^^^^Ry OF PRi«cf^ ■! V ■H:^-r'"-^ .--' mrti p^itrj- SELECTED FROM THE WORKS OF 1/ THE REV CHARLES WESLEY, M.A. Of Christ Church, Oxford, and Presbyter of the Church of Ensrland EDITED BY A LAY MEMBER OF THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH. These abilities are the inspired gift of God, rarely bestowed ; and are of power to allay the perturbations of the mind, and set the affections in right tune ; to cele- brate in glorious and lofty hymns the throne and equipage of God's almightincss, and what he works, and what he suffers to be wrought, with high providence in his Church. Milton. NEW- YORK : W. H. KELLEY & BROTHER, 627 BROADWAY. 1864. ff^rf^fiPt K/|n^r/© ^o esifiov/ aHT KOJi^ aaroaa^fc .A.M .Y3J?:iW 83JHAHD 3rij 'to TolydaaiS bnc ,bioixO ,fbiufl'J JehriO tu bill- I nuciO {A , I r I ; -1 .ij iiaai, JOHN A. ORAV li OREEN, •JflOldj dHI ; IT ' ai(i fit s-jnsbivoiq ii:|iii n>iw ,ihsuuivf sd ol ei /%V i RECORDED JUDGMENTS. .1 f>'V.. "It may be aflfirmed that there is no priucipal element of Christianity, no main article of belief, as professed liy Protestant Churches ; that there is no moral or ethical sentiment, peculiarly characteristic of the Gospel — that does not find itself emphatically and pointedly and clearly conveyed in some stanza of Charles "Wes- ley's poetry." Isaac Taylor. " Full of inspiration, this sweet singer translated into the lan- guage of earth snatches of orisons unutterable, till his plastic felicity embodied them in immortal verse." James Hamilton, D.D. " Perhaps no poems have ever been so devoutly committed to memory as these, nor so often quoted on a death-bed." Southey. " This fervent lyrist and liturgist was perhaps the most gifted min- strel of the modern Church ; none since the Psalmist has embodied in strains so genuine the religious exercises of the soul." London Quarterly. " Christian experience furnishes him with everlasting and inex- haustible themes ; and it must be confessed that he has celebrated them with an affluence of diction and a splendor of coloring rarely surpassed." James Montgomery. VI RECORDED JUDGMENTS. *' 'Twere new indeed to see a bard all fire Toucli'd with a coal from heaven, assume the lyre, And tell the world still kindling as he sung, With more than mortal music on his tongue, That He who died below and reigns above. Inspires the song, and that his name is Love." COWPEU. "A comparison of the poetry of Doddridge, Watts, Konn, and Wesley, would show that Doddridge rises above Watts from having caught the spirit of Kcnn ; and Wesley is deep and interior from having added to the Chrysostomian piety of Kenn the experimental part of St. Augustine. Watts is a pure Calvinist, Kenn is a pure Chrysostomian. Doddridge is induced to blend both, and the effect is valuable and interesting. Wesley advances this union. He too adds the views of grace to those of advanced holiness ; but having derived the former from a more unadultcrating medium, he is uni- formly practical and experimental. " I know no equal specimen of pure primitive piety, or rather Scriptural united piety, than this poetry ; and for clear views and expressions of the true evangelic religion, I know but one human parallel — the matchless Hturgy of the Church of England. Alexakdku Knox. PREFACE. The recorded judgments upon tlie pre- ceding pages, of authorities eminent in the walks of literature and religion, and the introduction which follows, dispense with the necessity of an extended pre- face. Many persons of excellent taste and unaffected piety have expressed a desire to possess a wider range of this poetry than can be found in any one collection ; and the editor, to meet this requirement, has made selections from the author's ya- rious works, and brought them within the limits of this volume. New-York, September, 1864, 1 .'^ m "THIS IS AN HONOUR DUE TO THE DEAD, AND A GENER- OUS DEBT TO THOSE THAT SHALL LIVE AND SUCCEED US.'" IZAAK' WALTON. INTRODUCTION. A celebrated writer, in delineating the influence of poetry on the chai-acter and morals of a nation, de- clares : " Let me but make the ballads of a nation, I care not Avho make their laws." "Milton esteemed poetical genius the most tran- scendent of all God's intellectual gifts. He esteemed iti in himself as a kind of inspiration, and wrote his great works with something of the conscious dignity of a prophet. Poetry is the divmest of all arts ; for it is the breathing or expression of that princi2:>le or sentiment which is deejDCst and sublimest in human nature. .-."It lifts the mmd aboA^e ordinary life; gives it a respite from depressmg cares, and awakens the con- sciousness of its affinity with what is pm'e and noble^ In its legitimate and highest efforts it has the same tendency and aim with Christianity ; that is, to spirit- ualize our natures. " Poetry has a natural alliance with our best affec- tions. The fictions of genius are often the vehicles of the sublimest verities; and its flashes often oj^en new regions of thought, and throw new light ujDon X INTRODUCTION. the mysteries of our being. It is not true that the poet paints a life that does not exist ; he only ex- tracts and concentrates life's volatile fragrance, brings together its scattered beauties, and prolongs its more refined but evanescent joys ; and in this he does well ; for it is good to feel that life is not wholly usurped by cares for subsistence and physical gratifications, but admits in measures which may be indefinitely en- larged, sentiments and delights worthy of a higher beincf."* Poetry is the sublime and beautiful expressed in measured language. It should be as music to the ear, pictures to the eye, and it should display all the sym- metry of architecture. It works principally by simile and melody, and in its perfect state gives as complete satisfaction to the moral faculties as it affords delight to the heart and senses; for its final aim is to benefit man by means of delight. By poetry we also mean certain feelings expressed in certain language ; for po- etical feelings are all the highest and best of our na- ture ; feelings which come like sunbeams suddenly and rarely to our hearts, too constantly engrossed with earth and its cares ; illuminating awhile our darkness, .Hid leaving us with a gleam of light. Truly has the poet said : " Our better miud Is like a Sunday's ganncnt, then put on When we have naught to do ; but at our work Wo wear a worse for thrift." * Clmnniu}'. INTRODUCTION. ^ Almost every human being is alive to the influ- ence of poetiy, and when virtue, by which the heart is fitted by its Author to receive its most sublime delights, is embodied in genuine poetry, its power is such that none but callous minds can resist it. Even the slave of vice is taken unawares, and must love.his. captivity, feeling a strange pleasm-e, to which lie, would instantly sacrifice all his most valued grati- fications could he but hope to retain it for ever. Cold, selfish, and earthly as we are, no nature is altogether unpoetical, for let a chance circumstance touch the chord of love, rouse our devotion, or awaken noble feelings in our hearts, causing us to forget ourselves and to think only of the happiness and comfort of others, then do we rise as it were out of ourselves and experience poetical feelings ; for of necessity poetry exalts and ennobles us, elevating us to a higher state of mind than we commonly enjoy. These noble and exaltmg feelings prose fails to ex- press, while her more heavenly sister, poetry, adopts them as her own and sends them forth to the world imbued with a double portion of her spirit. We admire beautiful thoughts and sublime images in the unassuming garb of prose, but when they come to us in all the graces of flowing rhythm and musical measure, our hearts