harm can do Our soul's dread foe To us at all, Though full of gall his spirit? The things that he Accuseth me And others of, From Adam we inherit.

Be silent, fiend! There sits my Friend, My flesh and blood, High in the heav'ns enthronèd: What Thou dost smite The Prince of might From Jacob's stem With honours high hath ownèd.

His health and light, Heal and give sight, And heaven's Joy All earthly ill undoeth. Immanuel, Of joy the Well, The devil, hell, And all their pow'r subdueth.

Believing heart, Whoe'er thou art, Be of good cheer, Let nothing e'er depress thee; Because God's Son Makes thee God's own, God must prove true To thee, and ever bless thee.

Now think and see How gloriously, He over all [29] Distress hath thee uplifted. He who reigns o'er The angels, more Than thou art, is With blessedness not gifted.

Lo! seest thou Before thee now, Thy flesh and blood, Who air and clouds rules ever. What can there be (I ask of thee) That can arise, To fear thee to deliver?

Things oft affright Thy feeble sight And make thee sigh, Thy consolations vanish: Come hither, then, Behold again Christ's manger here, And all misgivings banish.

Though plagued with care, Yet ne'er despair! Thy Brother ne'er Thy misery disdaineth; His gracious heart Feels every smart, Nor when He sees Our woe, from tears refraineth.

To Him now go, He'll help bestow And rest, and thou Good cause shalt have for blessing. Full well He knows What burns and glows, What on the heart Of each sick one is pressing.

He therefore bore The wrath so sore Of the dread cross [31] In His flesh, shrinking never, That through His pain He might retain The memory Of our distresses ever.

The gate is He That leadeth me To present joy, And to eternal blessing. He soon doth send A happy end To all the grief On pious heart that's pressing.

The world's base pelf Leave to itself, And make thou sure, This treasure thine remaineth. It firmly keep Nor let it slip, It there a crown For soul and body gaineth!

Now at the manger here I stand, My Jesus, Life from Heaven! I stand, and bring Thee in my hand What Thou to me hast given. Take it, it is my mind and wit, Heart, soul, and all I have, take it, And deign to let it please Thee!

With Thy great love beyond compare, My soul Thou fillest ever, Thy glance so sweet, Thine image fair, My heart forgetteth never. How otherwise e'er could it be, How could I ever banish Thee, From my heart's throne, O Saviour!

Ere ever I began to be, Thou hadst for me appearèd, And as Thine own hadst chosen me Ere Thee I knew or fearèd. [33] Before I by Thy hand was made, Thou hadst the plan in order laid, How Thou Thyself shouldst give me.

I lay still in death's deepest night, Till Thou, my Sun, arising, Didst bring joy, pleasure, life, and light, My waken'd soul surprising. O Sun! who dost so graciously Faith's goodly light to dawn in me Aye cause; Thy beams how beauteous!

With rapture do I gaze on Thee, Ne'er can enough adore Thee, Pow'r more to do is not in me, I'll praise and bow before Thee. Oh! that my mind were an abyss, My soul a sea, wide, bottomless, That so I might embrace Thee.

Oh! let me kiss that mouth of Thine, My Jesus, Saviour gracious! Thy mouth that e'en the sweetest wine, And milk and honey precious, [34] In pow'r and virtue doth excel, Of comfort, strength, and sap 'tis full, And inwardly refreshes.

When oft my heart within doth cry, No comfort can discover, It calls to me, Thy friend am I, Thine ev'ry sin I cover; My flesh and bone, why mournest thou? Let thy heart be of good cheer now, Thy debt, I have discharg'd it.

Who is the Master, where is he, Who in perfection sketcheth The hands this infant dear to me Now smilingly outstretcheth? The snow is clear, and milk is white, But both lose all their value quite Before these hands so beauteous.

Oh! wisdom fails me utterly For honouring and praising The eyes this infant fixedly To mine is ever raising. [35] The fall moon, it is clear and fair, The golden stars most beauteous are, But these eyes far excel them.

Oh! that a star so passing fair Should in a crib be holden! Who mighty nobles' children are Should lie in cradles golden! Ah! hay and straw too wretched are, Silk, velvet, purple better far, Were for Thee, Child! to lie on.

Remove the straw, remove the hay, From where the child reposes, And flow'rs I'll bring that lie He may On violets and roses. With tulips, pinks, and rosemary, From goodly gardens pluck'd by me, I'll from above bestrew Him.

And snow-white lilies here and there His side shall be thrown over; When closed His eyes with slumber are, Them shall they softly cover. [36] But Thou mayest love the grass so dry, My Child! more than the things that I Have spoken or have thought of.

Not for the world's pride dost Thou care, Nor joys the flesh doth offer; In human form Thou liest there, For us to do and suffer, Seek'st joy and comfort for my soul, While waves of trouble o'er Thee roll; I never will Thee hinder.

One thing I hope Thou'lt grant to me, My Saviour! ne'er deny me, That I may evermore have Thee Within, and on, and by me. And let my heart Thy cradle be, Come, come and lie Thou down in me, With all Thy joys and treasures!

'Tis true, that I should think how poor And mean my entertaining, Than dust and ashes I'm no more, Thou mad'st, art all-sustaining, [37] Yet Thou'rt a guest belov'd and priz'd, For never yet hast Thou despis'd Him who delights to see Thee!

Immanuel! to Thee we sing, The Fount of life, of grace the Spring, Than fairest lily fairer far, Lord of all Lords, the morning Star! Hallelujah!

With all Thy people, Lord, we raise To Thee our heart-felt songs of praise, That Thou, O long-expected Guest! Hast brought us our desirèd rest. Hallelujah!

Since the Creator said—“Light be!” How many a heart hath watch'd for Thee! Of Fathers, Prophets, Saints the throng With ardent hope have waited long. Hallelujah!

Than others more, the Shepherd King Belov'd by Thee, and wont to sing Thy praise on sounding harp, inspir'd By deeper longing, Thee desir'd. Hallelujah!

Ah Zion! that thy Lord to thee Would come and set thy captives free; Ah! that our help would now arise And gladden Jacob's waiting eyes. Hallelujah!

There art Thou now, Thou ever-bless'd! There dost Thou in the manger rest; The world Thou deck'st, all things hast made— Thou'rt naked there, in weakness laid. Hallelujah!

A stranger art Thou here below, To whom the Heav'ns allegiance owe; A mother's milk dost not despise, Who art the Joy of angels' eyes. Hallelujah!

The bounds of ocean fix'd hast Thou, Who art a swaddled infant now; Thou'rt God—a bed of straw Thou hast. Thou'rt man—yet art the First and Last. Hallelujah!

Of every joy Thou art the spring, Yet sorrow oft Thy heart doth wring. The Gentiles' Light and Hope Thou art, Yet findest none to soothe Thy heart. Hallelujah!

The sweetest Friend of man Thou art, Though many hate Thee in their heart! The heart of Herod loathèd Thee, Yet what art Thou? Salvation free! Hallelujah!

Thy meanest servant, Lord! am I, I say it in sincerity; I love Thee, but not half so well As I should love,—more love I'd feel. Hallelujah!

My pow'r is weak, though will be there, But my poor heart against Thee ne'er Shall rise t' oppose,—Thou wilt receive By grace the little I can give. Hallelujah!

Thou to be weak dost not disdain, Dost choose the things the world deems vain, Art poor and needy, and dost come, By love impell'd, to want's drear home! Hallelujah!

Thou sleepest on the lap of earth, The manger where Thou at Thy birth Wast laid to rest, the hay, the stall Were mean, were miserable all. Hallelujah!

And therefore doth my courage rise, Thy servant wilt Thou not despise; The gracious mind that dwells in Thee Fills me with hope and gladdens me. Hallelujah!

Lord! though I've pass'd in sin my days, And wandered far from wisdom's ways, Yet therefore Thou to earth hast come, To bring the wand'ring sinner home. Hallelujah!

Had I no debt of sin to face, How could I ever share Thy grace? In vain for me Thine advent here, Had I no wrath of God to fear. Hallelujah!

Lord, fearlessly I come to Thee, Thou keep'st my soul from anguish free; Thou bear'st the wrath, dost death destroy, And sorrow turnest into joy. Hallelujah!

My Head Thou art, Thy member I In turn am, and Thy property; Lord, I will serve Thee while I live With all the grace Thou deign'st to give. Hallelujah!

