While unbelief withstands thy grace, Presumption, with a brow of brass, How eager are my thoughts to roam Oh, cleanse me in a Saviour's blood, XLIII. PRAYER FOR PATIENCE. I would in humble silence mourn; Man should not faint at thy rebuke, Ah! were I buffeted all day, Mock'd, crown'd with thorns, and spit upon; I yet should have no right to say, My great distress is mine alone. Let me not angrily declare No pain was ever sharp like mine; Nor murmur at the cross I bear, But rather weep, remembering thine. XLIV. SUBMISSION. O LORD, my best desire fulfil, Life, health, and comfort to thy will, *Joshua vii. 10, 11. R Why should I shrink at thy command, Thy favour, all my journey through, Wisdom and mercy guide my way, A poor blind creature of a day, But ah! my inward spirit cries, XLV. THE HAPPY CHANGE. How blest thy creature is, O God, Through all the storms that veil the skies, And frown on earthly things, The Sun of Righteousness he eyes, With healing on his wings. Struck by that light, the human heart, A barren soil no more, Sends the sweet smell of grace abroad, Where serpents lurk'd before.* The soul a dreary province once Feels a new empire form'd within, The glorious orb, whose golden beams Since first, obedient to thy word, He started from the goal; Has cheer'd the nations with the joys His orient rays impart; But, Jesus, 'tis thy light alone Can shine upon the heart. Isaiah xxxv. 7. XLVI. RETIREMENT. FAR from the world, O Lord, I flee, From scenes where Satan wages still The calm retreat, the silent shade, There, if thy Spirit touch the soul, Oh, with what peace, and joy, and love, There like the nightingale she pours Nor asks a witness of her song, Nor thirsts for human praise. Author and Guardian of my life, What thanks I owe thee, and what love, Shall echo through the realms above XLVII. THE HIDDEN LIFE. To tell the Saviour all my wants, Nor less to praise him when he grants My labouring spirit vainly seeks To tell but half the joy; With how much tenderness he speaks, And helps me to reply. Nor were it wise, nor should I choose, Such secrets to declare; Like precious wines, their tastes they lose, Exposed to open air. But this with boldness I proclaim, Nor care if thousands hear, Sweet is the ointment of his name, Not life is half so dear. And can you frown, my former friends, 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; In holy contemplation, E'en let the unknown to-morrow Bring with it what it may. It can bring with it nothing, The vine nor fig-tree neither + Their wonted fruit should bear, Though all the fields should wither, Yet God the same abiding, His praise shall tune my voice; For, while in him confiding, I cannot but rejoice. XLIX. TRUE PLEASURES. LORD, my soul with pleasure springs, Matthew vi, 34. † Habakkuk iii. 17, 18. 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; Unfading is the crown he wears, His joys can never reach a close. Adorn'd with glory from on high, Salvation shines upon his face; His robe is of the ethereal dye, His steps are dignity and grace. Inferior honours he disdains, Nor stoops to take applause from earth: The King of kings himself maintains The expenses of his heavenly birth. The noblest creature seen below, Ordain'd to fill a throne above; God gives him all he can bestow, His kingdom of eternal love. 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 grovelling creature once, And basely cleaved to earth; I wanted spirit to renounce |