FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON, D. D. BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY I EXPORT BOOKSELLERS | | 32. GAY STREET. THE PILGRIM WITH THE ANCIENT BOOK. / THE PILGRIM WITH THE ANCIENT BOOK. AND OTHER SACRED POEMS. BY M. N. C. LONDON: WILLIAM HUNT AND COMPANY, 23, Holies Street, Cavendish Square, HATH: C. SHORT, MILSOM STREET. \&A: /)i \? #^v /C~L i LC 2 -> tS^r I will Praise the Name of God .... 20 His Name shall be called Wonderful . • • 2 3 Jesus Christ of Nazareth .... 26 The Name of the Lord ..... 29 I will love Thee, O Lord ! 3 2 Thou art my God . . . . -35 Thou art my Praise . . . . • 37 Adoration ....... 39 The Sons of God . 4 1 Praise ....... 42 igfe-Flight ..... 44 The Dove and the Ark ..... 4^ ix. CONTENTS. Page Peace and Love ...... 48 Thy Word ....... 49 Where art Thou ?..... 52 Glorious Liberty ...... 54 A Spiritual Song and Psalm of Life ... 56 No Cross ! No Crown ! ! . . . .61 He restore th my soul ..... 62 Submission ....... 65 Be Vigilant ...... 66 A Sacred Poem . ..... 67 Yesterday, and To-day, and for Ever . . . 71 Wonderful ....... 73 Bought with a Price ..... 74 Issues of Life ...... 75 A Spiritual Song ..... 78 God Manifest in the Flesh ..... 79 A Dialogue ...... 82 A Hymn ....... 83 Sing, O ye Heavens ..... 85 Tears ....... 86 Wrath of the Lamb. The Terror of the Lord . 88 Blood of the Lamb ...... 90 The Hiding Place ..... 92 Heart Communings ...... 94 A Broken Heart, O God ! 96 Balm of Gilead ...... 97 CONTENTS. Page The Fruits of the Spirit ..... 99 A Lamb as it had been Slain .... 100 A Spiritul Ode . . . . . 102 The Great Brother ! ..... 104 Who loved Me ...... 106 A Song of Zion ...... 108 The Power of Christ . . . . no The City of God . . . . . .112 Living Bread . . . . . . 114 The Mount of God . . . . . .116 A Spiritual Song . . . . 117 A Contrast . . . . . . .119 Repentance to Salvation . . . . 121 He Careth for You ...... 123 Glory in the Lord . . . . . 125 Leaning upon Her Beloved . . . . .127 Awake ! ...... 129 A little lower than the Angels . . . .131 Is it True? . . . . . - 133 Hide Me ....... 134 Ambition . . . . . . 136 One Word . . . . . 139 The Three Mary> . . . . 140 The Ministry of Angels ..... 14! A Hymn ... ... 143 Eve hath not seen . . . . . .144 xi. CONTENTS. Page Glorious Liberty . . . . . 145 Jehovah Nissi . . . . . .147 A Spiritual Battle Song, for a Good Soldier of Jesus Christ 150 The Reconciling Tree . . . . . 152 The Armies in Heaven . . . . .154 Honourable Marriage . . . . . 157 Christ our Life . . . . . .160 The Blood of Jesus Christ . . . . 161 The Lord my Salvation . . . . .163 A Protestant Layman's Catholic Confession . . 164 Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the Lord ! .165 A Protestant Ballad of the Nineteenth Century . 167 He is the Rock . . . . . . 1 70 The Harps of God . . . . 1 74 The Church of God . . . . .176 A Lutheran Epigram . . . . . 178 A Romish Epigram . . . . . .178 Vox Populi . . . . . . 178 A Sinner Saved by Grace . . . . .179 Xll. &frc plgvim foitlr tlje ^xuitxxt ^ook " HOMO UNIUS LIBRI." Eccl. xii. 12. Jer. xv. 1 6. John xxi. 25. 1 E was a man of only one small Book, Most other reading he had long forsook ; His single aim he noiselessly pursued, Whereby much peace and wisdom had accrued. Of making many books there was no end, Which did, he said, to sore distraction tend ; Much study was a weariness to flesh, But God's sweet Book was ever new and fresh. While vain philosophers would fain be wise, Crude shallow science God's deep truth denies j Its holy wisdom, sparkling thoughts divine, Made glad the heart, as with old mellow wine. It taught the science of the new creation, Its ancient, everlasting, firm foundation In the great Rock of Ages deeply laid, Ere the young mountains of the earth were made. B THE PILGRIM WITH THE ANCIENT BOOK. It was all histories in one combin'd, — The present, past, and future of mankind ; Bright rays and beams from each prophetic page Shed their effulgence over every age. His chief companion was this little Book, Wherein he oftentimes was wont to look : He said, it was in every page and part The joy and deep rejoicing of his heart. Its precepts he had pondered from his youth, And found them ever full of old, new truth ; Than droppings of the honey-comb more sweet, With never-cloying richness still replete. Thousands of gold and silver could not buy The hidden treasure that in it did lie ; — It was a rich and most productive mine, Wherein he found rare costly gems divine. It told him of one tried and precious stone, By most philosophers unsought, unknown, — By faith's alchemic touch it turned to gold, Whatever in contact with it you might hold. And this was its recorded certain token, — Who stumbled o'er it should be sorely broken ; But upon whomsoever it should fall, 'Twould grind to powder, whether great or small. THE PILGRIM WITH THE ANCIENT BOOK He called his Book a lamp unto his feet, To guide him through this dark world's crooked street A light to show the pathway day by day, Lest in his journey he should lose his way. He was a sojourner and stranger here, But so, he said, that all his fathers were \ They all were pilgrims, — and he mentioned some Who'd gone before, and they all bade him come. It was the oldest and most proven Book, Whose deep foundations never could be shook ; It learned him more than all the ancients knew, — It was " The W f ord of GOD," and GOD was True. The secret of its proof was hid within ; Nor could the senseless dogmatistic din Of seven-fold heresy, disturb the voice Which bade the spirit-depths, " Be still : rejoice ! " Cavils and carpings made it more secure ; It could and must for ever stand, endure : Wild waves, that madly dash against a rock, Are spent in foam, recoiling from the shock. Prophets, Apostles, Sages, old and young, Its truths and triumphs evermore have sung ; Science and history alike unfold Th' ancient and modern miracles foretold. THE PILGRIM WITH THE ANCIENT BOOK. This was a Book, he said, to make one wise, — Its light most pleasant to meek lowly eyes \ But burning flames could rise to scorch and blind The lofty look, the proud and haughty mind. He called it too a secret magic Book, A burnished mirror, wherein he could look ; Whose inward glory was so bright and strange, a That all his features seemed to shine and change. Again, — he called it a two-edged sword, Which once was wielded by his Captain-Lord ; Clothed with the strength and armour of his God, Calmly, courageously his course he trod. That armour had been proved in many a field, Helmet and corselet, greaves, and well-tried shield : The noble army of the martyr-host All gained the day ere they gave up the ghost. Right many foes full well he knew he had, But to retreat his orders all forbad ; In danger too, his Captain would draw near, Deliver him from all his foes and fear. At times, he owned, Doubt whispered, then withdrew The peace and calmness that his spirit knew ; Then was the time to pray, and soon again Brave Faith returned, with his Fair Sisters twain. 4 THE PILGRIM WITH THE ANCIENT BOOK. He said that sometimes as he conned his Book, 'Twas as if strolling by some cool clear brook, Whose quiet waters gently gliding by Filled all his soul with tranquil ecstacy : Or, resting in fair fields of tender grass, Soft zephyrs o'er his grateful brow should pass, Breathing sweet odours as of many flowers, Such as might bloom in amaranthine bowers. And should "the High and Lofty One," on high Inhabiting the vast eternity ! Vouchsafe to visit his unworthy breast, That moment might not be by words exprest : Entrancingly unutterably blest ! Oh how he did this ancient Book revere ! It taught him whom to honour, love, or fear ; Its words were full of spirit and of life, With holy wit and wisdom teeming, rife : The words of One who spake as ne'er before Man ever spake, nor shall speak evermore : It was his meditation all the day, And some choice portions he by heart could say. That meditation was so rich and sweet, As though all harmonies in one should meet, And fall upon th' entranced enraptured spirit, With melody celestial charm and fill it. 5 THE PILGRIM WITH THE ANCIENT BOOK. " The Lord his Shepherd was : he could not want ! (His soul should make her boast, and meekly vaunt) His Sun and Shield ! and He would freely give Both grace and glory, and his heart should live ! " When prone, alas ! to stumble, slip, or fall, In tender tones of kind rebuke He'd call, — Restore his soul, and lead him in the way Of righteousness, from