Loud hallelujahs here I'll sing, With joy that from my heart doth spring, And when I reach yon mansions fair I will repeat them ever there. Hallelujah!

Why should they such pain e'er give Thee, Why inflict such cruel smart? Jesus, why should they so grieve Thee, Who're uncircumcis'd in heart, By this rite? Though Thou art free From the law's yoke utterly, Yet man's nature art Thou wearing, But no sin its beauty marring.

For Thyself Thou dost not bear it, Of the Cov'nant Thou art Head; 'Tis our debts that make Thee share it, That like grievous load of lead Lie upon us, and Thy heart Pierce e'en to the inmost part; These Thou bearest to deliver Us, who could have paid them never.

Let your hearts be glad, ye debtors! Let the world rejoice to-day, For the Son of God our fetters Breaks, the price begins to pay. This day is the Law fulfill'd, This day is God's anger still'd, Whom to death law did deliver, God's Son makes God's heirs for ever.

We this grace enough can never Own, nor for it grateful be; Heart and mouth, O Saviour! ever Shall exalt and honour Thee! We shall praise with all our pow'r All Thy goodness, Thee adore, While in weakness here we wander, And Thy praise re-echo yonder!

In pray'r your voices raise ye To God, and Him now praise ye, Who to our life from heaven All needed strength hath given.

The stream of years is flowing, And we are onward going, From old to new surviving, And by His mercy thriving.

In woe we often languish, And pass through times of anguish, When fearful war aboundeth, That earth itself surroundeth.

As faithful mother keepeth Guard while her infant sleepeth, And all its grief assuageth When angry tempest rageth;

So God His children shieldeth, Them full protection yieldeth; When need and woe distress them, His loving arms caress them.

In vain is all our doing, The labour we're pursuing In our hands prospers never, Unless God watcheth ever.

Our song to Thee ascendeth, Who every day defendeth Us, and whose arm averteth The pain our hearts that hurteth.

O God of mercy! hear us; Our Father! be Thou near us; 'Mid crosses and in sadness Be Thou our Spring of gladness.

To me and all be given, Who from the heart have striven To gain Thy benediction, Hearts patient in affliction.

Oh! close the gates of sorrow, And by a glorious morrow Of peace, may places sadden'd By bloodshed dire be gladden'd.

With richest blessings crown us, In all our ways, Lord! own us; Give grace, who grace bestowest To all, e'en to the lowest.

Of all forlorn be Father, All erring ones ingather, And of the poor and needy Be Thou the succour speedy.

Grace show to all afflicted, And to all souls dejected, By melancholy haunted, May happy thoughts be granted.

All earthly gifts excelling, The Holy Ghost indwelling, Give us to make us glorious, And lead to Thee victorious.

All this Thy hand bestoweth, Thou Life! whence our life floweth, Thus Thou Thy people meetest With New Year's blessing greetest.

A Lamb bears all its guilt away The world thus to deliver, All sins of sinners patiently It bears and murmurs never. It goes, and weak and sick is made An off'ring on the altar laid, All pleasure it forsaketh, Submits to shame, and scorn, and wrath, To anguish, wounds, stripes, cross, and death, This cup with gladness taketh.

This Lamb, He is the soul's great Friend And everlasting Saviour, God chooseth Him sin's reign to end And bring us to His favour. [50] “Go forth, my Son! redeem to Thee The children who're exposed by me To punishment and anger. The punishment is great, and dread The wrath, but Thou Thy blood shalt shed, And free them thus from danger.”

“I'll go where, Father! thou dost send, Bear what on me Thou layest, My will doth on Thy word depend, My work is what Thou sayest.” O mighty love! O wondrous love! Thou canst do all our thoughts above, Make God His Son deliver! O love! O love! Thy pow'r how great! Thou did'st Him e'en to death prostrate Whose glance the rocks can shiver.

Thou martyr'st Him upon the tree, With spear and nails destroying Thou slay'st Him, lamblike, ruthlessly, Till heart and veins are flowing, [51] The heart with many a long-drawn sigh, And till His veins are copiously Their noble life-blood yielding. Sweet Lamb! what shall I do for Thee For all the good Thou doest me, Thus saving me and shielding?

All my life long I'll cleave to Thee And shall forget Thee never, As always Thou embracest me I will embrace Thee ever. My heart's Light Thou shalt ever be, And when my heart shall break in me Thy heart shall fail me never. O Thou, my Glory, I to Thee Myself as Thine own property Herewith resign for ever!

I ever shall both night and day Thy loveliness be singing, An offering of joy shall aye Myself to Thee be bringing. [52] My stream of life shall still to Thee, And to Thy name, outpourèd be, In gratitude enduring. Of every good Thou doest me, My soul shall mindful strive to be, In memory securing!

Shrine of my heart! now open'd be, To thee shall now be given Fair treasures that far greater be Than earth, and sea, and heaven. Away! gold of Arabia, Myrrh, calamus, and cassia, Far better I discover! My priceless treasure is, O Thou My Jesus! what so freely now From Thy wounds floweth over!

Good use of this behoves it me At all times to be making, My shield in conflict shall it be, My joy when heart is breaking, [53] In happiness my song of joy; When all things else my taste do cloy, This manna then shall feed me, In thirst my well-spring shall it be, In solitude converse with me, And out and in shall lead me!

What can death's poison do to me? Thy blood to me life giveth, And when the sun burns fervently, With grateful shade relieveth; And when with sorrow sore oppress'd I ever find in it my rest, As sick men on their pillows. My anchor art Thou, when my skies Are clouded o'er, and tempests rise, My bark 'whelm in the billows.

And when at last heav'n's gate I see, And taste the kingdom's pleasure, This blood shall then my purple be, I'll clothe me in this treasure; [54] It shall be then my glorious crown, In which I'll stand before the throne Of God, with none to blame me; And as a bride in fair array, I'll stand beside my Lord that day, Who woo'd, and then will claim me.

See, world! thy Life assailèd; On the accurs'd tree nailèd, Thy Saviour sinks in death! The mighty Prince from Heaven Himself hath freely given To shame, and blows, and cruel wrath!

Come hither now and ponder, 'Twill fill thy soul with wonder, Blood streams from every pore. Through grief whose depth none knoweth, From His great heart there floweth Sigh after sigh of anguish o'er!

Who is it that afflicts Thee? My Saviour, what dejects Thee, And causeth all Thy woe? Sin Thou committed'st never, As we and our seed ever, Of deeds of evil nought dost know.

I many times transgressing, In number far surpassing The sand upon the coast, I thus the cause have given, That Thou with grief art riven, And the afflicted martyr host.

I've done it, and deliver Me hand and foot for ever Thou justly might'st to hell. The mock'ry to Thee offer'd, The scourging Thou hast suffer'd, My soul it was deserv'd it well.

The load Thou takest on Thee, That press'd so sorely on me, [56] Than stone more heavily. A curse, Lord, Thou becamest, Thus blessings for me claimest, Thy pain must all my comfort be.

Not death itself Thou fearest, As surety Thou appearest For all my debts and me. For me Thy brow is crownèd With thorns, and Thou'rt disownèd By men, and bear'st all patiently.

Into death's jaws Thou springest, Deliv'rance to me bringest From such a monster dire. My death away Thou takest, Thy grave its grave Thou makest; Of love, O unexampled fire!

I'm bound, my Saviour, ever, By ties most sacred never Thy service to forsake; With soul and body ever, With all my pow'rs t' endeavour, In praise and service joy to take.

Not much can I be giving In this poor life I'm living, But one thing do I say: Thy death and sorrows ever, Till soul from body sever, My heart remember shall for aye.

Before mine eyes I'll place them, And joyfully embrace them, Wherever I may be, They'll be a glass revealing Pure innocence, and sealing Love and unfeign'd sincerity.

Of sin how great the danger, How it excites God's anger, How doth His vengeance burn How sternly He chastiseth, How His wrath's flood ariseth, Shall I from all Thy suff'rings learn.

From them shall I be learning, How I may be adorning, [58] My heart with quietness, And how I still should love them Whose malice aye doth move them To grieve me by their wickedness.

When tongues of bad men grieve me, Of peace and name deprive me, My restive heart I'll still; Their evil deeds enduring, Of pardon free assuring My neighbour for his ev'ry ill.