are touched and our souls are charmed. Nor do we alone feel the efiects of rhythm ; the most barbarous nations are sensible of its influ- in INTRODUCTION. ence, giving ample evidence that it is not eartli* born, for " Verse comes from heaven like inward light, Mere human pains can ne'er come by it." Those impressions Avhich the poet has imbibed into his own mind by observ^ation, good poetry combines into living fomis, and the faculty of producing from such impressions the distinctions of individual charac- ter, action, or scenery we call imagination. Words- worth says : " Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings; it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquillity." Byron also says : " Poet- ry is a distinct faculty, it will not come when called. I have revolved some of my comj^ositions for whole years in my heart before I attempted to write them." Poetry is nearly allied to the fine arts, but possesses over them the great advantage of being able to assert a truth. As it is the only art which employs lan- guage for its instruments, it is the only one w^hich can enunciate a proposition and command this chief element of the moral sublime. We will here add Mil- ton's definition of poetry, which is in itself pei-fect — that it " ought to be simple, sensuous, and impas- sioned ; that is to say, single in conception, abound- ing in sensible images, and informing them all with the spirit of the mind." Having now shown what true poetry is, we will I INTRODUCTION. xiii note a few characteristics of the true poet. The true poet is he who not only thinks and feels more deeply and intensely than his fellow-men, but expresses his thoughts and feelings more elegantly, more accurate- ly, and more musically. We cannot conceive un- musical , poetry any more than we can conceive shapeless statuary. Form is as essential as subject. But whence the origin of the beautiful thoughts and images which the poet presents to us clothed in his own language ? They are not the creations of his own mind, as many think, not the emanations of his genius, or the productions of beauty out of the depths of his own personality — they are the creations of God ; and the true poet moves as a seer and translator through the regions of beauty and truth that lie in the realities around him, seeking those things which are hidden from the mass of men, (whose eyes are covered with the film of familiarity,) and finding them, he imparts to others all this truth and loveli- ness which the Creator has written everywhere in nature, whether flaming on the walls of space, smiling in the flowers that adorn the green earth, or written on the human heart : it is thus the poet gives us ap- parent pictures of unapparent nature. Poetry may be divided into three classes — natural, moral, and religious. To be the successful poet of nature needs but the poetic vision, and much culture in the use of human speech; to be the successful XIV INTRODUCTION. poet of life and the social relations, demands not merely poetic sensibility but also moral culture ; and to be the successful poet of religion needs not only the poetic vision and moral culture, but the vital action of religion on the soul : " An unction from the Holy One." In the daily wear of the spirit, if we can hardly keep fresh the affections appropriate to our relations of social and moral life, how much more difficult do we ikid it to preserve the affections and feelings relatmg to our spiritual life in all their purity and fervour. How great then the value of sacred poetry which addresses itself to the quickening and develop- ing of the religious affections. A great portion of the sacred writings contains poetry of the most impressive and spiritual charac- ter, and the Divine teaching is conveyed to us not in oratory but in the music and beauty of song, whose powers of influence for good are rarely api^reciated* " There are no songs," says Milton, " comparable to the songs of Zion." There may be said to be two distinct forms or species of the poetry commonly called sacred, and these are characteiized by two distinct principles or (ilcments of power. One of these species deals diiefly with the form and movements of outward nature, grouping them in such various imagery of beauty or grandeur as may serve INTRODUCTION. xy to excite the various sentiments of admiration, awe, and reverence. It is the poetry of natural religion in which the visi- ble creation stands forth as a grand symbol of Deity. But its religious quality is only incidental. In its essential character it is only the poetry of the im- agination, its processes and methods are simply de- scriptive, and its power is exclusively aesthetic. To this species belongs Byron's magnificent Address to the Ocean, beginning with. " Thou glorious mirror, where the Almighty form ;'* and even Addison's beautiful h}Tnn on the glories of the heavens, which captivates the soul with its contemplations of the beauty, order, and harmony of creation, falls for the most part under the same species, addressing the sentiments more than the affections, and stirring the emotions of taste rather than in^iring the feelings of religious devotion. The other form or species of sacred poetry is essen- tially lyrical, and belongs more to the affections than to the imagination; it enlists the devotional element of our nature as its highest power, and recites in glowing language the fervid experiences of the soul in its communion with God, the struggles of peni- tence, the triumphs of faith, and the aspirations of a holy hope, that soars from the grave to the skies. The poet, merely as a poet, fails to -apprehend XVI INTRODUCTION. the true power of this poetry, for its inspiration is not an endowment of natural genius, but a gift of regeneration, conferred only by the indwelling of tlie Holy Ghost. When the Psalmist exclaims, " As the hart panteth after the water-brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, 0 God," though every one must feel the force and beauty of the natural imagery, yet only he who knows by actual experience what that Divine longing is, how ardent is the passion, and with w^hat intensity it s-eizes and clings upon the soul, can appreciate the spirit of the verse, and feel the living truth more beautiful than its imagery, and more powerful than any form of mere poetry. But lest that fervour, which is the best characteristic of this species of poetry, should run into vulgar and irreverent extravagance, it should be guided by a truly poetic imagination and be chastised by a cultivated taste. Among the writers of sacred poetry none ex- hibit, in a more eminent degree, the qualities de- scribed in the precedhig remarks, than Charles Wesley ; tlie variety of his compositions is great ; they have long enjoyed a well-established fame, and they stand upon their own intrinsic merits. As a valuable aid in tlie dissemination of Divine trutli they are not unworthy of tlie praise of gaining •' listcninGT cars to the harmonies of lieaven." Jn the diversity of this volume will be found some of tlie most beautiful ])araphrases of numerous i)as- INTRODUCTION. xvn g^ges of the Sacred writings, combined with the truest and highest ideal of evangelical religion — ^the media- torial and personal truths of Christianity — namely, grace and holiness. No similar compositions extant are so free from the blemishes usually to be met with in many writers of sacred poetry. They are neither obsolete in man- ner nor abstruse in meaning, dry, rugged, or mystical, verbose or languid : they are pointed and powerful, no " middle flight " is aimed at ; the sentiment and diction being progressive and ascending, a lofty emi- nence is attained without effort. All their doctrines and phraseology have their