My labouring spirit vainly seeks With how much tenderness he speaks, Nor were it wise, nor should I choose, Like precious wines their taste they lose, But this with boldness I proclaim, Not life is half so dear. And can you frown, my former friends, Who knew what once I was; And blame the song that thus commends Trust me, I draw the likeness true, XLVIII. JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING. SOMETIMES a light surprises The Christian while he sings; It is the Lord who rises With healing in his wings: When comforts are declining, He grants the soul again A season of clear shining, To cheer it after rain. In holy contemplation, We sweetly then pursue Set free from present sorrow, It can bring with it nothing, Though vine nor fig tree neither Yet God the same abiding, His praise shall tune my voice; For, while in him confiding, I cannot but rejoice. * Matthew vi. 34. + Habakkuk iii. 17, 18. XLIX. TRUE PLEASURES. LORD, my soul with pleasure springs When Jesus' name I hear; And when God the Spirit brings The word of promise near: Still delighted I perceive; Clothed in sanctity and grace, What we owe to love divine; * Those the comforts I possess, * Prov. iii. 17. † Matt. xi. 30. L. THE CHRISTIAN. HONOUR and happiness unite To make the Christian's name a praise; How fair the scene, how clear the light, That fills the remnant of his days! A kingly character he bears, No change his priestly office knows; Adorn'd with glory from on high, Inferior honours he disdains, Nor stoops to take applause from earth; The noblest creature seen below, My soul is ravish'd at the thought! Methinks from earth I see him rise! Angels congratulate his lot, And shout him welcome to the skies! LI. LIVELY HOPE AND GRACIOUS FEAR. I was a groveling creature once, The clod that gave me birth. But God has breathed upon a worm, Wings such as clothe an angel's form, With these to Pisgah's top I fly, The Lord of all the vast domain The length and breadth of all the plain How glorious is my privilege! Though much exalted in the Lord, And none shall cast me down. |