I'll on the cross unite me To Thee, what doth delight me I'll there renounce for aye. Whate'er Thy Spirit's grieving, There I'll for aye be leaving, As much as in my strength doth lay.

Thy groaning and Thy sighing, Thy thousand tears and crying, That once were heard from Thee, They'll lead me to Thy glory, Where I shall joy before Thee, And evermore at rest shall be!

Oh! bleeding head, and wounded, And full of pain and scorn, In mockery surrounded With cruel crown of thorn! Oh Head! before adornèd With grace and majesty, Insulted now and scornèd, All hail I bid to Thee!

They spit upon and jeer Thee, Thou noble countenance! Though mighty worlds shall fear Thee, And flee before Thy glance. How hath Thy colour faded, The light too of Thine eye! Say who to pale hath made it? None shone so brilliantly.

Now from Thy cheeks is vanish'd Their colour once so fair; From Thy red lips is banish'd The splendour that was there. [60] Death's might hath all things taken, Hath robb'd Thee ruthlessly; Thy frame, of strength forsaken, Doth hence in weakness lie.

O Lord! it was my burden That brought this woe on Thee, I earn'd it—for my pardon It has been borne by Thee. A child of wrath, look on me, Turn not away Thy face; O Saviour! deign to own me, And smile on me in grace.

My Guardian, now confess me, My Shepherd, me receive! Thou evermore dost bless me, All good things dost Thou give. Thy mouth hath often given Me milk and sweetest food. And many a taste of Heaven Thy Spirit hath bestow'd.

Oh! do not, Lord, deride me, I will not hence depart, Here will I stand beside Thee, When breaks Thine anguish'd heart; When on Thy breast is sinking In death's last fatal grasp Thy head, e'en then unshrinking Thee in mine arms I'll clasp.

Nought ever so much blesses, So much rejoices me, As when in Thy distresses I share a part with Thee. My Life, ah! were it ever Vouchsaf'd me on Thy cross My soul up to deliver, How blessèd were my loss!

Thanks from my heart I offer Thee, Jesus, dearest Friend, For all that Thou didst suffer, My good didst Thou intend. [62] Ah! grant that I may ever To Thy truth faithful be, And in the last death-shiver May I be found in Thee.

When hence I must betake me, And death at last must meet, Lord, do not then forsake me, Thy child with welcome greet. When terror has bereft me, Of heart and hope, again, Lord! from my woe uplift me, In virtue of Thy pain.

Be Thou my consolation When death o'ertaketh me; May Thy death-tribulation Before mine eyes then be! I'll on Thee, fondly gazing, Fix my believing eyes, While firmly Thee embracing,— He dies well who so dies.

My heart! the seven words hear now That Jesus Christ hath spoken, When on the cross His heart through woe And murder dire was broken; Ope now the shrine, And lock them in, As gifts all price excelling. In bitter grief, They'll give relief, 'Neath crosses joy instilling.

His first and chiefest care He made Who hated Him to cover: God for the wicked men He pray'd, That He'd their sin look over. “Forgive, forgive,” He said in love, “Them every one, O Father! Not one doth see What doeth he, In ignorance 'tis rather!”

How fair it is, let all learn here, To love their foes who grieve them, And all their faults with hearts sincere Aye freely to forgive them. He also shows, How grace o'erflows His heart, how kind His mood is, That e'en his foe, Who'd work Him woe, Doth in Him find what good is!

Then to His mother doth He speak, Who stood near him He loveth, And as He can, though voice be weak, With words of comfort sootheth: “Woman! there see Thy son, for me Thou shalt by him be guarded. Disciple! see, Let her by thee As mother be regarded.”

O faithful heart! thou car'st for all Thine own who truly love Thee, When they in tribulation fall Thou seest, the sight doth move Thee; A friend in need, In word and deed, Thou at their side appearest, Dost by Thy grace Find them a place, Them to good souls endearest.

The third thing that Thy lips have said Thou spak'st to him beside Thee, When, “Think upon me then,” he pray'd, “When God Himself shall guide Thee Up to Thy throne, Thy head shall crown As Lord of earth and heaven:” “To walk with Me To-day shall thee In Paradise be given.”

O blessèd word! O voice of joy! Can aught affright us?—never! Let death who seeketh to destroy, Now disappear for ever! Though he rage sore, What can he more Than soul and body sever? And meanwhile I Mount up on high, In joy to dwell for ever.

Christ's word gives deepest peace and joy, The robber's trouble stilleth; But He cries from the agony His holy breast that filleth, “Eli, my God, What heavy load Am I, Thy Son, now bearing? I call, and Thou Art silent now, Though I sink, seem'st not caring.”

This lesson learn, thou child of faith, When God His count'nance veileth, Lest thou be cast down in the path When trouble thee assaileth: Firm to Him cleave, Though He may leave, He'll comfort soon, and cheer thee; True do thou be, Cry mightily, Until He turn and hear thee.

The Lord His voice now clear doth raise Through thirst that paineth sorely; “I thirst,” the Spring eternal says, The Lord of life and glory. What meaneth He? He showeth thee How He thy load sinks under, That thou did'st pile For Him, the while In sin's ways thou did'st wander.

Thereby He also telleth thee How much He longs that ever His cross in each may fruitful be, Fail of its end may never. Mark this all ye, Now carefully, Who're in soul tribulation: Th' eternal Sun Refuseth none The soul's part and salvation.

And as the gloomy night of death Upon the Lord descended, “'Tis finish'd,” He with dying breath Said, “now my work is ended; What was foretold In days of old, By seers who went before me, Doth now betide; I'm crucified, And men now triumph o'er me.”

“'Tis finish'd!”—why then toilest thou? In vain thy labour ever! As if aught human strength can do, Could e'er from guilt deliver! 'Tis done! beware, And never dare To add aught to it ever; Do thou believe, In faith aye cleave To Him, forsake Him never.

His voice at length the Lord doth raise, High over all 'tis swelling: “My spirit, Father! to the place Take where Thou'rt ever dwelling, My soul receive, That now doth leave This body sorely riven.” And at the word, To the great Lord Release from pain was given.

Oh! would to God, that I might end My life as His was ended, My spirit unto God commend As His was then commended. O Christ, my Lord! May Thy last word The last be by me spoken; So happily I'll go to Thee, When life's last thread is broken.

Up! up! my heart with gladness, See what to-day is done! How after gloom and sadness Comes forth the glorious Sun! My Saviour there was laid Where our bed must be made, When to the realms of light Our spirit wings its flight.

They in the grave did sink Him, The foe held jubilee; Before he can bethink him, Lo! Christ again is free. And victory He cries, And waving tow'rds the skies His banner, while the field Is by the Hero held!

Upon the grave is standing The Hero looking round; The foe, no more withstanding, His weapons on the ground Throws down, his hellish pow'r To Christ must he give o'er, And to the Victor's bands Must yield his feet and hands.

A sight it is to gladden And fill the heart with glee, No more affright or sadden Shall aught, or take from me My trust or fortitude, Or any precious good The Saviour bought for me In sov'reign love and free.

Hell and its bands can never Hurt e'en a single hair, Sin can I mock at ever, Safe am I everywhere. [73] The mighty pow'r of death Is my regard beneath; It is a pow'rless form, Howe'er it rage and storm.

The world my laughter ever Moves, though it rage amain, It rages, but can never Do ill, its work is vain. No trouble troubles me, My heart from care is free, Misfortune is my prize, The night my fair sunrise.

I cleave, and cleave shall ever, To Christ, a member true, Shall part from my Head never, Whate'er He passes through; He treads the world beneath His feet, and conquers death And hell, and breaks sin's thrall; I'm with Him through it all.

To halls of heav'nly splendour With Him I penetrate; And trouble ne'er may hinder Nor make me hesitate. What will, may angry be, My Head accepteth me, My Saviour is my Shield, By Him all rage is still'd.

He to the gates me leadeth Of yon fair realms of light, Whereon the pilgrim readeth, In golden letters bright: “Who's there despised with me, Here with me crown'd shall be; Who there with me shall die, Here's raised with me on high!”

Be joyful all, both far and near, Who lost were and dejected: To-day the Lord of glory here, Whom God Himself elected As our Redeemer, who His blood Upon the cross shed for our good, Hath from the grave arisen.

How well succeeded hath thy might, Thou foe of life so ruthless! To kill the Lord of life and light; Thine arrow through Him scathless Hath pass'd, thou base injurious foe! Thou thought'st when thou hadst laid Him low, He'd lie in dust for ever.