root in the inspired Word, and find their utterance accordingly. Another strik- ing feature in this poetry is, that notwithstanding all its vigour, warmth of piety, and intensity of expres- sion, there is a total absence of any language ap- proaching a sentimental and fondling phraseology ; nothing of the familiar and colloquial style, so irrever- ent in our intercourse with the Deity, nothing con- trary to correct judgment and devotional taste. By those of refined perception and elevated religious feel- ing, these compositions will be found to possess the strength, the purity, and the eloquence of the English language, combined with the highest degree of poetic inspiration. The author's genius is not only conse- crated, but subordinated to the higher principles of piety, and every theme is applied to the purposes of XViii INTRODUCTION. vital personal godliness. " When poetry thus keeps its i^lac^as the liandmaid of piety, it will attain, not a poor, perishable wealth, hut a crown that fiideth not away." T. :\[. .cr. .hT CONTENTS, PART 1. The Christian — Jacob's Ladder — A Son'g of Praise — Praise to the Re- deemer— Heavexly Wisdom — Heavexlt Jot — ^^The Ixtitatios — A Thanks- giving— Happiness of Salvation — Happiness of Obedience — Happiness OF Christ's Followers — Happdwss op thb Ri6'hteocs-^The ' Good Shep- herd— For Believers — Image of God desired — The Kingdom of Grace, 3- PART ir. 24 The Means of Grace — Christ the Saviour of all Mes-^Pbater for Restoring Grace — Blessed are THEr that MorRN — The Mourner Comforted — Pleading for Salvation — Faith in Christ— The Path of Faith — The Light of Faith — Christ the Author op Faith — The Righteousness of Faith — The Power of Faith — Prater for Faith — The Marks of Faith — The Power of Faith — The Faith of Abraham — Christ our Faith — Light in Darkness — Forgiveness Implored — Divine Light — Prayer against the Power op Sin — Restlessness op ^■ the Soul — The Soul seeking its Rest— To Whom shall we Go? — The " Woman of Canaan — The Good Samaritan — Seeking Rest in Christ — The Pool of Bethesda — Why will ye Die? — Lukewarmness — Prayer to Christ— After a Relapse into Sin — A Prayer under Conviction — Prater for a Contrite Heart — Wrestling Jacob — Repentance — Waiting for Salvation — The Peace of God Sought — Resignation to Christ — Reliance on Christ — Looking unto Jesus — Salvation Sought ■• — A Solemn Reflection — Christ our Rest — The Wanderer's Return ' ^ —The Sinner's Plea — Call to Christ — Come, for all Things are Ready — The Waters of Life, ..^.^ .. .. ^ . . . . . 25-95 ■waJ hht «0 !, PART III. The Lord's Prayer — Desiring to Pray — Secret Prayer — Pray without Ceasing — Prayer — The Power of Prayer — Avenge me of mine Adver- ;/ SARY — Awake to Righteousness — The Beatitudes — In a Hurry ok T Business, 99-113 XX CONTENTS PART IV. The Mysteky of Godlinkss — The Heavenly Fire — Moses's Wish — For Renewed Grace — In Temptation — An Act of Devotion — The Love of Christ the Sinner's Plea — Divine Love, I., II., III., IV., V., YI., VII., Tin 117-135 PART V. Penitence and Love — The Propitiation for our Sins — Sorrow for Sin — Restoration to the Favour of God — Repentance of Believers — Re-Union to God — Christ our Advocate and Friend — Long-Suffering of God — A Penitential Hymn — The Prodigal's Return — Renunciation OF Worldly Vanities — After a Relapse into Sin — Watch and Pray —Pay thy Vows — Christian Example— Filial Fear — Christian Re- sponsibility— The Captain of our Salvation — The Fear ok God — Watch in all Things — Fou a Tender Conscience — For a New IIeart, 139-164 PART VI. Christ the Way — In AVorldly Care — The Lord our Guide — The Sacri- fice OF OUR Persons, I., II., III. — Desire for Salvation — The Author of all Good — Tb Decm Laddamus — Praise to the Trinity — The Christian's Victory — The Reign of Christ— The Gift of Righteousness— Christ OUR Intercessor — Gloria in Excei.sis — The Trinity — The Kingdom of God — The Godhead of Christ — The Name op the Lord Proclaimed — Mystery of the Trinity — The Sovereignty of God — The Peace op God — To God the Father — Prayer and Praise — Hymn to God thh Father— In Temptation — Goodness and Mercy — Converse with God — Justice and Mercy — Christ All in All — Mercy and Pardon — Praisi; to the Redeemer — Free Grace — A Thanksgiving, I., II. — The Year of Jubilee — Christ's Everlasting Love, 167-2U PART VII. The Promise of Sanctification— The CIod of JE.«5iirRrN— Thk Christian's Ri»t — Holiness Desired — Prayer for Sanctification — Ziox'.-< Prospkri- TY— The New Creation — Purity of Heart Desired — Christ oitr Sanc- tification— The Pure in Heart — Rejoicino in Hope, I., II.— Hymn to God tiik Sanctifier — Hymn to the Holy Ghost — A Praybr for Holi- ness— Love the Fulfilling of the Law — The End of Christ's Com- ing— Wait on the Lord — Purr Religion- Devout Aspiration -Tub Mind OF Christ— CnRi.HT our Piiysician and Puhikiek— The Inner Like— The !?aptism of TIIK Spirit — Hope of Salvation - Submission to Christ — F.noch'b Faith— Prisoners of Hope- Tiik Promised Land — EsTAnLisii- MKNT in (}race— riniisT oi-r Rioiiteousness— Tiir Spirit of DrRNiNO — Thk Communion ok Saint.-*, L, 11., III., IV., Y., TI., VIT., YIII., IX., X., XI 21T-2T6 CONTENTS. xxi PART VIII. The Cnrp-cn Militakt — Zealous Love — The whole ARMorR of God — The Resignation — Trust in Providence — The Voyage of Life — Spiritual Resurrection — The Refuge— After Deliverance from Danger — In Af- fliction— Faithfulness of Christ— In Suffering — Christ our Pattern — Sympathy of Christ^The Trial of Faith — God our Protector — Christ OUR Preserver — Suffering Saints 279-303 PART IX. The End of Life— The Traveller— Death Considered — Prelibation of Heaven — Death of the Righteous — The Glory to bk Revealed — The Dying Christian— Eternity Considered — Conflagration of all Things — Reward of the Righteous — The Seventh Angel — Christ's Second Coming, L, II., III.— The Judgment— The Wise Virgins— The Resurrec- tion— The Final Victory — The Ransomed of the Lord — The Saint.-? Glorified — The Church in Glory— The Redeejied in Heaven- The In- numerable Multitude — The New Jerusalem — To Die is Gain — The City op God, 307-^343 PART X. The Holy Scriptures, I., II., III., IV., V., VL, . . . . 347-351 The Lord's Supper, I., IL, III., IV., V., VL, VIL, VIIL, . . 355^-360 The Incarnation of Christ, I., IL, IIL, IV., V., VL, VIL, VIIL, 361-369 The Resurrection and Ascension, L, II., IIL, IV , V., VI., VIL, 370-370 The Extension op Christ's Kingdom, I., IL, III., IV., V., VL, 378-3S3 For the Restoration of the Jews, . 3S4 PART XI. iloRNiNG Hymn, L, IL, IIL, IV. V.— Evening Hymn, i., IL, IIL, IV.— A Midnight Hymn— Birthday Hymn, L, IL, IIL, IV.— For Whitsun- day, I., II. —The Day of Pentecost— The New-Year, L, II. , III.— In- fant Baptism, I., IL— For Children, I., IL— Adult Baptism, I., IL— On the Death of a Widow — The Evangelist's Prayer — Daily Duties, I., XL, IIL— Grace before Meat— At Table— Grace after Meat— The tr s Use of Music— Public Prayer, L, IL— Greatness of the Deity — In a Storm at Sea, 3S9-431 PART XII. A Litany Hymn — Communion with a Saint Departed — Primitive Christ- ianity— Catholic Christianity — Confession of Faith — Friendship — The Forgiveness of Sins — In the Beginning of a Recovery from Sick- XEss — After a Recovery from Sickness — Our Lord's Address to Pe- xxii CONTENTS. TEu — Naomi and Uutu — 1'ake.ntal Slffeking — On the Death of a Guild — Epitaph on an Infant — On a Removal — Faitu in God's Promises — On the Death of a Friend — On the Death of his Mother — In Pros- pect of his own Death — Prayer for Final Sanctikication, . 437-4G7 Sf,lections from a Poetical Version op the Psalms of Davu), 1s3-G'.>4 Short IItmns, prikcipallt on Particular Texts is tiik Book of Psalms, 601-tW7 P.VKAPURASES ON MlSCELLANEOCS TEXTS OF SCRIPTl'RR . . 