which his feet would stray. Still be believed that to his journey's end His Shepherd's grace and goodness would extend ; Then in His home for ever he should dwell, His matchless love and praise for ever tell : The many-mansioned house and home above, Where the great Father dwelt in cloudless love, And where the Shepherd still prepares a place For every pilgrim who receives His grace. His Lord and Master had the noblest Name, His glory was so great, — 'twas past all fame ; At all times he would bless and praise his Lord, Who such sweet loving kindness did afford. The Church, he said, was built upon a Rock, Calmly she met each hell-conspired shock ; By God Himself her sure foundation laid In Christ Himself, — as Paul and Peter said. 6 THE PILGRIM 11777/ THE ANCIENT BOOK. She raised her lofty brow to heaven on high % tier lowly heart stooped low as sinners lie, Her arms outwide she stretched, as broad vxA free As west from east, o'er every land and sea. Her great High-Priest and Head now ruled above, As every child by faith and prayer might prove; And He in glory soon would come again, With all His saints, triumphantly to reign. Each faithful pilgrim was both priest and saint, Undecked with sacerdotal garb or paint ; In the true calendar enrolled above, — The Lamb's great Book of life, and grace, and love. 55? YxlQxxm foit|r i\t &ntxmt ^ool. PART II. 1 Timothy iii. 1 6. HIS pilgrim read me how that once his God A pilgrim was, and the same path had trod ; His Lord and God as man was once disguised, By man rejected, set at nought, despised. He came enrobed in meekness from above, To teach mankind both Law and Gospel love ; He came unto His own : but oh ! foul blot, Ungratefully His own received Him not. He read of His Divine, yet lowly birth, Which filled the angels with deep wondering mirth, As their glad hymns so blithesomely they sang, The azure welkin with the anthem rang : — " Glory to God, on high ! good will to man ! " The old and new eternal gracious plan, — Mercy and Truth, Peace, Righteousness, and Love, Have now come down to earth from heaven above. THE PILGRIM WITH THE ANCIENT BOOK. But far the strangest tale of all was when (Blasphemed, and mocked, and scourged by cruel men) They led Him up, towards " the mournful hill," Mid savage scorn, — to crucify and kill. And there they slew Him : there his Lord had died ! While a fierce soldier pierced His blessed side : From heart and thorn-crowned brow, from hands and feet, Welled forth the stream Divine, with life replete, Of crimson blood, and crystal water clear, — To wash out man's red guilt and shame and fear ; To heal the broken heart, its grief control, And to make white as snow each tainted soul. A rich man laid Him in his own new grave, — The Lord ! who came both poor and rich to save ; While loving women, with tear-sprinkled care, Spices and ointments to embalm prepare. 'Tis vain : He needs it not ! He rose again : The tomb and temple's veil both rent in twain ! In His own might He rose, and burst the prison. Angels announce with joy, — "The Lord is risen." The pilgrim said, — if all his Lord had done His wondrous acts were written every one, They never could (as he supposed) be told ; The world itself the volumes would not hold. b 9 THE PILGRIM WITH THE ANCIENT BOOK. Veiled in His manhood all the Godhead dwelt, Who in Gethsemane's sad garden knelt, — Bore on the cross the weight of all our woe, And bruised the head of God and man's great foe. Yet He could stoop the little ones to bless, And take them up with gracious gentleness ; If Jesus ever smiled, perchance 'twas when Babes smiling met His kind-eyed loving ken. " A Man of Sorrows, and acquaint with grief," His peaceful moments were both rare and brief ; Oft-times He'd wend in solitude His way To mountain's top or garden's shade to pray. The servant was not greater than his Lord : To Him this world did not much gain afford ; — No place of rest to lay His gracious Head, Who multitudes with miracles oft fed. A sick one crept to touch His seamless robe ; Such was the virtue in its hem to probe The secret source of long acute disease, That instantaneous was the blest release. And once a sad one, as He sat at meat, Knelt and embraced His holy sacred feet, Washed them with flowing tears, and then with care She dried them with her wild luxuriant hair. 10 THE PILGRIM WITH THE ANCIENT BOOK. Again she came, — but now with precious ointment : Moved with deep love, and by Divine appointment, This time she gently pours it o'er His head, For all her sins, and fears, and tears are fled. At Sychar's well, when weary, worn, and sad, To that strange woman who five husbands had, Strange words He spake, which made her wondering think, — Drew the deep living water, — bade her drink. They tell Him of a dark, foul, mournful fact. k ' What sayest thou ?" " One taken in the act. Such Moses hath commanded us to stone." — " Who hath no sin, by him the first be thrown.' 1 They went out, one by one. She stands alone : — " Whither are thine accusers, woman, gone ? Hath none condemned, of all who stood before ? Neither do I condemn : Go : sin no more." He loved His own, and loved them to the end, — No faithless'ness in that unchanging Friend ; Through sad denial, dark desertion, shame, More brightly glowed the self-consuming flame. Myself, — I love to meditate and dwell On all that this meek pilgrim had to tell ; ''The wondrous things" and words of that blest Book, In which, he said, the angels longed to look. THE PILGRIM WITH THE ANCIENT BOOK. The mystery for ages long concealed, Now to the favoured sons of men revealed ; God manifested in the flesh, made known In Him, in whom the Father's glory shone. My sister, brother, hast thou read my song, Followed my pilgrim's simple tale along ? Like him may we both daily search and look Into this ancient, true, and holy Book : With child-like wisdom, God-like faith believe The grandest truth man's spirit can receive : So childish reasonings and doubts shall melt As night-bred mists when morn's bright beams are felt. So may we reach at last the heavenly shore As our brave Pilgrim Fathers have before ; Who now from all their toil and labour rest In our great Father's house for ever blest. The way is Christ, the Spirit hath declared, Who once our pilgrimage and sorrow shared ; Led by that Spirit in the path He trod, We are joint heirs with Him, and sons of God ! c a 2 Cor. iii. 18 ; iv. 6. b John xxi. 25. c Rom. viii. 17. 4 12 JAMES V. 15—18. SING the wonders prayer hath wrought, — Its universal power and fame, When, by the Holy Spirit taught, Saints call upon Jehovah's name ! " The prayer of faith" rules heaven and earth, And moves the mighty God of Love, — Xow brings the devastating dearth, Now " showers of blessings " from above. Prayer wields the ancient Prophet's rod ; a Angels and elements obey : It moves the chariot wheels of God, When men of prayer in earnest pray. When God's High Priest bowed down, and prayed Between the living and the dead, b The soul-destroying plague was stayed. Which fiercely through the camp had spread. \% PR A YER. " It shall not rain," Elijah says ; c Lo, drought and famine, sun-scorched years : " Seven times " the prophet bends and prays ; Behold ! the little cloud appears ! " The man of God " to Judah's king d Proclaims dread summons from on high : " Monarch ! a message stern I bring, — Arrange thy home, for thou must die." The smitten king in anguish cries, Weeps sore, with bitter flowing tears ; Again Jehovah's word replies, — " Lo, I have added fifteen years." The prophet-prince is bowed with grief, 6 In deep humiliation bent ; An angel flies to his relief, By the great King of angels sent. Peter lies bound with doubled chains, f Most vigilantly watched and kept, Throughout his cell deep silence reigns, As calmly he reposed and slept. But, hark ! incessant prayer ascends From yon small chamber, night and day : Again the King His angel sends, And frees the prisoner while they pray. M PRAYER. The Prince and Priest of all our race Was wont to pass whole nights in prayer, — Would oft to some secluded place In secrecy unseen repair. To righteous men still, still avails Th' effectual fervent earnest prayer ; Wrestling with Jacob's God prevails, Whose angels hover everywhere. True prayer is God's own voice within The Christian's groaning heart and breast ; The Spirit battling with our sin, Wrestling, and giving God no rest. " Until Thou bless, Thou shalt not go ; I will not loose my hold on Thee ; Loose Thou my bonds, then shall I know My God Himself hath set me free ! " Let prayer and praise join hand in hand, Ascend before Jehovah's face ; Behold the Intercessor stand — s Yield to the Spirit's pleading grace. In Jesu's all-prevailing name, h The Father's love hath so decreed, The prayer of faith is still the same, And must triumphantly succeed. IS PR A YER. In every clime, in every age, The wondrous works of God declare, — The sacred, and the historic page, The glories of potential prayer. NOTES. a "Take Moses' rod, the rod of prayer." — Christian Year, "Easter Eve." b Numbers xvi. 46 — 48. c I Kings xvii. I ; xviii. 