No, no! on high His head is borne, His mighty pow'r asunder Thy gates hath burst, thy bands hath torn, Thyself hath trodden under [76] His feet; who doth in Him confide Thy pow'r and claims may now deride And say, “Thy sting, where is it?”

Thy pow'r is gone, 'tis broken quite, And it can hurt him never Who to this Prince with all his might With heart and soul cleaves ever, Who speaks with joy, “I live, and ye Shall also live for aye with me, For I this life have purchas'd.

“The reign and pow'r of death are o'er, He never need affright you; I am his Lord, the Prince of pow'r, And this may well delight you; And as your risen Head I live: So ye, if ye on me believe, Shall be my members ever.

“Of hell have I the overthrow Accomplish'd, none now needeth To fear the pains of endless woe, Who Me and My word heedeth; [77] He's freed from Satan's grievous yoke, Whose head I bruis'd, whose might I broke, And he can never harm him.”

Now prais'd be God, who vict'ry hath To us through Jesus given, Who peace for war, and life for death, With entrance into heaven, Hath purchas'd, who death, sin, and woe, World, devil, what our overthrow Would seek, for aye hath vanquish'd.

O Father! send Thy Spirit down, Whom we are bidden by Thy Son To seek, from Thy high heaven; We ask as He taught us to pray, And let us ne'er unheard away From 'fore Thy throne be driven.

No mortal man upon the earth Is of this gift so noble worth, No merit we've to gain it; Here only grace availeth aught, That Jesus Christ for us hath bought, His tears and death obtain it.

O Father! much it grieves Thy mind Us in such woful plight to find, As Adam's fall hath brought us; The evil spirit's pow'r, this fall Hath brought on him, and on us all, But Christ to save hath sought us.

To our salvation, Lord, we cleave, That we are Thine in Christ believe, From Him nought shall us sever; And through His death and precious blood, Our mansions fair, and highest good, We look for, doubting never.

This is a work of grace indeed, The Holy Spirit's strength we need, Our pow'r is unavailing; Our faith and our sincerity Would soon, O Lord! in ashes lie, Were not Thy help unfailing.

Of faith Thy Spirit keeps the light, Though all the world against us fight, And storm with every weapon. Although the prince of this world too, May take the field to lay us low, No ill through him can happen.

The Spirit's is the winning side, And where He helps, the battle's tide [80] Assuredly abateth. What's Satan's might and majesty? It falleth when His standard high The Spirit elevateth.

The chains of hell He rends in twain, Consoles and frees the heart again From everything that grieveth; And when misfortunes o'er us low'r He shields us better in their hour, Than ever heart conceiveth.

The bitter cross He maketh sweet, In gloom His light our eyes doth greet, Care of His sheep He taketh, Holds over us the shield, and when Night falls upon His flock, He then To rest in peace us maketh.

The Spirit God gives from above Directeth all who truly love In ways of safety ever; He guides our goings every day, From paths of bliss to turn away Our feet permits us never.

He maketh fit, and furnishes With needed gifts for service those Who here God's house are rearing, Adorns their minds and mouths and hearts, And light to them for us imparts, What's dark to us thus clearing.

Our hearts He opens secretly When they His word so faithfully As precious seed are sowing; He giveth pow'r to it, where'er It takes root, tending it with care, And waters it when growing.

He teacheth us the fear of God, Loves purity, makes His abode The soul that sin refuseth; Who contrite are, virtue revere, Repent, and turn to Him in fear And love, He ever chooseth.

He's true, and true doth aye abide, In death's dark hour He's at our side, [82] When all from us recedeth; He sootheth our last agony, Up to the halls of bliss on high In joy and trust He leadeth.

Oh! happy are the souls and bless'd, Who while on earth permit this Guest To make in them His dwelling; Who now receive Him joyfully, He'll take up to God's house on high, Their souls with rapture filling.

Now, Father, who all good dost give, Our pray'r hear, may we all receive From Thee this priceless blessing; Thy Spirit give, that here He may Rule us, and there in endless day Our souls be aye refreshing.

Let not such a thought e'er pain thee, As that thou art cast away, But within God's word restrain thee, That far otherwise doth say. E'en though thou unrighteous art, True and faithful is God's heart. Hast thou death deserv'd for ever? God's appeas'd, despond thou never!

Thou art, as is every other, Tainted by the poison, sin, That the serpent, and our father, Adam, by the fall brought in. But if thou God's voice dost hear, “Turn to me, do good,” ne'er fear, Be of good cheer, He thy yearning Will regard, thy pray'r ne'er spurning.

He is not a bear nor lion Thirsting only for thy blood, Faithful is thy God in Zion, Gentle ever is His mood. God aye as a Father feels, He's afflicted by our ills, Our misfortune sorrow gives Him, And our dying ever grieves Him.

“Truly,” saith He, “as I'm living, I the death of none desire, But that men themselves upgiving, May be rescu'd from sin's mire.” When a prodigal returns, God's heart then with rapture burns, Wills that not the least one even Ever from His flock be driven.

Shepherd was so faithful never, Seeking sheep that go astray; Couldest thou God's heart see ever, How He cares for them alway, [85] How it thirsts and sighs and burns After him who from Him turns, From His people's midst doth wander, Love would make thee weep and ponder.

God the good not only loveth Who in His house ever dwell, But His heart compassion moveth Tow'rds those whom the prince of hell Hath enslav'd, the cruel foe Who men's hearts with hate to glow Makes 'gainst Him, who when He ever Moves His foot, can make earth quiver.

Deep His love is and enduring, His desire is ever great, He is calling and alluring Us to enter heav'n's wide gate. When they come, whoe'er they be, Seeking now that liberty From the devil's fangs be given, Glad are all the hosts of heaven.

God and all on high who're dwelling, 'Fore whom heav'n must hush its voice, When their Maker's praise forth-telling, O'er our penitence rejoice; But what has been done amiss Cover'd now and buried is, All offence to Him we've given, All, yea all, is now forgiven.

From no lake so much is gushing, No depth is so deep at all, With such force no stream is rushing, All compar'd with God is small; Nought is like His grace so great, That remits our mighty debt, That He ever throweth over All our lives e'en as a cover.

Soul, why art thou sad and dreary? Rest now and contented be! Why wilt thou thyself so weary When there is no need for thee? [87] Though thy sins appear to thee Like a vast and shoreless sea, If thou with God's heart compare them, 'Twill a trifle seem to bear them.

Could we myriad worlds discover All sunk in apostacy, Had the sins there o'er and over Every one been done by thee, Oh! still they were less by far Than the light of grace so clear Could on earth extinguish ever, God from greater could deliver.

Of such wondrous love and favour Open wide the door to me; Ey'rywhere and aye, my Saviour, Tasted be Thy grace by me. Love me, Lord! and let me be Nearer ever drawn to Thee, That I may embrace and love Thee, Never more to anger move Thee!

For Thee, Lord, pants my longing heart, My hope and confidence Thou art; My hope can never shaken be, Nor e'er be put to shame by Thee.

Whoe'er he be that scorns Thy name, And turns from Thee, shall come to shame; But he who ever lives to Thee, And loves Thee, shall untroubled be.

Accept my soul, O Lord! by grace, And keep me right in all my ways, And let Thy truth illumine me Along the path that leads to Thee.

Thou art my only light below, No other helper here I know; I wait on Thee both night and day, Why dost Thou, then, O Lord, delay?

Ah, Lord! now turn Thine eyes away From paths where I have gone astray; Of my ill ways what thinkest Thou, That I've pursued from youth till now?

Remember, Thou my Guardian Lord! Thy loving-kindness and sweet word, Whereby Thou giv'st them comfort sweet Who lay themselves low at Thy feet.

Who prove themselves, and sin confess, The Lord in mercy rich will bless; Who keep His testimonies all, The Lord will hold them when they fall.

The heart that with the Lord is right In grief He'll gladden with His light, When sunk in need, weigh'd down by loss, Shall triumph e'en beneath the cross.

Ah! Lord, full well thou knowest me, My spirit lives and moves in Thee; Thou seest how my bleeding heart Longs for the help Thou canst impart.

The griefs that now my heart oppress, The griefs my heavy sighs express Are great and sore, but Thou art He To whom nought e'er too great can be.