63S-644 SUPPLEMENT. The Lord's Prater — The Christian Pilgrim — The Waters op Life — Hope in Death — Christian Zeal — God our Portion — Renouncing all for Christ — Redemption Found— The Believer's Triumph — The Change — God's Love to ^Iankind — A Prayer to Christ — Sufferings and Love of Christ — Confiding in God — Gratitude for our Conversion — On the Attributes of God— The Condescension of God — Trust in Providence — Living by Christ — Christ the Source of Grace — Redemp- tion Found — Christ Protecting and Sanctifying— The Soul seeking Re- pose IN God— Morning Dedication to Christ- The Believer's Sup- port—In Affliction or Pain — Pubuc "Worship- The Faithful Am- bassador—God's Husbandry, r)45-C95 PART I . •■'■LYRICA POESIS IMU.Vl KLI-MEN'lUM NOSTR/!-; NATURAE UT EJUS MAXIMAM VIM AI IRAHIT." Silt rob ISoctnn PART THE FIRST. THE CHRISTIAN. Who is as the Christian great '? Bought and Avashed with sacred hlood; Crowns he sees beneath liis feet, Soars aloft, and walks witli God. Who is as the Christian wise ? He his naught for all hath given ; Bought the pearl of greatest price, Nobly barter'd earth for heaven. Who is as the Christian bless'd "? He hath found the long-sought stone ; He is joined to Christ, his rest. He and happiness are one. Earth and heaven together meet, Gifts in him and graces join ; Make the character complete, All immortal, all divine. JACOB'S LADDER. Lo ! his clothing is the sun, The bright Sun of righteousness ; lie hath put salvation on — Jesus is his beauteous dress. Lo ! he feeds on living bread, Drinks the fountain from above, Leans on Jesus' breast his head, Feasts for ever on his love. Angels here his servants are, Spread for him their golden wings, To his throne of glory bear, Seat him by the Kmg of kings. "Who shall gain that heavenly height ? Who his Saviour's face shall see ? I who claim it in his right, Clirist hath bought it all for me. JACOB'S LADDER. Gen. 28 : 12, 1 3. What doth the ladder mean. Sent down from the Most High ? Fasten'd to eartli its foot is seen, Its summit to the sky. Lo ! up and down the scale The angels swiftly move. And God, tlic great Invisible, irniist.'lt" appears above I JACOB'S LADDER. Jesus that ladder is, Th' incarnate Deity, Partaker of celestial bliss And human misery. Sent from his high abode. To sleeping mortals given. He stands, and man unites to God, And earth connects with heaven. Let Jacob's favor'd race The wondrous scale approve. Through which alone we have access To that bright throne above. The foot on earth is fix'd. He in our nature dAvells, Sinners and God He stands betwixt, And God to man reveals. The top our faith adores, The top transcends our sight ; Above all earthly things it soars. And all created height. His glorious majesty Our heavenly Lord maintains ; As God he dw^ells above the sky As God for ever reigus. Pursue the mystery — The duteous angel-train Ascendmg and descending, see Upon the Son of man ! JACOB'S LADDER. The mmistcrial host Their heavenly Lord attend; And us who in his mercy trust, He Lids his guards defend. Through Christ, our living Way, Sent from above they come, Our spirits safely to convey To our eternal home : They watch each glorious heir. And when from flesh releas'd, Up to our Father's throne they bear And lodge us in his breast. Redeemer of mankind. Who on thy name rely, A constant intercourse we find Open'd 'twixt earth and sky. Mercy, and grace, and peace. Descend through thee alone; And thou dost all our services, Present before the throne. On us thy Father's love Is for thy sake bestow'd ; Thou art our Advocate above, Thou art our way to God ; Our way to God we trace, And through tliy naiiu' forgiven, From step to step, from grace to grace, On thee we climb to heaven. A SONG OF PRAISE. A SONG OF PRAISE. Psalm 34 : i. Rev. 15:3. Meet and right it is to sing, In every time and place, Glory to our Heavenly King, The God of Truth and G^-ace ; Join Tve then Avith sweet accord, All in one thanksgiving join! Holy, holy, holy Lord, Eternal praise be thine ! Thee, the first-born sons of light. In choral symphonies. Praise by day, day without night, And never, never cease. Angels and archangels, all Praise the mystic Three in One ; Sing, and stop, and gaze, and fall, O'erwhelmed before thy throne ! Vying with that happy choir. Who chant thy praise above, We on eagle's wings aspire. The wings of faith and love ; Thee they sing Avith glory croAvn'd ; TFe extol the slaughter'd Lamb ; Lower if our voices sound. Our subject is the same. Father, God, thy loA^e Ave praise, Which gave thy Son to die; PRAISE TO THE REDEEMER. Jesus, full of truth and grace, Alike we glorify ; Spirit, Comforter divine, Praise by all to thee be given. Till Ave in full chorus join. And earth is turn'd to heaven. PRAISE TO THE REDEEMER, Isaiah 35 : 5, 6. 45 : 22. John i : 29. Matthew 11:5. 24 : 14. O FOR a thousand tongues to sing My great Redeemer's praise ! The glories of my God and King, The triumphs of his grace ! My gracious Master, and my God, Assist me to proclaim. To spread through all the earth abroad The honors of thy Name. Jesus ! the Name tliat charms our I'oars, That bids our sorrows cease ; 'Tis music in the sinner's ears, 'Tis life, and liealth, and peace. lie breaks the power of cancellM sin, lie sets the prisoner free ; His blood can make tlie foulest clean, His blood availed for 7ne. PRAISE TO THE REDEEMER. He speaks, — and listening to his voice, New life the dead receive ; The mournful, broken hearts rejoice ; The humble poor believe. Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, je dumb. Your loosened tongues employ ; Ye blind, behold your Saviour come. And leap, ye lame, for joy. Look unto him, ye nations ; own Your God, ye fallen race ; Look, and be saved through faith alone, Be justified by grace. See all your sins on Jesus laid : The Lamb of God was slain : His soul was once an oifering made For every soul of man. Awake from guilty nature's sleep. And Christ shall give you light. Cast all your sins into the deep. And wash the ^thiop white. With me, your chief, ye then shall know, Shall feel, your sins forgiven ; Anticipate your heaven below, And own that love is heaven. lO HEAVENLY WISDOM. HEAVENLY WISDOM. Prov. 3 : 13-1S. Happy tlic man that finds the grace, The blessing of God's chosen race, The wisdom coming from above, The faitli that sweetly Avorks by love. Happy, beyond descri2:>tion, he Wlio knows "the Saviour died for me!" The gift unspeakable obtains, And heavenly understanding gains. Wisdom divine I Who tells the i^rice Of Wisdom's costly merchandise ! Wisdom to silver we prefer, And gold is dross compared to her. Her hands are fillM with length of days, True riches, and immortal praise ; Iviches of Christ, on all bestow'd. And honor that descends from God. To purest joys slie all invites. Chaste, holy, spiritual delights ; Her ways are ways of ])leasantness, And all her fiowery paths are ])eace. Ha])py tlic iniin wlio AVixhun gains; Thrice haj)j»y, wlio his guest retains! He owns, and shall for ever owu, Wisdom, and Christ, and Heaven are one. THE INVITATION. U HEAVENLY JOY. Rev. 22 : 17. A FOUNTAIN of life and of grace In Christ, our Redeemer, ^se see ; I'or us, who his offers embrace, For all it is open and free : Jehovah himself doth invite, To drink of his pleasures unknown ; The streams of immortal delight, That flow from his heavenly throne. As soon as in him we believe. By faith of his Spirit we take. And freely forgiven receive The mercy, for Jesus's sake : \ye gain a j^ure drop of his lo^'e ; The life of eternity know ; Angelical happiness prove. And witness a heaven below. THE INVITATION. Prov. 3 : 17. I John 5:11. John 3:16. Weary souls that wander wide