42 — 45. d 2 Kings xx. I — 5. e Daniel ix. 20 — 23. f Acts xii. 6 — 17. g Rom. viii. 26, 27, 34 ; Heb. ii. 17, 18 ; iv. 11 — 16 ; vii. 24 — 27. h John xiv. 13, 14; xvi. 23, 24. 16 THE LORD'S PR A YER. ®\vc Sorb's Iprsnrtr. A PARAPHRASE. REAT Father ! of our ransomed race, Enthroned in heaven's high holy place ! Whose Holy, Holy, Holy Name Is everlastingly the same : Thrice hallowed be Thy Triune fame ! Thine, and Thy dear Son's kingdom come, All this world's kingdoms His become ; a Thy heavenly will on earth be done, In every clime beneath the sun : Oh ! give Thy children day by day The bread, and blessed grace that may Both soul and body nourish, feed ; Give heav'nly meat and drink indeed : Our trespasses, our debts forgive, To Christ indebted now to live ; For His dear sake henceforth may we Our brother-debtors loose and free : Oh, lead not into trial's fire, Temptation subtle, deep or dire ; But from the Evil One defend, — Deliver, rescue to the end. Thine is the kingdom, glory, power, In heaven or earth, each day, each hour : In height above, in depth beneath, Let every living thing with breath To Thee, the living Father, raise An endless anthem, psalm of praise, — Sing, with the heavenly seraph-host, ither, Son, and Holy Ghost! 1 Rev, xi. 15 — 17. 17 c " S!<:fa mt ^ tog." " 1 beseech Thee, shew me Thy glory." Exodus xxxiii. 18. "Thou hast made 7?ie exceeding glad with Thy countenance" Psalm xxi. 6. "And His countenance as the sun shi?ieth in his strength" Revelation i. 1 6. " One smile from Jehovah's countenance." Rev. J. Hamilton's B. D. Lessons from the Gt. Biography, p. 6. HEW me Thy glory, I beseech Thee, Lord ! One smile from Thy bright countenance Divine, Soul-satiating gladness shall afford, And make my heart with holy joy to shine. As in a mirror of pure burnished gold, Express reflection of the Father's grace, Jehovah's glory man may now behold — Yet unconsumed, — in Christ's immortal face. O soul-revealing vision ! glory-glance ! When by the Spirit's light the depths within Are pierced ; and viewed, as in prophetic trance, a " Chambers of imagery " foul with sin ; 18 "SHE W ME THY GL OK \ r "All forms of creeping things," corrupt and vile, "Abominations " desperately base, The temple of the soul despoil, defile ; God's image desecrate, destroy, disgrace. But O the glory of the new creation ! Complete and perfect in the risen Lord, — As, by the Spirit's blest irradiation, The fane is now rebuilt, regilt, restor'd. O glory-glance ! O soul-enchanting vision ! Sweet smile from that bright countenance Divine — The God of this world's blinded fools' derision b — Yet more transformingly within me shine. That I, with confidential holy fear, May stand and gaze unveiled, and live for ever; As to the true Shekinah I draw near, From Whom henceforth no cloud may hide or sever. Lo ! Glory, Wisdom, Light and Love, combining The everlasting God's evangel-grace ; The fulness of the Triune Godhead shining In Jesus' many-crowned c exalted face ! 1 Kzck. viii. b 2 Cor. iv. 4, 6. c Rev. xix. II — 16. "J foin f raise % lame of «." " / will praise the nai?ie of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving" Psalm lxix. 30, 31. . . . . " Yea, my songs will I make of Thy name, Thou Most Highest:' Psalm ix. 2. (P. B. ver.) ES ! I would sing that great and glorious Name, Which angels love in loftiest hymns to praise ; My grateful soul her part would humbly claim, Her tribute meek of adoration raise. No mortal pen may e'er exhaust the theme, The mystery for ages long concealed ; The lost from death and ruin to redeem, " The Son of God," as " Son of Man," revealed. Eternal Wisdom, Justice, Mercy blent, Grace, Goodness, Might, and Gentleness combin'd j The glorious message from on high was sent, That Love had found a ransom for mankind. "/ WILL PRAISE THE NAME OF GOD." Jesus ! Emmanuel, Jehovah known ; 11 God in the flesh made manifest " to man : The powers of death and darkness overthrown, The curse destroyed, — sin's just yet awful ban. An everlasting righteousness brought in, Eternal life and glory freely given, Paid the tremendous wages of our sin, Purchased the bright inheritance of heaven. Slain the one all-atoning Sacrifice, — The " Spotless Lamb," before all worlds ordained ; Shed the all-cleansing blood of richest price, To heal the soul with sin's infection stained. Lo ! upward gaze ! Behold at God's right hand, By His own blood for ever entered in, Our Great High Priest exalted takes His stand, " An Advocate " who only pleads to win ! Yet forward gaze ! He comes, He comes again ! " Lift up your heads, ye everlasting gates ! " "Who comes ?" "The King of Glory" comes to reign ; The joyous advent His fair Bride awaits. He comes on clouds majestically seated, Armies of angels wheeling round His throne ; The old usurper now cast out, defeated, The kingdoms of this world become His own. 21 "/ WILL PRAISE THE NAME OF GOD." Shout, Zion, shout ! Thy King returns again ! Awake, Israel, from slumber, wake ! Go forth, go forth, thy Passover is slain, Thy desolate, thy long-lost land retake ! Be still, ye nations ! Earth, thy silence keep ! The Lord ariseth from His throne on high ; Ye saints, ye sons of God, no longer weep, " Lift up your heads : redemption draweth nigh ! " Redemption, long expected, comes at last, Creation's groans and travail soon shall cease ; Ere long the closing pangs and throes be past, That usher in the birth of endless peace. " lis itome stall be rallcb S2tonbcrfuI. M ISAIAH IX. 6. f WONDERFUL and wonder-working Name ! May mortal pen Thy majesty proclaim? Redeemed from bondage, sin, and death, and hell, Thy matchless love to all I fain would tell. To Thy loved Name, dear Lord, I'd frame my song, To whom compassions, mercies rich belong ; With glad thanksgivings I would fill my lay, And bless and magnify Thee all the day. In the night season I would ofttimes raise A song of joyful gratitude and praise; At midnight 1 would arise Thy love to sing, At morning light a free-will offering bring. O "Jesus Christ of Nazareth | " Thy Name Of old wrought wonders, and is still the same ; Tis wonderful through faith man's soul to S To win the blessings that in prayer we crave. "HIS NAME SHALL BE 'Tis wonderful in every time of need Before " the throne of grace " thy Name to plead ; Thou, Great High Priest, art merciful on high, And faithful, who Thyself canst not deny. O wondrous Sacrifice ! O worthy Lamb ! Worthy to stand before the Great " I AM : " Equal with God, and yet most perfect Man, Alpha, Omega of salvation's plan ! All power in heaven, on earth, to Thee belongs, 'Tis Thine to rectify Thy people's wrongs ; Who trust in Thee shall never be dismay'd, What though Thy promise seem awhile delay'd. Ah ! who may all Thy noble acts express ? Who, loving-kindness, judgment, righteousness, 1 * Delight'st in all the earth to bring to pass, As sin-blind dreamers' feeble thoughts surpass. Boast not, vain man, thine erring reason's light ! Boast not, O mighty man, thy fragile might ! O Dives, boast not of thy golden store, — The Lord both maketh rich and maketh poor ! He bringeth down the mighty from their seat, Taketh the crafty in his own conceit ; His own right hand, His wisdom, counsel, thought, Shall cause to come to pass, or come to nought/ 24 CALLED WONDERFUL? But who may tell the wonders of His Name, And all its glorious majesty proclaim? Too vast, too grand the theme for mortal pen, And raised above the loftiest angel's ken. Yet would my soul exalt the Name ador'd, And make her boast, and glory in the Lord \ And all within unite my God to bless, — Rock of my wisdom, strength, peace, righteousness. a Psalm xlii. 8 ; cxix. 62. b Jer. ix. 23, 24. c Lam. iii. 37. "&tm Cljrat 0f Imrrf|; ACTS III. 6 ; IV. 10—12. |ESUS CHRIST of Nazareth ! What spell is in that Name To heal the blind, the deaf, the dumb, the maimed, halt, and lame ; To soothe the troubled conscience and the sin-tormented