To Thee I therefore raise mine eyes, To Thee mine ardent longings rise— Ah! let Thine eye now rest on me As Thou wast wont, Lord, graciously.

And when I need supporting grace, Turn not away from me Thy face; May what Thou deignest to impart Of my desires be counterpart.

The world is false, it acts a part, Thou art my Friend, sincere in heart; Man's smile is only on his mouth, Thou lovest us in deed and truth.

Foil Thou the foe, his nets all tear, And baffle every wile and snare; When all with me once more is well, May gratitude my bosom swell.

Still may I in Thy fear abide, And go right on nor turn aside; Give single aim that honours Thee, Smarts rather than a burden be.

Rule, Lord, and bring me unto Thee, And other saints along with me; Remove whate'er of ill dost find, Renew and cleanse each heart and mind.

Wash Thou away each sinful stain, Deliver from all grief and pain, And lead us soon by heav'nly grace To realms of endless joy and peace.

Lord, lend a gracious ear To my desire sincere, From heart all free from guile, And glad me with Thy smile, Accept my petition.

Not wealth is my request, That on the earth doth rest, That shall at length decay, With earth must pass away, And can never save us.

The treasure I desire Is Thine own grace, O Sire! The grace that Thy dear Son, Of saving grace the throne, By His death hath purchas'd.

Thou pure and righteous art, Unholy is my heart, All dead in sin I live, But sin dost Thou forgive, Who art God most faithful.

And be Thy faithfulness My trust and happiness; Turn from my sin Thy face With overflowing grace My guiltiness cover.

Consider what we be— A moment, where are we? As brittle as frail glass, As fading as the grass, By a breath we're swept off.

If Thou wilt only view The evil that we do, So great our load of sin, None e'er could stand within Heaven's gate most holy.

How Jesus Christ for me Himself hath giv'n, see! What I to do have fail'd His power hath avail'd, His doing and dying.

Thou lov'st remorse and smart, Behold, here is a heart That knows and feels its sin, And burns like fire within With grief, pain, and sorrow.

I'm like a thirsty land From which Thy gracious hand Hath long withheld the rain, Until we seek in vain For strength, fruit, or moisture.

Like hart upon the heath, That cries with gasping breath For water fresh and clear, I call into Thine ear, Fount of living water!

My spirit, Lord, revive, Rich consolation give; Speak, that my soul may rest Upon the friendly breast Of Thy love eternal.

Give me a trustful mood, That when the mighty flood Of sin o'erwhelmeth me, My grief absorb'd may be In Thy mercy's ocean.

Drive off the wicked foe That seeks my overthrow; Thou art my Shepherd, I Will be eternally A sheep of Thy pasture.

As long as I shall dwell On earth, to do Thy will I give myself to Thee, And evermore shall be Thine own faithful servant.

Though feeble, I shall be Still grateful unto Thee, For in Thy might alone, That worketh in Thine own, All my power standeth.

Then send Thy Spirit down, Who points out to Thine own The way that pleaseth Thee; They never mov'd shall be, Who keep Him indwelling.

Thou shalt go on before, Shalt open me the door That leads to wisdom's way, I'll follow every day, Copying Thee ever.

And when at length 'tis giv'n To tread the courts of heav'n, With angel hosts to Thee I'll sing eternally To Thy praise and glory.

O God! from Thee doth wisdom flow, All I can do Thou well dost know; If Thine own grace doth not sustain, Then all my labour is in vain.

As shapen in iniquity, No good by nature can I see; My heart can never serve Thee right, In folly it is sunken quite.

Yea, Saviour! I'm too mean and small To treat Thy law and claims at all; What for my neighbour's good may be, Is hid from and unknown to me,

My life is very short and weak, A thread, a passing wind may break; The splendour that the world doth prize Is vain and worthless in mine eyes.

If earth with all its gifts would dow'r, And give me honour, fame, and pow'r, And did I not enjoy Thy light, Then were I nought, 'twere deepest night.

What use, though much we've learnèd here, If first we do not learn Thy fear, And ne'er to serve Thee right attain? It is more loss to us than gain.

The knowledge men themselves attain May easily mislead again; And when our art hath done its best, On all sides obstacles arrest.

How many ruin now the soul Through craft, as did Ahithophel, And come, through ignorance of Thee, And through their wit, to misery.

O God, my Father! lend an ear, My supplication deign to hear; Far from me may such folly be; A better mind, Lord! give to me.

Give me the Wisdom from above Thou giv'st to all who truly love, The wisdom that before Thy throne For ever shineth in their crown.

I love her lovely face so bright, She is my joy and heart's delight, The fairest is that holdeth me, Mine eyes she pleaseth wondrously.

She's noble, and of rarest worth, From Thee, Most High! derives her birth; She's like the Monarch of the day, Rich gifts and virtues her array.

Her words are sweet and comfort well, When grief our eyes with tears doth fill; When 'neath affliction's rod we smart, 'Tis she revives the drooping heart.

She's full of grace and majesty, Preserves us from mortality; Who earnestly to get her strives, E'en when he's dying, still he lives.

She's the Creator's counsellor, In deeds and words excels in pow'r; Through her the blind world knows and sees What God in heav'n above decrees.

What mortal knows His Maker's mind? Who is he that could ever find The counsel out God hath decreed, The way wherein He'd have us tread?

The soul upon the earth doth live, Its heavy burdens sorely grieve, The faculties distracted be, From error here are not set free.

What God doth who can e'er explore, And say what He rejoiceth o'er? Unless Thou who dost ever live Dost Thine own wisdom to us give.

Then send her from Thy heav'nly throne, And give her to Thine handmaid's son; Her bountifully, Lord! impart To the poor dwelling of my heart.

Command her to abide with me, And my companion aye to be; Whene'er I labour, may she e'er Me help my heavy load to bear.

May I be taught by her wise hand To know and rightly understand That I to Thee alone may cleave, According to Thy will may live.

And give to me ability, To truth may I still open be, That sour of sweet I never make, Nor darkness for the light may take.

To Thy word give desire and love, And true to duty may I prove; To pious souls join'd may I be, Take counsel with them constantly.

And may I gladly every man, By deed and counsel when I can, To guide and succour ready be, In truth and in sincerity.

So that in ev'rything I do, In Thy love I may ever grow; For who to wisdom doth not give Himself, unlov'd by Thee must live.

My God! my works and all I do, Rest only on Thy will, I know, Thy blessing prospers ever, When Thou dost guide, we persevere In right ways, erring never.

It standeth not in human might That man's devices issue right, His way with gladness endeth: God's counsel only prospers sure, 'Tis He success who sendeth.

Man often thinks in haughty mood That this or that is for his good, Yet widely he mistaketh; He often thinketh that is ill Whereof the Lord choice maketh.

But wise men e'en who joyfully Begin a good work, frequently Reach no good termination; They build a castle firm and strong, But sand is the foundation.

How many in their fancy stray High over mountain peaks away, Ere they bethink them ever; Down to the ground they fall, and vain Has been their strong endeavour.

Dear Father! therefore, who the crown And sceptre bear'st on Heav'n's throne, Who from the clouds dost lighten, Regard my words, and hear my cry, From Thy seat my soul brighten!

Vouchsafe to me the noble light That from Thy countenance so bright On pious souls aye breaketh, And where the pow'r of wisdom true Through Thine own pow'r awaketh.

Give understanding from on high, That I henceforward may rely Upon mine own will never. Be Thou my counsel, that I may Fulfil the good, Lord! ever.

Prove all things well, whate'er is good Give to me, but what flesh and blood Doth choose, withhold it ever. The highest good, the fairest part, Thy glory is and favour.

Sun of my soul! my chief delight! Whate'er is pleasing in Thy sight, Oh! may I choose and do it; And what's displeasing unto Thee, May I, O Lord! eschew it.

Is it from Thee? my work then bless; Is it of man? withhold success, And change what I'm resolving. Dost Thou not work? 'twill come to nought, In failure soon involving.

But should Thine and our enemy Begin to rage revengefully Against the good Thou'rt meaning, My comfort is, Thou canst avert His wrath, me ever screening.

Draw near, and let it easy be, What seems impossible to me, A happy issue give it; What Thou Thyself didst undertake, Thy wisdom did conceive it.

Though hard at first the work may be, And I may through the deepest sea Of bitter grief be passing, Oh! may I only driven be To sighs and pray'r unceasing.

