Yes, while the dear Redeemer lives XXXII. THE SHINING LIGHT. My former hopes are fled, Ah, whither shall I fly! I hear the thunder roar; The law proclaims destruction nigh, And vengeance at the door. When I review my ways, I dread impending doom: But sure a friendly whisper says, "Flee from the wrath to come." I see, or think I see, A glimmering from afar; A beam of day, that shines for me, To save me from despair. Forerunner of the sun,* I'll It marks the Pilgrim's way; gaze upon And watch the rising day. *Psalm cxxx. 6. XXXIII. SEEKING THE BELOVED. To those who know the Lord, I speak, Is my beloved near? The bridegroom of my soul I seek, Oh! when will he appear? Though once a man of grief and shame, Yet now he fills a throne, And bears the greatest, sweetest name, Grace flies before, and love attends He speaks-obedient to his call Then love in every heart would reign, Such Jesus is, and such his grace, * Cant. v. 8. XXXIV. LIGHT SHINING OUT OF DARKNESS. Gop moves in a mysterious way He plants his footsteps in the sea, Deep in unfathomable mines He treasures up his bright designs, Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, His purposes will ripen fast, The bud may have a bitter taste, Blind unbelief is sure to err,* XXXV. WELCOME CROSS. "TIs my happiness below Not to live without the cross, But the Saviour's power to know, Sanctifying every loss: Trials must and will befall; But with humble faith to see Love inscribed upon them all, This is happiness to me. God in Israel sows the seeds Trials make the promise sweet, Trials give new life to prayer; Trials bring me to his feet, Lay me low, and keep me there. Did I meet no trials here, way: No chastisement by the Might I not, with reason, fear I should prove a cast-away. Sunk in earthly vain delight; XXXVI. AFFLICTIONS SANCTIFIED BY THE WORD. O How I love thy holy word, Thy gracious covenant, O Lord! It guides me in the peaceful way; What are the mines of shining wealth, The strength of youth, the bloom of health! Long unafflicted, undismay'd, What though it pierced my fainting heart, But saved me from eternal woe. Oh! hadst thou left me unchastised, I love thee, therefore, O my God, * Psalm cxix. 71. |