soul, And e'en the fierce assaults of hell and devils to control : O wonderful almighty Name ! O everlasting Word ! " Emmanuel," our God with us ! Jehovah, Christ the Lord ! Name nobler far than every name in earth or heaven above, Alpha, Omega, First and Last, Eternal Life and Love ! Sun ! whose ten thousand brilliant beams and glorious rays dispel Tempest and storms, and blackest clouds of sin and death and hell ; Shield ! to defend from fiercest dart of soul-assaulting foe : Balm ! of most wondrous power to soothe each agonizing throe ; Physician ! whose almighty skill no sickness e'er can foil, Who sleepeth neither day nor night, nor spareth care nor toil; 26 "JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH." Shepherd ! whose own right hand I lis Hock doth feed and guard and keep ; Door of the Fold ! through which alone can enter in the sheep ; Pearl of rare price ! whose value yet by angels ne'er was told, Compared to which e'en less than dross were countless mines of gold ; Castle of Hope, and Fort of Faith ! Bower of peace and rest To souls of sinners wounded sore, most grievously opprest : Rock of Eternity ! on which eternally shall stand The glorious fabric of Thy Church, built by Thine own right hand ; Fountain of Living Waters, and Bread of Endless Life ! Omnipotent ! by word to calm wild elemental strife, Omnipotent 1 to walk upon the storm-uplifted wave, Omnipotent ! of sinners chief to th' uttermost to save. The Lion bold of Judah's tribe, of David branch and root ! At once the True and Living Vine ! its juice, and sap, and fruit ; The Prince of Peace, the Lord of Life, Beginning and the End ! The Everlasting Father, and the true unchanging Friend, t King of kings, and Lord of lords, the Lamb for sinners slain ! i Priest! who now to intercede doth ever live and reign ; -7 "JESUS CHRIST OF NAZARETH? Daysman ! a betwixt a sin-stained world and sin-abhorring God, Who from His own pure veins outpoured the rich sin- cleansing blood ; By Whom, on God's own altar once was expiation made, On Whom, the law's dread curse and all our guilt and shame were laid ; To Whom, from all above, below, redeemed in earth and heaven, Glory and everlasting praise eternally be given ; Let all creation cry aloud ! Let universe upraise To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, an endless peal of praise ! a Job ix. 33. 28 Urv! \ "% iawe at % %oxo." The name of the Lord is a strong tower : the righteous runneth into it, and is safeT * Proverbs xviii. 10. HE name of Jesus is a tower of strength, Built on the lofty rock of God's free grace ; Thither the righteous runneth, and at length Findeth a shelter and safe hiding-place, Where "the old serpent" may not enter in, Nor any of the brood of soul-tormenting sin. From its high turret calmly gazing round, In the bright armour of his God equipp'd, " The fiery darts " that thickly strew the ground, In hell's own poison though they once were dipp'd, He views with awe, a hissing crackling heap, And " the old dragon " midst them sorely wounded creep. With loud exulting shout he hails afar His comrades toiling in the deadly strife : Bids them " look up," points to that wondrous Star, Serenely shining o'er the path of life, * ("is set aloft. "— Maigin.) 29 THE NAME OF THE LORD. Whose ray can penetrate the darkest gloom, And gild with light and joy the dying hero's tomb. A goodly banner from that turret waves Its crimson folds the warrior's head above, Emblazoned with His glorious name who saves By His own blood, His righteousness, His love ; His own right hand and holy arm alone, The powers of darkness, death, and hell have overthrown. Soldiers of Jesus Christ, march boldly on ! Steadfast and true, and " faithful unto death ; " A countless multitude have nobly won, a And shouted " victory ! " with dying breath : From every kindred, nation, tongue, and tribe, Who to the Lamb of God salvation now ascribe. Their robes they've washed in His most precious blood, And made them whiter than the purest snow ; Onward they pressed, through dangers, fire, and flood, Through the " much tribulation " all must know ; And now of kings and priests a bright-robed band Before the throne of God, both day and night they stand. 1 No biting hunger, parching thirst again, No sun may light on them with ardent ray, No curse, no death, no sorrow, no more pain, " For all the former things are passed away ; " 3° THE NAME OF THE LORD. And He who sits upon the eternal throne, Shall ever dwell among them, and their God be known. The Lamb Himself the happy flock shall lead To living springs of water, cool and clear, In heavenly fields to roam, or rest, and feed \ From every eye shall God wipe every tear, And all around, within, beneath, above, An atmosphere of everlasting light, life, love ! a See Rev. vii. 9 — 17. b See Rev. vii. 9 — 17, and xxi. 3, 4. 31 "I fain fair* %\tt> © %axhV f PSALM XVIII. i. ESUS, Lord of heaven and earth, Thy great Name I'd sing \ View Thee from Thine infant birth, Shepherd, Saviour, King ! From the cradle to the grave All Thy life was love : Man's immortal soul to save Brought Thee from above. Pain and anguish from the womb, Sorrows, trials, woes, All pursued Thee to the tomb, All for our repose. Every trait of Thy blest life Beamed with love benign, With compassions countless rife, Philanthropy Divine. 3* "/ WILL LOVE THEE, O LORD!" In Thy boyhood wisdom shone Forth with radiance clear, Pharisees and Scribes must own, — All who come to hear. All to do Thy Father's will, Through distress severe, All His purpose to fulfil, Thy sad, stern career. Onward through the toil and strife, — Satan, death, and hell, Leagued to overthrow Thy life, Vain their cursed spell. Thou hast triumphed, Thou hast won, Righteousness hast done, God's own true and noble Son ! God and Man in one ! All the holy law obeyed In Thy spotless life, All its curse on Thee was laid, In Thy death's dread strife. All temptation's force was hurl'd Thee to overthrow ; Thou hast overcome the world, And our mortal foe. 33 d "/ WILL LOVE THEE, LORD!" All the devil's work destroy'd, Ta'en away our sin, Condemnation's null and void, Grace has entered in. Grace and truth in Christ have met, Righteousness and peace ; O the everlasting debt, O the blest release ! Jesus lived, and Jesus died, Jesus rose again ! Jesus Christ was crucified, Jesus Christ doth reign ! He, — " The Lamb of God," was slain, His pure blood was shed ! By His life we live again, In His death we're dead. Let us all to Him ascribe Free salvation's fame ; Every nation, tongue, and tribe, Laud his glorious Name ! 34 "Wiovl art mn @0&." PSALM XXXI. 14. " Thou art my God ! Let me again repeat the glorious accents, and hear the pleasurable sounds ; let me a thousand and a thousand times repeat it, it is rapture all and harmony : the harps of angels and their tongues, what notes ?nore melo- dious could they sing or play ? What but these transporting words give their emphasis to all their joys ? On this they dwell, it is their eternal theme, — ' Thou art my God T Like me, every seraph boasts the glorious property, and owes his happiness to those important words : in them unbounded joys are comprehended. Paradise itself, all hear en, is here described ; all that is possible to be uttered of celestial blessedness is here contained." — Bp. Hall. HOU art my God ! " to whom else can I go ? From Thee the streams of life eternal flow : There's nought on earth, there's nought in heaven above Compared to Thee ! and Thy transcendent love ! 14 Thou art my God ! " what soul-entrancing sound ! To cause the heart with holiest joy to bound, To fill the spirit's inmost depths with light, And yield an ever-new and strange delight. 35 " THOU ART MY GOD." E'en loftiest Seraph knows no richer bliss, For heaven itself is all comprised in this : " Thou art my God ! " Thou fount of endless love, My peace below, my longed-for rest above ! Thou art my reconciled Father, Thou ! Before whose awful throne those Seraphs bow, Before whose glorious stupendous light, The winged Cherubim must veil the sight. Thou art my reconciling Saviour, Thou ! Who by that throne art interceding now, Whom, though I see Thee not, I pant to love, To view Thy glory, majesty above ! Thou art my Comforter ! Great Spirit, Thou ! 'Tis Thine with truth and wisdom to endow The soul of man, and then to shed abroad The peace, the knowledge, and the love of God. My Father, Saviour, Comforter, my God ! Make Thou mine heart Thine honour'd blest abode, Prepare me here on earth for heaven above, An endless life of everlasting love ! 