From the central point of bliss. Turn to Jesus crucified, Fly to those dear wounds of his ; Sink into the purple flood; Rise into the life of God. 12 A THANKSGIVING. Find in Christ the way of i)cace, Peace unspeakable, unknown! By his pain he gives you ease, Life by his expiring groan; Rise exalted by his fall. Find in Christ your all in all. O believe the record true, God to you his Son hath given ; Ye may now be happy too, Find on earth the life of heaven Live the life of heaven above, All the life of glorious love. This the universal bliss. Bliss for every soul design'd ; God's original promise this, God's great gift to all mankind. Blest in Christ this moment be, Blest to all eternity! A THANKSGIVING. Isaiah 35 : 10. Fsalm 25 : 14. Psalm 89 : 15. Phil. 3 : 9. John 10 : 28. O WHAT shall I do jMy Saviour to jiraiso, So faithful and true, So plenteous in grace, So strong to deliver, So good to redeem, The weakest believer That liangs upon him ! HAPPINESS OF SALVATION. )a How happy the man Whose heart is set free, The people that can Be joyful in thee ! TJieir joy is to walk in The light of thy face ; And still they are talking Of Jesus's grace. Their daily delight Shall be in thy name ; They shall as their right Thy righteousness claun : Thy righteousness wearing, And cleansed by thy blood Bold shall they appear in The presence of God. For thou art their boast. Their glory and power ; And I also trust To see the glad hour. My soul's new creation, A life from the dead, The day of salvation, That lifts up my head. For Jesus, my Lord, Is now my defence ; I trust in his Word, None plucks me from thence, Since I have found fiwor. He all things will do ; My King and my Saviour Shall make me anew. Yes, Lord, I shall see The bliss of thine own. Thy secret to me Shall soon be made known ; For sorrow and sadness I joy shall receive, And share in the gladness Of all that believe. HAPPINESS OF SALVATION, Isaiah 12 : 1-6. Happy soul, who sees the day, The glad day of gospel grace ! Thee, my Lord, (thou then wilt say,) Thee will I for ever praise ; 14 HAPPINESS OF SALVATION. Tliouirh thy wrath agahist me biiniM, Tliou (lost coiul'ort inc again; All thy w ralli aside is turii'd, Thuu hast blotted out my sin. 3Ie, behold! thy mercy spares; Jesus my salvation is ; Hence my doubts; away my fears; Jesus is become my peace : J All, Jehovah, is my Lord, Ever merciful and just ; I will lean uj^on his Wonl ; I will on liis i)romise trust. Strong I am, for he is strong; Just in righteousness divine : lie is my triumphal song; All he has, and is, is mine; 3Ilne — and i/oiirs, Avhoe'er believe ; On his name whoe'er shall call, Freely shall his grace receive ; lie is full of grace for all. Theretbre shall ye draw with joy Water from Salvation's well ; T*rais(^ shall your glad tongues emj^hty, Wiiile liis Btreaming grace ye feel. Kaeh to each ye then shall say, " Sinners, call upon l>is name ; O rejoice to see liis day ; See it, and his praise proclaim !" HAPPINESS OF OBEDIENCE. 15 Glory to his name belongs, Great, and marvellous, and high ; Sing unto the Lord your songs, Cry to every nation, cry ! Wondrous things the Lord hath done, Excellent his name we find ; This to all mankind is known, Be it known to all mankind ! Sion, shout thy Lord and King, Israel's Holt One is He ! Give him tlianks, rejoice, and sing, Great is he, and dwells in thee. O the grace unsearchable ! While eternal ages roll, God delights in man to dwell, Soul of each believing soul ! HAPPINESS OF OBEDIENCE. John 13 : 17, Psalm 31 : 19 ; 40 : 3. Rev. 12 : I. Eph. 3 : 19. How happy are they Who their Saviour obey, And have laid up their treasures above ! Tongue cannot express The sweet comfort and peace Of a soul in its earliest love ! That comfort was mine. When the favor divine I first found in the blood of the Lamb ; When my heart it believed, What a joy I received, What a heaven in Jesus's name ! 3 l6 HAPPINESS OF CHRIST^S FOLLOWERS. 'Twas a heaven below My Redeemer to Imow, And the anwls could do nothinor more Than fall at his feet, And the story repeat, And the Lover of smners adore. Jesus all the day long Was my joy and my song : Oh ! that all his salvation might see ! He hath loved me, I cried. He hath suffer'd and died, To redeem a poor rebel like me. On the wings of his love I was carried above All sin, and temptation, and pain ; I could not believe That I ever should grieve. That I ever should suffer asfain. I rode on the sky, Freely justified I ! Nor envied Elijah his seat ; My soul mounted higher, In a chariot of fire. And the moon it was under my feet. O the rapturous heiglit Of that holy dcliglit, Which I felt in the life-giving blood ! Of my Saviour possest, I was jDcrfectly blest, As if fiU'd with the fulness of God. HAPPINESS OF CHRIST'S FOLLOWKRS. Luke 6:12. Ps.ilm 144 : 15. How liappy, gracious Lord ! are we, Divinely drawn to follow lliee. Whose hours divided are Betwi-xt the mount and multilude : Our day is spent in doing good. Our night in praise and prayer. HAPPINESS OF THE RIGHTEOUS. 17 With US no melancholy void, No i^eriod lingers unemploy'd, Or unimproved, below : Our weariness of life is gone, Who live to serve our God alone And only thee to know. The winter's night and summer's day, Glide imperceptibly away, Too short to sing thy praise : Too few we find the happy hours, And haste to join those heavenly powers, In everlasting lays. With all who chant thy name on high, And "Holy, Holy, Holy" cry, (A bright, harmonious throng !) We long thy praises to rej)eat, And restless sing, around thy seat, The new, eternal song. HAPPINESS OF THE RIGHTEOUS Prov. I : 22. Jude l8. 2 Cor. 6 : lo. Rev. 3 : 4. Ye simple souls that stray Far from the path of peace, (That lonely, unfrequented way To life and happiness,) Why will ye folly love. And throng the downward road. And hate the wisdom from above. And mock the sons of God ? l8 HAPPINESS OF THE RIGHTEOUS. Madness and misery Ye count our life beneath ; And nothing great or good can see, Or glorious, in our death : As only born to grieve. Beneath your feet we lie ; And utterly contemn'd we live, And unlamented die. So wretched and obscure, The men whom ye despise, So foolish, impotent, and poor, — Above your scorn Ave rise : We, through the Holy Ghost, Can witness better things ; For He, whose blood is all our boast, Hath made us Priests and Kings. Riches unsearchable In Jesu's love Ave know ; And pleasures, springing from the well Of life, our souls o'erflow ; The Spirit Ave receive Of Avisdom, grace, and power ; And ahvays sorroAvful Ave live. Rejoicing evermore. Angels our servants are. And keep in all our Avays ; And in their Avatchful hands they bear The sacred sons of grace : Unto that lieaA^enly bliss They all our steps attend ; And God himself our Father is, And Jesus is our Friend. THE GOOD SHEPHERD. 19 With him we walk in white ; We in his image shine ; Our robes are robes of glorious light, Our righteousness divine : On all the kings of earth With pity we look down ; And claim, in virtue of our birth, A never-fadino: erown. THE GOOD SHEPHERD. Isaiah 40 : 11. Ezck. 34 : 12-23. Luke 15 : 4-7. John 10 : n-i6. Matt. 25 : 33. Happy soul, that, free from harms, Rests within his Shej^herd's arms ! Who his quiet shall molest ? Who shall violate his rest ? Jesus doth his spirit bear : Jesus takes his every care : He who found the wandering sheej), Jesus, still delights to keep. O that I might so believe. Steadfastly to Jesus cleave ; On his only love rely, Smile at the destroyer nigh : Free from sin and servile fear. Have my Jesus ever near ; All his care rejoice to prove All his paradise of love ! 