Whoever prays and trusteth Thee, With valiant heart shall victor be O'er all that frightens ever, In thousand pieces speedily Grief's heavy stone shall shiver.

The way to good is almost wild, With thorns and hedges is it fill'd; Along this way who goeth He by the Spirit's grace at last What heav'nly joy is knoweth.

I am Thy child, my Father Thou! Thou hast abundance to bestow, Nought can I find within me; Help, that I may maintain my ground, As victor home, Lord! bring me.

Thine be the glory and the pow'r! Thy mighty works I'll more and more From heart with rapture swelling, Before Thy folk and all the world, All my life long be telling.

Twofold, Father! is my pray'r, Twofold the desire I there Lay before Thee, who dost give What's good for us to receive; Grant the pray'r that Thou dost know, Ere my soul to Thee must go From the body's bands below.

Grant that far from me may be Lying and idolatry; Poverty immoderate Give me not, nor riches great; Too great wealth or poverty Is not good, for either may 'Neath the devil's pow'r us lay.

Give to me, my Saviour! give Modest portion while I live; Evermore supply my need, Giving me my daily bread; Little, with contented mood, And a conscience pure and good, Is the best can be bestow'd.

If my cup should overflow, Proud in spirit I might grow, Thee deny with scornful word, Asking who is God and Lord? For the heart with pride doth swell, Often knows not when 'tis well, How itself enough t' extol.

Should I bare and naked be, Sunk in too deep poverty, Faithless, I might wickedly Steal my neighbour's property; Force might use and artifice, Follow lawless practices, Never ask what Christian is.

God! my Treasure and my Light, Neither course for me were right, Either would dishonour Thee, Sink me into hell's dark sea; Therefore, give, Lord! graciously, What Thy heart designs for me, Moderate my portion be!

Creator, Father, Prince of might! Who life to me art giving, Unless Thou guid'st my life aright In vain here am I living. For while I'm living, I am dead, To sin devoted ever; Whose life in mire of sin is led, The true life he hath never Beheld one moment even.

Then turn on Thy poor child Thy face, In darkness do not leave me; That I may shun sin and disgrace, Good counsel ever give me! To keep my lips a guard, Lord, send, May no word ever leave them That e'er Thy people could offend Let nought I say e'er grieve them, Nor ever Thee dishonour!

Forbid, Father! that mine ear Upon this earth so evil, Against Thy name and pow'r should hear The wicked rage and cavil. Let not the poison and the gall Of slanderers defile me; If I such filth should touch at all It surely would beguile me, Might e'en quite overthrow me.

Lord, keep mine eyes, control their glance, May they work evil never; A bold and shameless countenance Keep Thou far from me ever! What's honest, keeps due boundaries, What angels seek in heaven, What is well-pleasing in Thine eyes, For it by me be striven, All luxury disdaining.

Oh! may I ne'er delighted be By revelling and eating; Be what Thou lov'st belov'd by me, Though others shun it, hating. [111] The lusts wherein the flesh doth roll, To hell will draw us ever; The joys the world doth love, the soul And spirit will deliver To torment everlasting.

Oh! happy he who eats heav'n's bread, And heav'nly water drinketh, Who tastes nought else, nought else doth heed, Nought else desires, and thinketh Of that alone which strength can bring, The life we'll live for ever With God, and with the hosts who sing His praise, in joy that never Shall know an interruption.

Jesus! Thou, my dearest Brother, Who dost well to me intend, Thou mine Anchor, Mast, and Rudder, And my truest Bosom-Friend. To Thee, ere was earth or heaven, Had the race of man been given; Thou, e'en me, poor guest of earth, Chosen hadst before my birth.

Thou art free from guile, Lord! ever Innocent of all that's base; But on this sad earth whenever I in meditation gaze, There I find deception living; Who excelleth in deceiving, Who the best dissemble can, He's the best and wisest man.

Hollow and unfaithful ever Is the friendship of the earth; Seemeth she a man to favour? 'Tis but for the gold he's worth; [113] Are we prosp'rous, do we flourish? She will smile on us, and nourish; Doth misfortune o'er us low'r? She forsakes us in that hour.

Drive away from me, and shield me From such instability; If I, Father, have defil'd me (For I also human be) With this mire, and did I ever Falsehood love, oh! now deliver. All my guilt I own to Thee, Patience give, and grace to me!

May I ne'er be overtaken By the evils Thou hast said Come on those who've truth forsaken, And with wares deceptive trade; For Thou sayest Thou disownest, As abomination shunnest, Ev'ry hypocrite's false mood, Who talks, but doth not the good.

May my heart be constant ever, Faithful still to every friend; When to grief Thou dost deliver Them, and 'neath the cross they bend, May I even then ne'er shun them, But like unto Thee, Lord, own them, Who, when we were poor and bare, Tended'st us with fondest care.

After Thy will, Saviour, give me One in whom I may confide, Who will faithful counsel give me When my heart is sorely tried; To whom I may freely utter All I feel, with nought to fetter, In the measure I may need, 'Till my heart from care is freed.

Oh! let David's bliss betide me, Give to me a Jonathan Who will come and stand beside me Like a rock, though every man [115] From my company should sever, Who his heart will give me ever, Who'll stand firm in every hour, When sun shines or tempests low'r.

Out of all the men who're living, Choose me a believing friend, Who to Thee is firmly cleaving, On Thine arm doth aye depend; Who may by Thy will relieve me, Help and comfort ever give me, Help, from sympathizing heart, Comfort, when I feel grief's smart.

When 'tis only the mouth loveth, Then the love is ill bestow'd; Whose love but to good words moveth While he keeps a hateful mood, Whom self-interest rules ever, Who when honey falls, stays never, But escapeth speedily,— Ever far be such from me!

In my weakness and my sinning, Move my friend to speak to me, By his words of kindness winning, Never as an enemy. Who reproves in love and sadness Is like him, in days of gladness, Who pours balsam over me That by Jordan floweth free.

Riches great were I possessing, Priceless were my property; Jesus! did Thy hand such blessing Graciously bestow on me, Were such friend, Lord! ever near me, By His constancy to cheer me; Who doth honour Thee, and fear He hath such a treasure near.

Good friends like to staves are ever, Whereon men lean as they go, That the weak one can deliver, When he slides and lieth low: [117] Sad his case who such ne'er knoweth, Who through life all friendless goeth, Weary is his lonely way, When he falls, to help who stay?

Gracious Saviour! let it please Thee, Be my Friend in every hour, Be my Friend, till death release me, Be my faithful Staff of pow'r! When Thou to Thyself wilt bind me, Then a heart Thou soon wilt find me, By Thy Holy Spirit fir'd With good thoughts to me inspir'd.

O God, my Father! thanks to Thee I bring with deep humility, That Thou Thine anger endest, And that Thy Son, Our Joy and Crown, Into the world Thou sendest.

He hath appear'd, His precious blood Hath pourèd forth in such a flood, That all our sins it washes. Who to Him cleaves, He soon relieves Of burdens, and refreshes.

I come, Lord! as the best I may, Take me into the band, I pray, Of those who are forgiven, Who through this blood Are just and good, And shall be bless'd in heaven.

Oh! let mine eye and hand of faith This noble pledge keep without scath, Away from me ne'er casting; And let this light Lead me aright, To the light everlasting.

The mansion of my soul prepare, Cast out whate'er is evil there, [119] And build in me Thy dwelling: Thy grace so free Reveal to me, My soul with Thy love filling.

All things are mine when I have Thee, Thou void of gifts canst never be; A thousand ways Thou knowest On earth to keep Thy feeble sheep; Enough Thou aye bestowest.

Grant that I in my station here Thee in Thy word may ever fear, So guide what things concern me, That found in me True faith may be, And may with truth adorn me.

And give me a contented mind, For when with godliness combin'd, Great gain thence ever floweth. Then what of good It pleaseth God To give, great peace bestoweth.

The little that by God's great grace The righteous as his portion has, To honour more commendeth, Than all the gold The world doth hold, And with proud spirit spendeth.

The faithful, Lord, to Thee are known, Thou art their Joy, and they Thine own, To shame thou putt'st them never; Comes scarcity, Their bread from Thee They find in all lands ever.

God loveth him who fears and cleaves To Him, sees that no mischance grieves, In his ways joyeth ever; And if he slide, God doth abide, Doth bless him and deliver.