36 S[)0U art rag IQxmz. u He is thy praise, He is thy God." Deuteronomy x. 21. Exodus xv. 26. Jeremiah xvii. 14. Psalm ciii. 3. Psalm cxlvii. 3, 4. HOU art my Praise ! Thou art my God ! By terrible and mighty things, Thine all-controlling righteous rod Deliverance and healing brings. The God who pardons, pities, heals, Binds up the broken, bleeding heart ; Each wondrous page the truth reveals, The sacred scroll in every part. Who tellest, as they roll along The glowing firmamental frame Hymning their everlasting song, The stars, their number and their name. Thou art my God ! Thou art my Praise ! In every age and clime the same This song of gratitude I raise, Jesus, to Thine exalted Name ! Image of God invisible ! a Thy Father's glory in Thy face ! Shield of pure gold invincible ! Pavilion, Bower, and Rock of Grace ! 37 THOU ART MY PRAISE, The fulness of the Godhead dwelt b In Thee, before the worlds began ; Bright Seraphs at the threshold knelt, When, Virgin-born, revealed as Man. God manifested in the flesh, Emmanuel ! we hail the Name ! Recount th' angelic tale afresh, Again the joyous song proclaim. Christ Jesus ! Saviour, Lord and King ! The glorious anthem rang and ran : " Glory to God on high ! " they sing, " Peace and good will on earth to man." O ! who the mystery may trace, What intellect, or tongue, or pen ? The mystery of Gospel grace B'yond mortal or immortal ken. O ! who may e'er exhaust the theme, May sound the dazzling depths unknown- The intellect and heart supreme Of Everlasting Love alone ? Blest Father, Holy Spirit, Word ! None may with Thee divide the fame ; God over all, Jehovah, Lord, — Thine incommunicable Name ! a Col. i. 15 : Heb. i. 3. b Col. i. 19 ; ii. 9. 3* " Thee would I adore, Almighty Father ! To Thee I offer up m v heart, and ?ny souVs aspirations are breathed forth an to Thee! I am as nothing before Thee, Of everlasting Majesty /" — Fenelon's Meditations. HEE would I love, Almighty Father, Thee ! Who reignest on eternity's vast throne ! Thine own adopted one I seek to be : Thee would I love, "my Lord, my God," alone. Oh ! whom have I but Thee in heaven above ? Whom upon earth but Thee should I desire ? What tongue may tell Thine all-surpassing love ? What heart may know the bliss Thou can'st inspire ? Give me, great God, a humble holy heart, A mind endowed with wisdom from above, Sin-conquering grace and courage true impart, And steadfast faith to live and work by love. With Thy rich goodness my poor spirit fill, My conscience purge and cleanse from every stain, Calm my wild thoughts, subdue my rebel will. The direful malice of my foes restrain. 39 ADORATION. Thou art my Rock ! Thou art my hiding-place ! My harbour-refuge and my lofty tower ! I flee to Thee to hide me, God of grace ! From sin and Satan's soul-destroying power. Exalted Jesus ! from the depths I cry, From deepest depths of sin and shame and woe : Bow down Thine ear, turn Thy soft gracious eye, Prostrate I kneel Thy blood-stained cross below. Eternal Comforter ! descend, and bring And breathe around the soul-reviving calm ; Peace-speaking Spirit ! stay Thy shadowing wing, To every wound apply the healing balm. So shall I love my God ! th' Eternal Three ! And stand before the glorious crystal-throne, Thine own redeemed and ransomed one to be, And praise for ever Thee, — my God alone ! 40 "m &ras at W PSALM LVII. 7, 8. AKE harp and lute to melody and song ! To Him who loved me, and in His own blood Hath washed and cleansed me, that I might belong To that bright company; — " The Sons of God.' 1 Who ever stand before His glorious throne Clothed in rich raiment and with harps of gold, Sing their glad songs of love to Him alone, Whose matchless love hath never yet been told. To that most Gracious Father who hath given His own loved Son for sinful man to die, To raise us, grovelling in the dust, to heaven, To share His glory everlastingly. To that kind Spirit, by whose gentle aid Our sin-bound souls, deep plunged in darkest night. Have been delivered, and shall yet be made " Meet for th' inheritance of saints in light." 4i PRAISE. Awake, my lute and harp, my heart, oh sing ! Lift up thy voice, my soul, in shouts of praise \ To swell the strain attun'd be every string, And every nerve unite the song to raise, — Of glory, gratitude, and glowing love To sovereign grace through rich redeeming blood, To Father, Son, and Holy Ghost above, The Holy, Holy, Holy Triune God ! " 1 will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify Him with thanksgiving." Psalm lxix. 30. O God be all glory, to God be all praise ! A song of thanksgiving to God I would raise, Who His blessings and mercies of grace and of love In bright golden showers a hath poured from above. 42 PRAISE. If at times the blue firmament seemed overhung With dark clouds, which but few bright spots were seen among, How quickly they vanished, dispersed, and gave way 'Neath the cloud-melting beam and the gloom-piercing ray. If at times the wild tempest with havoc laid waste The fair face of nature, how soon 'twas replac'd ; Far, far brighter prospects and scenes were restor'd By the breath, and the glance, and the smile of the Lord. If at times the dread pestilence hovered around, By its withering blast bearing all to the ground, The life-giving Spirit of God b speeding forth Hath revived and renewed a more glorious birth. And oh ! if at times my faint soul hath been clouded, By doubt, or despair, or despondency shrouded, Soon, soon have a joy and a peace been restor'd By the mercy, the grace, and the love of the Lord. Then to God be all glory, to God be all praise ! My song of thanksgiving to Him I must raise, Who His mercies, His blessings, His grace, and His love, In bright golden showers still pours from above. a Ez. xxxiv. 26. b Fs. civ. 30. c Ez. xxxiv. 26. 43 %ljt (&%$£-gli$t " They shall niotmt tip with wings as eagles." a Isaiah xl. 31. H ! there are moments when, elate with joy, The soul would wing aloft her heav'nward flight; Her faith-illumined vision would employ O'er blissful regions in the realms of light ; While Hope, the fair one, with irradiant smiles, For the blest moments all the heart beguiles. As the young eaglets mounting up to heaven, Exulting in their strength with buoyant gladness, So to the soul the wondrous impulse given, She blithely soars above the clouds of sadness ; To revel in that freer, purer air, And quaff the joy and bliss that meet her there. 11 "But within every human breast there are capabilities of heaven, folded wings of thought, inspiration, energy, which need only the liber- ating touch of the Spirit of God to call forth their hidden power, and bear the soul upward to the true region of its life." — Sermon on the Christian Heritage, in an admirable volume by the Rev. John Caird. 44 THE EAGLE-FLIGHT. All weariness and faintness left below, New vigour, energy, and life abound ; Through every vein delicious raptures flow, Celestial music seems to float around ; — For all is peace, and buoyancy, and love, In the cerulean atmosphere above. So sang th' inspired Prophet-bard of old, When, to his soaring spirit's gaze entranced, The High and Lofty One vouchsafed t' unfold Veiled mysteries. Across his soul there glanced A ray of bliss, — the rich, reserved reward Of those who should wait humbly on the Lord : — Who, seated on eternity's dread throne, Invisible, Jehovah, Holy King ! In wondrous condescension looketh down On all who, prostrate, prayer and praises bring ; Who rideth on the chariots of the sky, Heareth the poor and needy when they cry : — Who casteth down the valiant, when they trust In hosts and armies panoplied in pride ; Causeth the beggar, grovelling in the dust, On the high places of the earth to ride ; He to the broken-hearted sends relief, And stills the storms of sin, and sin-wrung grief. 45 THE EAGLE-FLIGHT. And when in other seasons sorrow's blast Hath swept across the tempest-driven soul, And all her once calm sky is overcast With clouds of woes that seem to mock control, The stricken breast, with bitter anguish riven, Can scarce lift up one thought, one hope to heaven ! — Is there no darkness-penetrating Star, Whose radiant light comes piercing through the gloom ? Is there no wondrous " still small voice " from far, Which o'er the wild and crashing thunder-boom Breaks on th' entranced ear with softest sound, And bids the soul with hope revived to bound ? Yes ! gentle calms mysteriously blending, Alternating with storms and tempests wild, Lulled by the one, and to the other bending, Through all with hope of coming rest beguiled : — As some fair bark, until all perils past, Holds on her course, and reaches port at last. So shall each heav'n-bound soul her course direct, — Hope at the helm, and keen-eyed Faith on watch With steadfast gaze, each signal to inspect And the first speck of land in sight to catch, — Then furling every sail, her anchor cast In that blest port and harbour — Heaven, at last ! 