20 FOR BELIEVERS. Jesus, seek thy wandering sheep, Bring me back, and lead, and keep ; Take on thee my every care ; Bear me, ou tliy bosom bear ; Let me kno\y my Slieplierd's voice. More and more in thee rejoice ; More and more of thee receive ; Ever in thy Spirit live : Live, till all thy life I know, Perfect, through my Lord, below Gladly then from earth remove, Gather'd to the fold above : O that I at last may stand With the sheep at thy right hand ; Take the crown so freely given. Enter in bv thee to henyen ! FOR BELIEVERS. John 17:3. My God, I am tliine. What a comfort divine. What a blessing to know that my Jesus is mine ! h\ the heavenly Lamb Thrice happy I am. And my heart it doth dance at the sounw'd up in shame. THE LIGHT OF FAITH. 37 Guilty I stand before thy face ; On nie I feel thy Avrath abide : 'Tis just the sentence should take place; 'Tis just; — but, O, thy Son hath died! Jesus, the Lamb of God, hath bled ; He bore our sins upon the tree ; Beneath our curse he bow'd his head; ' Tis finish'd ! he hath died for me ! See where before tlie throne he stands, And pours the all-prevailing prayer! Points to his side, and lifts his hands, And shows that I am graven tliere ! He ever lives for me to pray; He prays that I v\ith him may reign ; Amen to what my Lord doth say! Jesus, thou canst not pray in vain. THE LIGHT OF FAITH. Heb. 13:8. Heb. 11 : i. John 3 : 36. Author of faith, eternal Word, Whose Spirit breathes the active i^ame Faith, like its Finisher and Lord, To-day, as yesterday the same : To thee our humble hearts aspire. And ask the gift unspeakable : Li crease in us the kindled fire, Li us the work of faith fulfil. 3? CHRIST THE AUTHOR OF FAITH. I>y faith we know thee strong to save : (Save us, a present Saviour thou!) Whate'er we hope, by faith Ave ha^e, Future and past subsisting now. To liini that in thy name believes. Eternal life with thee is given ; Into himself he all receives. Pardon, and holiness, and heaven. The thiny thy victorious love. In answer to ten thousand prayers, Thou pai'douing God, descend I DIVINE LIGHT. 51 Number me with salvation's heirs, My sins and troubles end ! Nothing I ask or want beside, Of all in earth or heaven, But let me feel thy blood applied, And live and die forgiven. DIVINE LIGHT. Gen. I : 2, 3. 2 Cor. 4 : 6. Psalm 5:7. 2 Chron. 6:21. Expand thy wings, celestial Dove, And brooding o'er my nature's night. Call forth the ray of heavenly Love ; Let there in my dark soul be light ; And fiU the illustrated abyss With glorious beams of endless bliss. "Let there be light," again command, And light there in our hearts shall be. We then through faith shall understand Thy great mysterious Majesty; And by the shining of thy grace, Behold in Christ thy glorious face. Father of everlasting grace, Be mindful of thy changeless word ; We worship toward that Holy Place, In which tliou dost thy name record, Dost make thy gracious nature known ;^ That living Temple of thy Son , 52 PRAYER AGAINST THE POWER OF SIN. Thou dost with sweet comphaceiice see The temple fill'd with light divine ; And art thou not well pleased with me, AVho, turning to that heavenly shrine, Through Jesus to thy throne apply, Through Jesus for acceptance cry? With all who for redemption groan, Father, in Jesu's name I pray ! And still we cry and wrestle on Till mercy take our sins away : Hear from thy dwelling-place in heaven, And now pronounce our sins forgiven. f-'i' PRAYER AGAINST THE POWER OF SIN. Isaiah 64: i. Mai. 4: i. Mark 10:2,7. Psalm 121 : i. O THAT thou woukVst, the lieavens rent, In majesty come down ; Stretch out thine arm omnipotent, ^^•And seize me for thine own ! Descend, and let thy ligiitning )»uni The stubble of thy foe ; My sins overturn, overturn, overturn. And make the mountains flow ! Tiiuu 111) iiii|»ruiuii> s|»ii'il guide. And curb my headstrong will ; Thou only canst drive back tlie tide, And bid the sun stand still. PRAYER AGAINST THE POWER OF SIN. 53 What tliougli I cannot break my chain, Or e'er throw off my load? The things impossible to men, Are possible to God. Is there a thing too hard for thee, Almighty Lord of all ; Whose threatening looks dry up the sea, And make the mountains fall ? ..Who, who shall in thy presence stand, And match Omnipotence ? Fngrasp the hold of thy right hand. Or pluck the sinner thence ? Sworn to destroy, let earth assail; Nearer to save thou art : Stronger than all the powers of hell. And greater than my heart. Lo ! to the hills I lift mine eye : Thy promised aid I claim : Father of Mercies, glorify Thy fiivourite Jesu's Xame. Salvation in that name is found. Balm of my grief and care ; A medicine for my every wound, All, all I want is there. Jesu! Redeemer, Saviour, Lord, The weary sinner's friend ; Come to my help, pronounce the v»'ord, And bid my troubles end. 54 PRAYER AGAINST THE POWER OF SIN. Deliverance to my soul proclaim, And life, and liberty : Shed forth the virtue of tliy Name, And Jesus prove to me ! Faith to be healM thou know'i^t I have ; For thou tliat faith hast oriven : Tliou canst, thou wilt the sinner save, .Vnd make me meet for heaven. Thou canst overcome this heart of mhie; Tliou Avilt victorious prove ; For everlasting strength is thine. And everlasting love. Thy powerful Spirit shall subdue Unconquerable sin ; Cleanse this foul lieart, and make it new. And write thy law within. Bound down with twice ton thousand ties, Yet let me hear thy call, My soul in confidence shall rise. Shall rise and break through all. Speak, and the deaf shall hear thy voice ; The blind his sight receive ; The dumb in songs of praise rejoice ; The heart of stone believe. The Kthiop then shall change his skin ; The dead shall feel thy power ; The loathsome leper shall be clean, And I slwU sin no more. RESTLESSNESS OF THE SOUL. 5^f RESTLESSNESS OF THE SOUL. L.duh I : 5, 6. Rev. 3 : 17. I Kings 19 : 19- 2 Cor. 8 : 9. I Peter 5 : 15. Wketched, helpless, and distrest, Ah ! whither shall I fly ? Ever gasping after rest, I cannot find it nigh : Naked, sick, and poor, and blind, Fast bound in sin and misery, Friend of sinners, let me find My help, my all, in thee ! I am all unclean, unclean. Thy purity I want; My whole heart is sick of sin. And my whole head is faint : Full of putrefying sores. Of bruises, and of wounds, my soul Looks to Jesus, help implores. And gasps to be made whole. In the wilderness I stray, My foolish heart is blind ; Xothing do I know ; the way Of peace I cannot find : Jesu, Lord, restore my sight. And take, O take the veil away; Turn my darkness into light, My midnight into day. Naked of thine image. Lord, Forsaken, and alone. 56 RESTLESSNESS OF THE SOUL. UiircnewM, and unrestorecl, I have not thee put on : Over me thy mantle S2^reacl, Send down thy likeness from above ; Let thy goodness be displayM, And wrap me in thy love. Poor, alas ! thou know'st I am, And would be poorer still ; See my nakedness and shame, And all my vileness feel ; No good thing in me resides, My soul is all an aching void. Till thy Spirit here abitles, And I am filPd with God. Jesus, full of truth and grace, In thee is all I want ; Be the wanderer's resting-place, (,,A cordiid to the faint ; Make me rich, for I am poor ; In thee may I my Eden find ; To the dvinf' health restore, And eyesight to the blind ! ('lothe me with thy holiness, Tliy meek humility ; Put on me my glorious dress, Endue my soul with tlice ; Let thine image be restored, Tliy name and nature let me prove ; AN'ith thy fulness fill me. Lord, Aixl ]»('i-ffct iiH' ill love. THE SOUL SEEKING ITS REST. 57 THE SOUL SEEKING ITS REST And have I measured half my days, And half my journey run, Xor tasted the Redeemer's grace, Nor yet my work begun ? The morning of my life is past. The noon is almost o'er ; Tlie night of death approaches fast, When I can work no more. Darkness he makes his secret place, Thick clouds surround his throne ; Nor can I yet behold his face, Or find the God Unknown. A God that hides himself he is, Far oif from mortal sight ; An inaccessible Abyss Of micrcated light. Far oft' he is, yet always near ; He fills both earth and heaven, But doth not to my sonl appear ; My soul from Eden driven. O'er earth a banish'd man I rove, But cannot feel him nigh : Where is the pardoning God of Lo\r), Who stoop'd for me to die ? $8 THE SOUL SEEKING ITS REST. I sought him in the secret cell With im availing care : Long did I in the desert dwefl, ' Xor could I find him there. Still every means in vain I try ; I seek him far and near ; Where'er I come constrain'd to cry : " My Saviour is not here." God is in this and every place : Yet oh ! how dark and void To me ! 