God's eye is upon all who wait And hope in Him both soon and late, [121] In all need to deliver, E'en in the hour When to devour Death threatens them for ever.

Lord, Thou canst only gracious be, Thou givest all to know and see Thy goodness and Thy favour, Who with their mouth And heart in truth Own Thee their only Saviour.

Make Her^[9] Thy care especially, Whom Thou as monarch hast rais'd high This land and nation over; With rest and peace The land, Lord! bless, The throne with blessings cover.

Preserve, Lord! our dear native land In Thine embrace and mighty hand; [122] Protect us all together From error's voice, From enemies, From fire and plague deliver.

All whom I love, keep every day, Let all the hosts of hell away From young and old be driven! Here, may we be In time by Thee Preserv'd, and there in heaven!

O Jesus Christ! my fairest Light, Who in Thy soul dost love me, I ne'er can tell it, nor its height Mete, 'tis so high above me, Grant that my heart may warm to Thee, With ardent love ne'er ceasing, Thee embracing, And as Thy property, Cleave to Thee, ever gazing.

Grant that an idol in me may Dwell e'en a moment never, Grant me to make Thy love, I pray, My crown and prize for ever! Cast all things out, take all away, That Thee and me would sever, So that ever By Thy love, my pow'rs may Be kindled, and cool never!

How friendly, blessèd, sweet, and fair Is Thy love, Jesus ever! While this remains, distress and care Can grieve my spirit never. Then let me only think of Thee, Be seeing, hearing, feeling, Loving, telling Of Thee, and Thy great love to me Oh! be Thou more revealing!

Oh! that this greatest, highest good, I might for aye be tasting! Oh! that in me this noble blood Might glow to everlasting! [124] Help me to watch, Lord! day and night, This blessèd treasure shielding From unyielding Foes, who 'gainst us the might Of Satan's realm are wielding!

My Saviour! Thou in love to me Hast down to death descended, And like a murd'rer on the tree And thief hast been suspended, Spit on, despis'd and wounded sore, The wounds which Thee have riven, May it even To me at the heart's core With love to feel be given.

The blood that hath been shed by Thee Is good and precious ever, My heart is wicked desp'rately, Hard as a millstone nether. [125] Ah! let the virtue of Thy blood My flinty heart be bending, Entrance finding; And may Thy love, life's flood Through all my veins be sending.

Oh! were my heart op'd to receive The blood-drops that were falling From Thee, wrung by my sin that eve In agony appalling! Oh! that the fountains of mine eyes Were op'd, and with much sighing, And sore crying, Gush'd forth, as tears and sighs Of men in love who're dying.

Oh! that I as a little child With weeping eyes might trace Thee, E'en till Thy heart with love was fill'd And Thine arms did embrace me. [126] And until Thou Thy heart to me With sweet love flowing over, Should'st discover, And we united be, Thy goodness for my cover.

Ah! draw me, Saviour! after Thee, And so shall I be hasting, I run, and in my heart shall be Thy love with rapture tasting; The gracious words from Thee I'll hear Sweet comfort shall give ever; Me deliver From sin, and every fear, These shall o'ercome me never.

My Comfort, Treasure, Health, and Light, My Life and Saviour tender! Ah! take me for Thy portion quite As I myself surrender! [127] There's nought but pain apart from Thee, I nought but gall discover, Earth all over, Nought ever comforts me, No balm can me recover.

But Thou the Rest most blessed art, In Thee are joys eternal. Grant, Jesus! grant that my poor heart Feed in Thy pastures vernal! Be Thou the flame that burns in me, My Balsam, ease that giveth, And relieveth Pain that here constantly Makes me heave sighs, and grieveth.

Ah! fairest one, what faileth me In Thy great love, of blessing? It is my sun that lightens me, My well-spring, me refreshing! [128] My sweetest wine, my heav'nly bread, My cov'ring when before Thee, And my glory, My shield in hour of need, My house that riseth o'er me!

Ah! dearest love, why was I born, If Thou my soul forsakest? If Thou withdraw'st, I'm all forlorn, All good from me Thou takest. O may I seek Thee as my guest, With all my best endeavour Keep Thee ever; And when I Thee arrest, Let Thee go from me never.

I've been belov'd by Thee for aye, To follow Thou did'st move me; Before I good could e'er essay, E'en then did Thy heart love me: [129] Ah! noble Rock! Thy love below May it for ever guide me, And beside me Be it where'er I go, To aid whate'er betide me.

And may Thy love adorn my place, Where'er my lot Thou'rt casting; And if I wander from Thy ways, To bring me back be hasting. And let me ever counsel wise, Good works from Thee be learning, From sin turning, And when from falls I rise, Come back to Thee with yearning!

And ever be my joy in woe, When weak, with Thy strength stay me; And when my course is run below, I down to rest will lay me. [130] Then may Thy love and truth with me, O Christ! abide for ever, Leave me never, Till I Thy glory see, Oh! may they waft me thither!

Bless'd is he who never taketh Counsel of ungodly men! Bless'd, the right who ne'er forsaketh, Nor in sinners' paths is seen, Who the scorners' friendship spurns, From their seats away who turns, Who delight in God's word taketh, This his meditation maketh.

Bless'd is he who pleasure taketh In God's laws' most perfect way, It is his lov'd resort who maketh Where he lingers night and day! [131] Oh! His blessing blooms and grows, As the palm where water flows, And abroad its branches spreadeth, And the wayworn pilgrim shadeth.

He will truly ever flourish Who God's word delights to do, Air and earth alike will nourish Him, till ripe his fruit shall grow. Though his leaf grow old, yet he Ever fresh and green shall be, God success to his endeavour Giveth, and it prospers ever.

But he who in sin's ways goeth Is like chaff the wind before, When it riseth up and bloweth, And we find it here no more. Where the Lord His people guide, There the godless ne'er abide, God the faithful loves and guideth, On the wicked wrath abideth.

Bless'd is he the Lord who loveth, At His word doth tremble aye! Bless'd whose heart him freely moveth God's commandments to obey. Who the Highest loves and fears, Findeth increase with the years Of all that to him is given By the bounteous hand of Heaven.

His dear children shall stand ever Like to roses in their blow; Flowing with God's goodness over, On his generations go. What the body needs below God who rules all will bestow, He will bounteously relieve them, Plenty in their dwellings give them.

The right deeds of the believer Nought can shake, they stand secure; If a storm o'ertakes him ever, Still doth God, his Light endure, [133] Comforts, shieldeth with His pow'r, So that after darkness' hour, After night of tears and sorrow, Joy and sunshine glad the morrow.

God's compassion, grace, and favour For the faithful still endure. Blessèd are the souls who ever Think upon the needy poor, Love them, seek to do them good; For the ever-living God In His arms of grace will bear them, And a home above prepare them.

When the black clouds o'er them lighten, And the pealing thunders shock, They shall sit, and nought shall frighten, Like the dove hid in the rock; They'll remain eternally, And their memory shall be Upon every side extending, As their branches trees are sending.

When misfortunes overtake them, Whereby sinners low are laid, Firm their courage, nought can shake them, And their hearts are undismay'd; Undismay'd, from care are free, Hearts that unreservedly To the Lord their God are given, Love Him when forsaken even.

Who delight take in relieving Sad ones, to the Lord are dear; What the loving hands are giving, God will recompense e'en here. Who much giveth much will gain, He shall not desire in vain, What his heart desires and willeth, God in His good time fulfilleth.

But the foes who triumph'd o'er them, They shall see depart beneath; Satan who such malice bore them, Evermore shall gnash his teeth: [135] Sorely will it him displease When their blessedness he sees, Yet that he can rob them never, Only waste himself for ever.

Lord! to Thee alone I raise Evermore mine eager eyes, Upturn'd is my constant gaze To the hills that pierce the skies: To the hills whence flow to me Help and saving health from Thee!

All my succour comes to me From my great Creator's hand, Who hath deck'd so beauteously Earth and sky, air, sea, and land, And with ev'ry good supplied, That our needs be satisfied.

Lest thy feet, my soul! should stray From the narrow path of right, He is with thee in the way, And preserves thee day and night. Trust Him! and the hosts of hell Never more shall work thee ill.

Sleepless vigils doth He keep When thou liest down to rest; When thou'rt sunk in slumbers deep, To thy side at His behest Angel hosts then wing their flight, Thee to guard through all the night.