46 &{>* Qobt anb \\t &xl. 100 R, weary bird ! poor, fluttering, trembling dove ! Beaten and driven by the rude harsh wind, In vain thou soar'st around, beneath, above, A resting-place for thy tired feet to find : Yet hast thou found one " little branch " of peace, Sweet, fresh, and fragrant, blossoming and green ? Ah ! though wild gusts assail thee and increase, Thou'lt bear it safe and bravely, — well, I ween. My soul ! in that poor bird thyself behold Tost by the tempests o'er life's fitful sea ; Thy little branch " hold fast," right firmly hold, And quickly to thine ark for shelter flee. — Flee to the blood-bedewed Gethsemane, There let thine aching feet find peaceful rest ; Then wing thy flight towards the blood-stained tree, — Deep in its sheltering branches build thy nest, And in thy gracious Saviour's wounded a breast Thou'lt find a ;i hiding-place," for ever safe and blest ! a . . . . " close in that wounded side, Where only broken hearts their sin and shame may hide M Christian K 47 " The love of Christ, which passeth knowledge? Ephesians iii. 19. " The peace of God, which passeth all understanding." Philippians iv. 7. HERE is a " peace which passeth understanding," Which only those who seek the Lord may know; For that great God who loveth large demanding, Can more than all we ask or think bestow. In everything by prayer with glad thanksgiving The saints may all their meek requests make known ; Confiding in their God, the Ever-giving, May daily bend beneath His mercy-throne. For, lo ! their great " Redeemer, King, Creator," — " The Prince of Peace," " the Lamb for sinners slain," Stands by that throne : their mighty Mediator, For them to intercede doth live and reign. There is a " love which passeth comprehension," Whose breadth, depth, length, and height the saints may know, — " The love of Christ," whose wondrous condescension Moved Him to save lost man from endless woe. 48 THY WORD. Come, then, ye weary ! come, ye sinners, hither ! Here seek a Father's reconciled face ; Princes and beggars, rich and poor together, Come to the mercy-seat, — the throne of grace ! Come and be healed, accepted, and forgiven; Come and be washed in rich, sin-cleansing blood ; Come and be robed in righteousness of heaven ; Come and be reconciled through Christ to God ! PSALM CXIX. 18, 89, 160, etc. KNOW that every word of Thine, O God, my God, is sure ; I find in truth's exhaustless mine Gold unalloyed and pure. Thou hast established it of old, From everlasting age ; Prophets, Apostles, all have told In every sacred page. Oft as the heavenly food I eat a It doth rejoice my heart ; 49 e THY WORD. Rich wine, sweet honey, milk, strong meat, Health to the soul impart. Oh ! how I love Thy wondrous law, Mine inward man's delight ! No mortal wisdom ever saw Such truth, so deep and bright. The brightest lamp that ever shone To guide the wanderer's feet ! 'Tis golden sun, and silvery moon, Fair day-star, soft and sweet. Its entrance understanding gives : The simple mind hath light, The dead soul wakes, revives, and lives, The blind receive their sight. I search its truths : they testify Of Him in whom are stor'd The wealth of ocean, earth, and sky, The treasures b of the Lord. In whom in hidden mines, lie deep Wisdom and knowledge rare, More precious than earth's golden heap, Or worldling's silver share. Oh ! I had perished long ago, Ten thousand times and more, 'Mid dire afflictions, storms of woe, Dashed on destruction's shore. 5° THY WORD. My fragile bark had soon been lost, O'er life's storm-troubled sea ; Sin-driven, baffled, tempest-tost, Wrecked irretrievably. When Thou Thyself, Eternal Word, " The Mighty One to save," Spakest, — the roaring tempest heard, Stilled was the surging wave. Great was the soul-amazing calm, c O wonder-working Man ! " The peace of God," like heavenly balm, Quick through my spirit ran. The love of Christ/ in depth and height And length and breadth unknown, The Light e — the uncreated Light — Of God in Jesus shown. These are the wonders of Thy Truth, The "good things" of Thy Word, By which my soul renews her youth/ Like the young eaglet-bird. And so again I upward soar, To Thy bright throne, my King ! And so I shall for evermore Praise, glorify, and sing. a Jeremiah xv. 16. b Colossians ii. 2, 3. c Matthew viii. 23 — 27. " Kai eysvsTo yaXr/^j/zeyaX.?]." d Ephesians iii. 18, 19. e 2 Corinthians iv. 6. f Isaiah xl. 31. 51 WSLIgm mt %\m ? " And the Lord called unto Ada??i, and said wito him, Where art thou ? " Genesis iii. 8 — 15. ARK ! the piercing voice of God ! " Where art thou, O man ? " Gently through the glade He trod, Wildly Adam ran. " When I heard Thy voice I shook, Fled aghast, dismay'd ; For Thy gaze I might not brook, Naked, shamed, afraid." " Naked ? Who hath told thee so ? Why art thou afraid ? Say, how earnest thou to know ? Hast thou disobeyed ? " " Lo, the woman ! It was she Gave, and bade me eat ; Help-meet whom Thou gavest me, She betrayed my feet." " What is this that thou hast done, Woman weak and frail ? Why dost thou My presence shun, Scared, dishevelled, pale?" 52 WHERE ART TH0U1 " Lo, the Serpent ! He beguiled, Tempted, and deceived ; Subtilly he whispered, smiled, — Foolish, I believed." Hear again God's gracious voice, Hear, O man, and live ! a Hear, and let thy soul rejoice, Hear, and praises give. Lo ! that fragile woman's Seed Hath the serpent foiled ; Here is wisdom deep indeed, — Christ hath Satan spoiled ! When the time's ripe fulness came, b God sent forth His Son ; Born of woman pure He came, And our ransom won. Christ hath foiled the Serpent's art, And restored our race ; Sing we all, with all the heart, His redeeming grace. a Isaiah lv. 3. b Galatians iv. 4, 5. 53 ffitsmm Sikrfjr, I CORINTHIANS XV. 10. " What every man is in God's sight, that is he and no more." — St. Francis of Assini, Founder of Franciscan Order. OU know not what a man may be, You know not what he is, Until the Truth hath made him free, a — It all amounts to this : In intellect, affection, will, In heart, and mind, and choice, The soul is but obeying still The subtil Serpent's voice. But let the man be born again b Of God the Spirit's grace, The former things are void and vain, The new the old efface. 'Tis when the love of Christ is known, And felt within the soul, The love of sin is overthrown, The man is now " made whole." 54 GLORIOUS LIBERTY. Now he is Christ's free man indeed, His servant, slave in love ; From fear, and death, and bondage freed, By freedom from above. The dead in trespasses and sin In Christ now live and move ; His royal law engraved within, Brings liberty and love. High love to God, kind love to man, With peace and pardon sealed : The Gospel's grand eternal plan, In Christ's bright life revealed. a John viii. 32, 34, 36. b Johniii. 3, 5, 6, 8 ; 2 Corinthians v. 17. 55 % %irittral ^oxiq mxb |MaIm of Sift ROM. VII. 24. 1 COR. XV. 53—57. ELL me not in flowing numbers That this fleeting life is all ; Sorely me, alas, encumbers Sin and death's funereal pall. I would fain indeed disrobe me Of the grave-clothes of my guilt ; Great Chirurgeon ! search and probe me, Cleanse and heal me, " if Thou wilt." Bring me out of sin's dark prison, Charnel-house of death and shame, Who in Thine own strength hast risen, " Resurrection," Thy blest name. This dark life is death, and burneth Quicker than the taper's flame ; Dust to its own dust returneth, Lo ! man's sin-achieved fame. All is vanity, vexation, From the cradle to the grave 3 And the spirit's desperation Madly more and more will crave. 56 A SPIRITUAL SONG AND PSALM OF LIFE. " Give me power, give me pleasure, And intoxicate me deep ; Give me earth-dug dross and treasure, Then for ever let me sleep." my brothers ! come consenting, Hear the sweet evangel-voice ; God is waiting, haste, repenting, Angels o'er us shall rejoice. Heavenward then their glad way winging, — Golden streets now daily trod, — Joyously exulting, singing; " One more soul is won to God." Heaven and hell are hourly filling With the wicked and the good, While the Christ stands ever willing Sin to wash away with blood : Blood that purgeth, cleanseth, healeth From the shame, the death, the sting, And the Spirit quickly sealeth, Hovering on His gracious wing. Rouse thee, rouse thee, sin-drugged sleeper ! Christ shall give thee living light ; Madman ! wilt thou plunge thee deeper In Gehenna's lurid night ? 