'tis one great wilderness, This earth without my God ! Empty of him who all things fills, Till he his light impart ; Till he his glorious self reveals. The veil is on my heart. O Thou who seest and know'st my grief, Thyself unseen, unknown ! Pity my helpless unbelief, And take away the stone ! IlcGfard me with a c^racious eve ; The long-sought blessing give ; And bid me, at the point to die, Behold thy face, and live ! A THE GOOD SAMARITAN. THE GOOD SAMARITAN. Luke lo : 30. Woe is me ! what ton2:ue can tell My sad afflicted state ! Who my aiiguisli can reveal, Or all my woes relate ? Fallen among thieves I am, And they have robb'd me of my God ; Turn VI my glory into shame, And left me in my blood. O thou good Samaritan ! In thee is all my hope ; Only thou canst succour man, And raise the fallen up : Hearken to my dying cry ; My wounds compassionately see ; Me, a sinner, pass not by. Who gasp for help to thee. Still thou journey'st where I am, And still thy bowels move : Pity is with thee the same. And all thy heart is love: Stoop to a poor sinner, stoop, And let thy healing grace abound ; Ileal my bruises, and bind u\) My spirit's every mouikI. Savioiii' »»r luy m*u1, draw nigli, In mercy haste to me ; ^rr THE GOOD SAMARITAN. ^ At the point of death I lie, And cannot come to thee ; Now thy kind relief afford, The wine and oil of grace pour in : Good Physician, speak the word. And heal my soul of sin. Pity to my dying cries ' - Hath drawn thee from above ; Hovering over me, witli eyes Of tenderness and love, Xow, ev'n now, I see thy face ; The balm of Gilead I receive Thoii hast saved me by thy grace. And bade the sinner live. Surely now the bitterness Of second death is past ; O my life, my righteousness ! On thee my soul is cast : Thou hast brought me to thine inn, And I am of thy promise sure ; Thou shalt cleanse me from all sin, And all my sickness cure. Perfect, then, the Avork begun, And make the sinner Avhole ; All thy will on me be done, My body, spirit, soul : Still preserve me safe from harms, And kindly for thy patient care ; Take me, Jesus, to thine arms, And keep me ever there. 6 64 SEEKING REST IN CHRIST. SEEKING REST IN CHRIST. Matt. II : 28. 0 THAT my load of sin were gone I O that I eould at last submit At Jcsu's feet to lay it down, To lay my soul at Jesu's feet ! When shall mine eves behold the Lamb ? The God of my salvation see? ^/ Weary, O Lord, thou know'st I auv; Yet still I cannot come to thee. ; Rest for my soul I long to find : Saviour of all, if mine thou art, Give me thy meek and lowly mind, And stamp thine image on my heart. Break otf the yoke of inbred sin, And fully set my spirit free : 1 cannot rest till pure within, Till I am wholly lost in thee. Fain would I learn of thee, my God ;, Tliy light and easy burden prove, Tlie cross, all stain'd with hallowM blood, The labour of tliy dying love. This moment I would tuke (it up, And after my dear Master bear ; With thee ascend to Calvary's top. And bow my head and suffer there. THE POOL OF BETHESDA. 65) I would, but thou must give the power ; My heart from every sin release ; Bring near, bring near, the joyful hour, And fill me with thy perfect peace. Come, Lord, the drooping sinner cheer, Nor let thy chariot-wheels delay ; Appear, in my poor heart appear ! My God, my Saviour, come away! THE POOL OF BETHESDA. John 5 : 2-9. Jesus, take my sins away. And make me know thy name ! Thou art now as yesterday, [j And evermore the same : Thou my true Bethesda be ; I know within thine arms is room ; All the world may imto thee, Their House of Mercy, come. See me lying at the pool. And waiting for thy grace ; O come down into my soul. Disclose thy angel-face ! If to me thy bowels move. If now thou dost my sickness feel, Let the Spirit of thy Love The helpless sinner heal. 66 THE POOL OF BETHESDA. Persons thou dost not respect ; Whoe'er for mercy call, Thou in no wise wilt reject ; Thy mercy is for all : Tliou would'st freely all restore, AVould all the gracious season iind, Fill with goodness, love, and power, And with a healthful mind. Mercy then there is for me, (Away my doubts and fears !) Plagued with an infirmity For many tedious years. Jesus, cast a pitying eye ! Thou long hast known my desperate case Poor and helpless here I lie. And wait the healing grace. Long hath thy good Spirit strove With my distempered soul ; But I still refused thy love. And would not be made whole : Hardly now at last I yield, I yield with all my sins to part ; Let my soul be fully heal'd. And throughly cleansed my heart. Pain and sickness, at thy word. And sin, and sorrow Hies : Speak to me, Almighty Lord, And bid my spirit rise ; Hid me bear the haUow'd cross. Which thou, my Lord, hast l)orne belbn' Walk ill all thy righteous laws, And go and sin no more. WHY V/ILL YE DIE ? "'67 WHY WILL YE DIE? Ezck. 18 : 31. Matt. 7 : 2,1. Isa. 5 : 4. John 5 : 40. SiNNEES, turn, why will ye die ? God, your Maker, asks you why : God, who did your being give, Made you with himself to live : He the fatal cause demands. Asks the work of his own hands, Why, ye thankless creatures, why Will ye cross his love and die ? Sinners, turn, why will ye die ? God, your Saviour, asks you why : God, who did your souls retrieve, Died himself, that ye might live. Will you let him die in vain ? Crucify your Lord again ? Why, ye ransom'd sinners, why Will you slight his grace, and die ? Sinners, turn, why will ye die ? God, the Spirit, asks you why : He who all your lives hath strove. Wooed you to embrace his love : W^ill you not his grace receive ? Will you still refuse to live ? Why, ye long-sought sinners, why Will you grieve your God, and die ? Dead already, dead within. Spiritually dead in sin : 68 WHY WILL YE DIE ? Dead to God, while here you breatlie ; Pant ye after second death? Will you still in sin remain; Greedy of eternal pain ? O, ye dying sinners, Avhy, Why will you for ever die? Let the beasts their breath resign, Strangers to the life divine ; Who tlieir God can never know, Let their spirit downward go. You for hiijjher ends were born You may all to God return ; Dwell with him above the sky; Why will you for ever die ? You, on whom he favours showers : You, possest of nobler powers ; You, of reason's powers possest ; You, with will and memory blest ; You, witli finer sense endued, Creatures capable of God : Noblest of his creatures, why, Why will you for ever die ? You, wiioni he ordain d to be Transcrii)ts of the Deity ; You, whom he in life dotli hold: You, lor whom himself was sold; You, on whom he still doth wait, Whom lie would again create : Made l)y him and purchase all for tliee. RESIGNATION TO CHRIST. To rescue me from woe, Thou didst with all things part ; Didst lead a suffering life below/. To gain my worthless heart. My worthless heart to gain, The God of all that breathe Was found in fashion as a man, And died a cursed death. And can I yet delay My little all to give ? To tear my soul from earth away. For Jesus to receive? Nay, but I yield, I yield; I can hold out no more I sink, by dying love compell'd, And own thee conqueror. Though late, I all forsake ; My friends, my all resign. Gracious Redeemer, take, O take. And seal me ever thine ! Come, and possess me whole ; 'Not hence again remove : Settle and fix my wavering soul With all thy weight of love. My one desire be this, Thy only love to know ; To seek and taste no other bliss, No other sfood below. 