All thou hast and all thou art Is encircled by His love; Ev'ry grief that wrings thy heart Doth He graciously remove. Soul and body shieldeth He, When dark tempests threaten thee.

When the noonday's burning sun All thy body's strength doth blight, When the midnight stars and moon Dazzle with their brilliant light, [137] Then His hand of mighty pow'r, Shades thee in the trying hour.

May He still protection yield, Faithful Shepherd be, and near Still remain thy rock and shield, When thy heart's oppress'd with fear. When of need thou feel'st the smart, May He press thee to His heart.

Dost thou sit or rise again, Dost thou speak or dost thou hear, Still at home dost thou remain, Art abroad when none is near, Dost thou wander in or out? He will compass thee about.

Lord, Thou my heart dost search and try, And what is hidden from mine eye Thou seest, all I am and own To Thine omniscient mind is known.

Whene'r I sit, lie down, or stand, Or walk, or run, on ev'ry hand Thy presence doth encompass me, At all times I am hard by Thee.

And all the thoughts that stir my heart, That lurk in its most secret part, Thy searching eye doth scrutinize Ere they to consciousness arise.

And never from my tongue a word Escapes, by Thee, O Lord, unheard; Thou order'st all I speak or do, And guidest me life's journey through.

'Tis true, I know, but must remain A knowledge I can ne'er attain, A mystery beyond the ken Of feeble and short-sighted men.

Where shall I from Thy Spirit fly, Escape from Thine omniscient eye? Where shall I from Thy presence hide, And where remote from Thee abide?

If I ascend the utmost height Of heav'n, there art Thou, thron'd in light; Or should I down to hell repair And make my bed, I'd find Thee there.

Should I on morning's pinions ride, As far as ocean's empire wide Of stormy waves breaks on the land, I'd be upheld by Thy right hand.

Or if the help of night I sought, No change by darkness would be wrought, For let the night be as it may, With Thee is ever cloudless day.

'Mid darkest shadows Thou canst see, The darkness is a light to Thee, Thy glance is ever clear and bright, From sun and moon Thou need'st no light.

My reins Thou ever hast possess'd, For in Thy hand they ever rest, From infancy Thou hast me led, With daily blessings crown'd my head.

Thou hast, who'rt greatly to be fear'd, My frame with cunning hand uprear'd; Thy works, Thy wondrous pow'r forth tell, And that my soul doth know right well.

My substance was not hid from Thee, When I in secret curiously Was fashion'd in the depths of earth, From whence Thy pow'r hath brought me forth.

Before my time, my times for me Determin'd were by Thy decree, The tale of years and days I'd see, Hours, moments, all were fix'd by Thee.

My God, how precious, sweet, and fair, I see array'd before me there The thoughts of wisdom of Thy heart, In all Thy bounty doth impart.

The sum of these so high doth mount, That when their number I would count, I find them infinitely more Than dust or sand, on field or shore.

How doth the bold blaspheming band Thee vilify on every hand, O God of wonders! and Thy name Despise and treat with open shame.

Their scornful mouths, Lord, close and seal, Against them speedily reveal Thy wrath! against Thy foes arise, Thy foes are hateful in mine eyes.

Though in return, their hatred sore Against Thee burn, I do no more Amid the rage of angry foes, Than 'neath Thy shelt'ring wings repose.

Lord, search and know my heart and mood, See if my way be right and good, The everlasting joyful road Lead me that brings me home to God.

Full often as I meditate Upon the world's disorder'd state, I ask myself if earthly life Be good, and worthy of the strife, Has he not acted for the best Who laid himself betimes to rest?

Reflect, my friend, say, if you know What station is there here below Without its fall and daily share Of sorrow, pain, and anxious care? And tell me if a place there be From sorrow, tears, vexation free.

And doth not every passing day, From youth to manhood, bear away [144] Its own peculiar load of grief Upon its back, and such relief As transient joy may seem to bring, Is it not full of suffering?

If times be good, and fortune smile, My God! how envy storms the while; If dignity and honours great Attend thy steps, alas! their weight. If others thou'rt preferr'd before, Than others too thou'rt burden'd more.

Art thou to-day in joyous mood, Rejoicing in thy share of good? Lo! ere thou think'st, thy gains are gone, Thy joyous mood with them is flown, The hurricane so suddenly Doth sweep away thy property.

Dost from the world withdraw thyself, And lov'st God more than gold or pelf? Thy crown, thy jewel, thy good name Is cover'd by the world with shame. For he who can't dissembler play, The world as fool will spurn away.

'Tis true, alas! that trouble waits In daily watch before our gates; On earth the cross is borne by all, All feel its weight, and taste its gall; But shall we therefore cast away The Christian's light? I tell thee—nay.

The saints, who to their Saviour cleave, In faith and in the Spirit live, Unhurt by any ill or woe Pass through their pilgrimage below; Though things may sometimes fall out ill Yet with them it is ever well.

Though they no gold have stor'd away, They've God, and care not what men say, Reject with joy, and aye despise The world's vain pomp and vanities; Their honour is to hope and wait, From God alone comes all their state.

The Christian, God as Father knows, Can in His faithfulness repose; [146] Whatever trial God may send, Can't separate him from his friend; The more He smites, he loves the more, Remaineth true, though chasten'd sore.

He only plays a hero's part Who cherishes within his heart The Saviour's love; whate'er betide, Firm as a rock shall he abide When heav'n and earth shall pass away; Though men forsake, God's word's his stay.

The word of God beguiles our fears, And turns to smiles our bitter tears; It robs misfortune of the pow'r Of hurting in the evil hour; It brings the sadden'd heart relief, When bow'd beneath the load of grief.

Now cease, I pray, your tale of woe: Though full of grief this life below, Still falleth to the Christian's share Salvation and God's guardian care; Who loves the Saviour, trusts in God, Remains unmov'd beneath the rod.

As gold into the fire is cast, And comes forth purified at last, So saints supported by God's grace Uninjur'd through affliction pass; A child his father's child is still, Although his father's rod he feel.

Dear heart, chase all thy fears away, On thy God's faithfulness now stay, Though smiting with His chast'ning rod, He means it well, 'tis for thy good; Confide in Him, His guiding hand Will bring thee to the better land.

Live on according to His will, Although the way be rough, be still! In heav'n Thou hast a mansion fair, Where joy will banish every care; If here we to the Saviour cleave, With Jesu's angels shall we live.

Thou art but man, to thee 'tis known, Why dost thou then endeavour To do what God should do alone, Or can accomplish ever? A thousand griefs thou goest through, In spite of all thy wit can do; Upon thine end thou pond'rest, What it will be thou wond'rest.

'Tis all in vain, in vain thy care, With all thy musings earnest, In all thy life a single hair Thou white or black ne'er turnest. The griefs by which thou'rt sore distress'd Can only serve to mar thy rest, Cause anguish unavailing, Thy life itself curtailing.

Wilt thou do what is for thy good, And what thy God good seeth? Then cast on Him each heavy load, 'Fore whom earth and heav'n fleeth. [149] Thy life and labour, all that's thine, With joy into God's hand resign; A happy end He'll ever Give thee, and thee deliver.

Who car'd for thee ere light of day Had dawn'd upon thy vision, While in the womb thy soul still lay As in a gloomy prison? Who thought upon thy welfare then? What good did all the might of men Do, when to thee were given Life, mind, and pow'r from heaven?

Whose skill was it that fashion'd thee? And who thy frame uprearèd? To glad our eyes, by whose decree, Say, hath the light appearèd? Who hath thy veins in order laid, For each a course convenient made? Who hath thy frame replenish'd With members fair and finish'd?

Where were thy mind and will and heart When land and ocean over, Yea, even earth's remotest part, The sky was spread to cover? Who made the sun and moon to shine, Who gave herbs, trees, and beasts as thine, Who bid them satisfy thee, And no desire deny thee?

Lift up thy head, see everywhere, Above, around, below thee, How God in all for thee His care, And at all times, doth show thee! Thy meat and drink, the clothes dost wear, Did God, ere need thou felt'st, prepare. God, ere thou wast, prepar'd thee Thy mother's milk, that rear'd thee.

The raiment that in infancy Thy nakedness did cover, The cradle that receivèd thee, The roof thy young head over, [151] Were all in love prepar'd for thee, Ere yet thine eye was op'd to see The wonders that abounded, The world that thee surrounded.