57 A SPIRITUAL SONG AND PSALM OF LIFE. Fool ! sleep on, the cup thou'st taken Soon must choke thy gasping breath ; Eheu ! soon in hell thou'lt waken, Sleep the sleepless sleep of death ! Oh ! my brother, I must wake thee From thy syren-poisoned rest, Ere th J Archangel's trumpet shake thee Naked, speechless, unconfest ! a Man immortal ! rise sublimely, Be " a living soul " to-day ; All unseemly, all untimely Sloth and folly cast away. Be Christ's true enlisted soldier, — Soldier of the Cross and Crown ! Bravely onward, and still bolder Hunt and hew the Tempter down. Lay thee hold on life eternal, Strong, courageous in the Lord ; Slay thy lusts and foes infernal With the Spirit's two-edged sword. Don the helmet of salvation In Jehovah's name and might ; On with earnest desperation, Bear thee bravely in the fight ! 58 A SPIRITUAL SONG AND PSALM OF LIFE, Take the breastplate tried that gleameth Bright with righteousness Divine ; Coat of mail, with truth that beameth, Gird thee hip and thigh and loin. Bind on sandals of the Gospel Of good-will and peace to man, — Angel-sung-and-hymned evangel : God's high-glory-giving plan ! Grasp the shield of faith, and dip it In the blood of God's own Lamb ! Heaven assault, and storm and win it, Bold in Christ, the great "I AM I " Man of God ! O man immortal ! Be Christ's hero in the strife ; Enter through the living portal, Through the golden gate of life. Comrades ! men-at-arms of Jesus ! From His throne's exalted height, He beholds, descries, and sees us, How we bear us in the fight. Knights of Calvary and Zion ! Keen of glance the battle scan, In the might of Judah's Lion, Lance in rest, lead on the van. 59 A SPIRITUAL SONG AND PSALM OF LIFE. On right-hand and left assaulting, Fierce assailing front and rear, Ever watchful for our halting, Satan daringly draws near. " Principalities and powers," " Wicked spirits" dark and bold, Fiery darts in hurtling showers, — Perils, fightings, fears untold ! Nerve ye for the grand encounter, — Closing combat in the strife ! Strong in faith, each brave surmounter Shall receive " The Crown of Life ! " When our Captain, King, and Saviour, Who Himself hath fought and won, Each shall greet with royal favour, — " Brave and faithful one, well done ! " a To guard against any misunderstanding of this expression in these days of " garbling," I would notify that the confession I point to, is that taught by the beloved Apostle, in I John i. 9, in connection with the advocacy of the "Great High Priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God," as set forth in Hebrews ii. 17, 18, and iv. 14 — 16. And the throne of Grace is the true co?ifessional for every sin-disquieted conscience. — I knoiu no other. 60 in fas ! $jj €tobm ! ! O Cross, no Crown, — ah ! must it be ? Is it our Father's wise decree ? The road that leads to heaven and God Must it in sorrow oft be trod ? May no sequestered path be found, No hallowed spot, no holy ground, Where the tired pilgrim's foot may rest, Nor by the lurking thorn be prest ? Doth the rude brier on every hand The traveller's anxious care demand ? And as our steps we homeward bend, Must we o'er rugged steeps ascend ? " Excelsior ! " a then, our motto cry ! Our gaze still fixed on Calvary, b — The plaited thorn, the blood-stained tree : Cross, Crown, and Glory, all we see. a Longfellow's exquisite little poem. b " The Cross, on Calvary- Uplifted high, Beams on the Martyr-host : a beacon light In open fight." Christian Year, Wednesday after Easter. 61 MICAH VII. 7—9. 1GAIN I rise And lift mine eyes, Rejoice not, O my foe : Though deep laid low, My God and Saviour hath my soul restor'd, Who from of old is Everlasting Lord ! He fainteth not, a Nor hath forgot His own great Name and might, Nor " cast out " quite The wretched, bruised and broken, crush'd and torn, Nor left me yet forsaken, lost, forlorn. Though I must bear Keen anguish rare, His indignation dire — " Consuming Fire " — My bones shall yet rejoice and shout and sing, h He doth Himself His own deliverance bring. 62 HE RESTORE TH MY SOUL. The Great God Man Himself hath ran, And lowly stooped to raise \ deepest praise Be to His own exalted wondrous fame, — . " The Man Christ Jesus," He of noblest Name ! c Of Him I'll boast/ And laugh almost With soul-exulting gladness ; My bitter sadness, Now turned to joy, my mourning into dancing By smiles of love my astonied soul entrancing. How strange to weep ! Yet joy so deep O'erflows in sweetest tears ; — Dread thunder fears, Wild wrath in the red flashing lightning gleaming Are — where ? Cerulean peace with smiles is beaming ! To weep how strange ! Such rich exchange, Of terror, trouble, storm, Who could transform ? But He who walked o'er Galilee's wild wave, e The radiant-robed, the Mighty One to save ! 63 HE RESTORETH MY SOUL. His Sovereign will, Grand " Peace be still," Wild storms rebuke and hush ; Soft wavelets gush And kiss and play around those shining feet, That brow encrowning, zephyred tempests meet ! To Him belong My heart and song, My life, my love, my praise ; And I must raise My spirit's voice, and sing and tell His fame, — Jesus ! The First, the Last, His God-born Name, "Yesterday, to-day, for ever, still the same." a Isaiah xl. 28 — 31. b Psalm xxxv. 10. c 1 Timothy ii. 5. Philippians ii. 9. Ephesians i. 21. d Psalm xxx. II, 12 ; xxxiv. 2. John vi. 19, 20, and compare with Matthew viii. 23 — 27. Mark iv. 37 — 41. Luke viii. 22 — 25. f Hebrews xiii. 8. Isaiah ix. 6 ; xli. 4 ; xliv. 6 ; xlviii. 12. Revelation i. 8, 11 ; xxi. 6 ; xxii. 13. 64 Submission, PSALM XLVI. 10. " Be stilL and know that I am God. 1 ' E still, and know that I am God, I will exalted be," Be humbled 'neath my chast'ning rod, My Great Salvation see. Tis not thine hand, nor thine own arm Can gain for thee renown ; I only can thy foes disarm And beat their malice down. My holy arm, My strong right hand, My favour, and My grace, — Deliverances I command From shame and dark disgrace. O Lord of Hosts ! Great Jacob's God ! My King,— do Thou Thy will,— I'd meekly bow and kiss Thy rod, Submissively "be still." 65 11 i* %ilant" I CORINTHIANS X. 12. " Wherefore let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall." H ! ye who think ye stand Be heedful lest ye fall, Deceitful snares on every hand For vigilance loud call. " Be not high-minded, fear," The sacred precept saith, Foes are around, storms may be near : Hold fast then by the faith. The faith of God's brave saints, The justifying grace ; Beware of counterfeiting feints, Masks of the One True Face. To Jesus steadfast look, Cast every weight aside ; Be every sin renounced, forsook, So faithfully abide. Christ gives His glorious strength j His grace upholds and guides ; The victory shall crown at length, His power o'er all presides. 66 % %mtb $atm. NCARNATE Holiness ! Immortal Love ! Who, from the realms of glory bright above, Cam'st down among the sons of earth to dwell,- Thy matchless praises I aspire to tell, The glories of Thy blest exalted Name, Thy grace's trophies, triumphs of Thy fame. I'd sing the virtues of Thy wondrous blood, — Man's soul-redeeming, healing, cleansing flood, Gethsemane's appalling crimson sweat When the world's crimes o'er Thy bruised body met, And o'er Thy spirit rolled so dire a grief, An angel flew to minister relief. The cruel scourge that purchased our release, The stripes, the chastisement of all our peace, By which Thy sacred flesh was gashed and torn, — The brutal blasphemy, the taunt, the scorn, The mockery, the spitting, and the shame, The thorny crown, — of these I sing the fame. 67 A SACRED POEM. The condemnation, which themselves condemned And all their race with ruin overwhelm'd, — The Lamb-like " Son of God ! " who calmly stood,- " The Son of Man ! " the gentle, pure, and good,— The wretched rabble, with the savage cry "Away with Him ! away to crucify ! " The Roman Ruler's witness, — " Lo, I bring, Faultless! Behold the Man ! Behold your King!" " Away ! " They force Him up the dolorous road, While the fierce soldiers onward drag and goad ; See ! see Him totter 'neath His load, and fall ! The sight might e'en those hardened men appall ! Upward they bear Him to the skull-strewn hill : Meekly He yields Him to their savage will. They strip, then fix Him to the cruel tree, With hate-envenomed, mad, blood-thirsty glee, Drive home the nail, — then raise the cross on high And crowd around to see Him lingering die. With diabolic cruelty accurst They tempt His fevered, parching, burning thirst : The sacred drops meanwhile are flowing down From foot, and hand, and piercing thorny crown, While here and there, in mocking groups there stand Of Priests and Scribes a scornful, scoffing band. 68 A SACRED POEM. But hark ! What anguish'd wail, what bitter cry Bursts from His lips to pierce the darkened sky ? (" Eloi ! Eloi ! Lama Sabacthani ! ") The boldest start and tremble. — " Stay ! let be : Whether Elias come, be still and see ! " No heaven-sent succour comes, no angel flies : The God-and-man-forsaken Victim dies ! One last convulsive sob, — the dying wail ! Swift rent in twain the temple's symbol veil, Earth reeled and shook, and with a roar of thunder The rocks were rent, the graves were torn asunder When the great " Son of God " gave up the ghost, And sin, and death, and hell their empire lost. These are the wonders that employ my song, But to no mortal harp such themes belong ; By heavenly harpers, with their harps of gold The glories of redemption must be told, — The Lamb's own song, and all His praises sung The blood-bought saints and angel-choirs among. Faint is the spark from those ethereal fires Which glow before the throne, my muse inspires, My lyre unstrung falls from my drooping hand : How can I sing their songs in this strange land ! Incarnate Holiness ! Immortal Love ! Who, from Thy throne of glory bright above, 6 9 A SACRED POEM. Cam'st down among the sons of earth to dwell, — Forgive ! that I presume Thy praise to tell ; No more to sing Thy fame I dare aspire, — The heavenly theme with earth's unhallow'd fire. Thy matchless praises, Thine exalted Name, A Seraph's harp scarce worthy to proclaim ! Silent I fall : no more presume to sing, — But all my homage, all my worship bring Before Thy throne of light, O great salvation's King ! 70 " %t%iixim%, mtir Skr-kg, mtir tax ®bw/ r PSALM LXV. 2, and PSALM LXXVIL 19. THOU prayer-hearing, peace-answering God ! Thro' the deep waters Thy bright feet have trod, Oceans and seas are Thy pathway alone, Yet are Thy footsteps unseen, and unknown. Mountains bow down 'neath Thy swift burning feet, Whirlwinds and tempests as dust-clouds retreat : Thunder — Thy voice, gleaming lightning — Thine eye, Robed in the azure and gold of the sky ! Deep in sweet Mary's womb hiding Thy might, Gilding with glory red Calvary's height, Bursting asunder the bars of the grave, Thro' the abyssmal deep, " Mighty to save ! " Gone up on high, where of old Thou hast reigned, " Leading captivity captive " enchained ; a Gifts Thou hast with Thee for rebels and free, " Gifts in the Man " who was nailed to the tree ! 7i YESTERDAY, AND TO-DAY, AND FOR EVER. Gifts of salvation, redemption, and life ; Sceptres and crowns with rich jewell'ry rife; Bright immortality, honour, and truth \ Brave, everlasting, free, glorious youth ! Soon now returning victorious and grand ! All the assembled before Thee must stand, Bared in their shame, or in glorious robes, While Thy bright piercing eye ev'ry heart probes. Omega, Alpha ! the First and the Last ! King, Prince, and Priest b of the present and past ! Prophets of old, in " dark sayings " proclaim, Saints and Apostles re-echo the fame. Sing, then, ye sons of God, joyous and free, Lift up your heads, for how soon may ye see Jesus — the Son of God, once on earth slain, Jesus — the Son of man, coming to reign ! Soon may the bright azure curtain be furled, Soon the usurper and tyrant down hurled ; b The Spirit and Bride both sing sweetly the strain, — Jesus comes quickly, comes quickly to reign ! a Psalm lxviii. 1 8. b Psalm ex. 4. Ileb. v. 6; vii. 17, 21. Rev. xxii. 17. 72 ISAIAH IX. 6. MARK IV. 37—41. ORKER of wonders ! majestic and meek ! Ruling the tempests, assuring the weak, — Walking o'er waters, so calm and so brave, Glorious Rebuker of wind and of wave ! Calmly asleep in the midst of the storm, Wonderful manner of man to perform, — Miracle-worker, whom all must obey, Tempests and devils both own Thy grand sway. Great was the calm ! when Thy Sovereign will Breathed the deep " Peace," and soft-whispered " Be still ! " Faithless ones, be not afraid : it is I Who gently, benignly, and brightly draw nigh. Great was the calm in each terror-struck soul ! Thou art as mighty, Lord, now to control Fears and temptations, without and within, — ■ Tempests of trial, and storm-blasts of sin. Still in Thy meekness and mercy the same ; Jesus, Thy noble and wonderful Name ! Omega, Alpha, the First and the Last, — Lord of the present, the future, the past ! 73 " $ro# fottfr a § ntt." " H^tf/ j/^// # ;/z#/z £7z/£ z/z exchange for his soul! " Matthew xvi. 26. fHRIST, Satan, sin, the world, and self, Are bidding for that piece of pelf, — My precious soul. I standing by With doubtful, wistful, anxious eye ; For that small soul to me is worth (Being immortal by its birth) More than the world itself can hold Of honour, treasure, pleasure, gold ! — Which of the bidders then shall I Accept ? Stay, — did not Christ me buy With His own precious blood's rich price ? 'Twould be a costly sacrifice, I cannot, may not think of twice, — To sell myself for less. Come in a Dear Lord ! — A vaunt ! world, satan, sin, — I hate your clashing, cov'tous, clam'rous din ! a Rev. iii. 2. 1 Cor. xi. 9. 74 " %%%m% of %\Ur PROVERBS IV. 23. ECCLESIASTICUS XIX. 1. . u He that contemneth small things ', shall fall by little and little''' HECK the first beginnings, Quickly as they rise ; Wash away thy sinnings From thy heart and eyes : O keep diligently, Young man, guard thy heart ; Round thee pestilently Hurtleth many a dart. Bind thee on, as frontlets, Christ's own sweet commands ; a Let them be as gauntlets To defend thy hands. Fierce destruction stalketh b In the broad noon-day ; The crafty fowler walketh To ensnare the prey. 75 ZSSt/FS OF LIFE. Turn thee from the stranger Who, with honeyed lip, Lures thee to endanger, And would bid thee sip Gilded bowls of pleasure, Poisoned unto death, Which, with sudden seizure, Shall exhaust thy breath. Fraud and shame and lying — Unseen shot and shell, Thick around are flying — Artillery of hell ; Wild, unhallowed fires Flash from many an urn ; Foul, unchaste desires, Hidden, smouldering burn. Seek the blest protection Of the Lord Most High ! Deadly foul infection Shall not then come nigh • Safely and securely, 'Neath th' Almighty shade, Shall he lodge who, surely, Hath his refuge made : — Built his habitation 'Neath the shelt'ring wing Of the Lord's salvation, — Rock and Living Spring : 7 6 ISSUES OF LIFE. Plague and death dispelling Angels guard shall keep ; In his peaceful dwelling Calmly may he sleep. Brother-saint ! then, call thee Bravely on the Lord ; Harm shall not befall thee, — He shall help afford ; God shall thee ennoble, And thy foes destroy ; " In the day of trouble " He shall be thy Joy. He shall thee deliver, And shall satisfy With long life for ever ; Thou shalt glorify God, and His salvation, And with triumph sing, With blest adoration, Christ, thy Saviour-King ! a I John v. 3. b Psalm xci. passim. 77 & Spiritual j&auQ. I JOHN T. 7. H ! it is not my prayers that can save me, Nor my tears, supplications, nor cries ; But 'tis in that rich blood I must lave me, Which the love of my Saviour supplies. It is this that alone can restore me To purity, calmness, and peace ; And as the warm stream a floweth o'er me, Sin's delirium and fever shall cease. Here, here, would I daily be kneeling, At the foot of Redemption's blest tree ; And wait for the kind Spirit's sealing Salvation and pardon to me. On Calvary, loftiest of mountains ! In Gethsemane's sin-hiding shade ! At the purest and freest of fountains ! By the tomb where Emmanuel was laid ! Hither haste thee, my soul, and alight thee ; Here only thy feet shall find rest, While joy and grief mingled delight thee, And a hope of the bliss of the blest. a " And fresh, as when it first was shed, Springs forth the Saviour's blood. " — Christian Year : 18th Sunday after Trinity : 5th verse. 78 " ®ab MmxM m % $hsh" JOB IX. 10, 12; XIII. 15, 16; XXXVI. 22. " Which doeth great things past finding out ; yea, and wonders without number? " Who will say unto Him, what doest Thou ?" " Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him? " He also shall be my salvation? " »%