84 RELIANCE ON CHRIST. My Life, my Portion thou, ; rnThou all-sufficient art; My Hope, my heavenly Treasure, now Enter, and keep ray heart. RELIANCE ON CHRIST. Rev. 3 : 17. John 6 : 37. Whex, gracious Lord, when shall it be, That I shall find my all in thee ? The fulness of thy promise prove; The seal of thine eternal Love ? A poor, blind child, I wander here, If haply I may feel thee near! O dark ! dark ! dark ! I still nmst say, Amid the blaze of gospel day ! Thee, only thee, I fain would find, And cast the world and flesli behind ; Thou, only thou, to me be given, Of all thou hast in earth or heaven. Wliom man forsakes, tliou wilt not leave. Heady tiie outcasts to receive ; Though all my simpleness I own, And all my faults to thee are known. Ah, wherefore did I ever doubt! Thou wilt in no Aviso cast mo out, A hel))less soul that comes to tlu^e, With only sin and misery. LOOKING UNTO JESUS. Lord, I am sick — my sickness cm-e ; I want — do thou enrich the poor; Under thy mighty hand I stoop, O lift the abject sinner up ! Lord, I am blind — be thou my sight; Lord, I am weak — be thou my might : A helper of the helpless be, And let me find ray all in thee I LOOKING UNTO JESUS. Sol. 8 : 7. Lamb of God, for sinners slain, To thee I freely pray : Heal me of my grief and pain, O take my sins away ! From this bondage, Lord, release ; Xo longer let me be opprest : Jesus, Master, seal my peace. And take me to thy breast ! Wilt thou cast a sinner out, Who humbly comes to thee? N'o, my God, I cannot doubt, Thy mercy is for me : Let me then obtain the grace. And be of paradise possest: Jesus, Master, seal my peace. And take me to thy breast! 86 SALVATION SOUGHT. Worldly good I do not want, Be that to others given ; Only for thy love I pant, My all in earth and heaven. This the crown I fain would seize. The good wherewith I would be blessed Jesus, Master, seal my peace. And take me to thy breast! This delight I fain would prove. And then resign my breath ; Join the happy iew whose love Was mightier than death ! Let it not my Lord displease. That I would die to be thy guest! Jesus, Master, seal my peace. And take me to thy breast ! SALVATION SOUGHT. Rom. 8:15. Tiiou great mysterious God unknown, Whose love hath gently led me on, Even liom my infant days ; ]Minc imnost soul exi>ose to view. And tell me, if I ever knew Thv juslityiiisj u'race. Jf I have only known thy fear, Aneacc of God : The seeing eye, the feeling sense, TIic mystic joys of penitence : The godly fear, tlic pleasing smart, The meltino-s of a broken heart ; The tears that tell your sins forgiven. The siifhs that waft vonr souls to henvin Tlie guiltless shame, the sweet distress; The unutterable tenderness ; Tlie genuine, meek Iiumility ; The wonder, *'AVIiy such love to me!' 'I'hc o'erwhelming i)ower of saving gi'aee, The sight that veils tlie seraph's face ; Tlie speechless awe that dares not movf, And .all the silent heaven of love. THE WATERS OF LIFE. 95 THE WATERS OF LIFE. John 7 : 37. Ye thirsty for God, To Jesus give ear, And take, through his blood, A pow'r to draw near ; His kind invitation, Ye sinners, embrace, Accepting salvation, Salvation hj grace. Sent down from above. Who governs the skies, In vehement love, To sinners he cries, "Drink into my spirit. Who happy would be, And all things inherit. By coming to me." O Saviour of all, Thy word we believe, And come at thy call. Thy grace to receive : The blessing is given Wherever thou art : Tlie earnest of heaven Is love in the heart. To us at thy feet, The Comforter give : Who gasp to admit Thy Spirit and live ; The weakest believers Acknowledge for thine, And fill us with rivers Of water divine I PART III. utr^b ^0^trj|* PART THE THIRD. THE LORD'S PRAYER. Matt. 6 : 9-13. Father of earth and sky, Thy name we magnity : O that earth and heaven might join, Thy perfections to procLaim ; Praise the attributes divine, Fear and love thv awful name I When shall thy Spirit reign In every heart of man? Father, bring the kingdom near. Honor thy triumphant Son; God of heaven, on earth appear, Fix with us thy glorious throne. Thy good and holy will Let all on earth fulfil ; Men with minds angelic vie. Saints below with saints above, lOO THE LORD'S PRAYER. Thee to praise and glorify, Thee to serve with perfect \{>\v. This day with this day's bread Thy liungry children feed ; Fountain of all blessings, grant Now the niaima from above ; N"ow supply our bodies' want, Now sustain our souls with love. Our trespasses forgive : And when absolved we live. Thou our life of grace maintain ; Lest we from our God depart, Lose thy pardoning grace again, Grant us a forgiving heart. In every fiery hour Display thy guardian power ; Near in our temptation stay. With sufficient strength del'end ; Bring us through the evil day. Make us faithful to the end. Father, by right divine Assert the kingdom thine ; Jesus, Power of God, subdue Thy own universe to thee ; Spirit of grace and glory too, Reign through all ctcvnity. DESIRING TO PRAY. lOl / ". DESIRING TO PRAY. Rom. 8 : a6. Luke ii : i. Jesus, thou sovereign Lord of all, The same through one eternal day, Attend thy feeblest followers' call, And, O instruct us how to pray ! Pour out the supplicating grace, And stir us up to seek thy face ! We cannot think a gracious thought, We cannot feel a good desire. Till thou, who call'dst a world from nought, The power into our hearts inspire ; And then we in thy Spirit groan, And then we give thee back thine own. Jesus, regard the joint complaint Of all thy tempted followers here ! And now supply the common want, And send us down the Comforter: The Spirit of ceaseless prayer impart, And fix thy Agent in our heart. To help our soul's infirmity. To heal thy sin-sick people's care, To urge our God-commanding plea, And make our hearts a house of prayer, The promised Intercessor give. And let us noAV thyself receive. Come in thy pleading Spirit down. To us who for thy coming stay; 102 SECRET PRAYER. Of all thy gifts we ask but one, We ask the constant power to pray; Indulge us, Lord, in this request ; Thou canst not then deny the rest. SECRET PRAYER. Matt. 6 : 6. Father of Jesus Christ, my Lord, I humbly seek thy face ; Encouraged by the Saviour's word To ask thy pardoning grace. Entering into my closet, I The busy world exclude ; In secret prayer for mercy cry, And groan to be renew'd. Far from the paths of men, to thee I ,;I solemnly retire; See, thou who dost in secret sec, And grant my heart's desire. Thy grace I languish to receive. The spirit of love and })(>wer ; Blameless before thy face to live. To live and sin no more. Fain would I all thy goodness feel, And know my sins forgiven; And do on earth thy perfect will As angels do in heaven. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING.' 103 O Father, glorify tliy Son, And grant what I require ; For Jesus' sake the gift send down, And answer me by fire. Kindle the flame of love within, Which may to heaven ascend; And now the work of grace begin. Which shall in glory end. **PRAY WITHOUT CEASING." Phil. 4:13. Luke 18 : l. 1 Thess. 5 : 17. Jesus, my strength, my hope. On thee I cast my care. With humble confidence look up. And know thou hear'st my prayer. Give me on thee to wait. Till I can all things do ; On thee, almighty to create, Almighty to renew. I want a sober mind ; A self-renouncing Avill, That tramples down and casts behind The baits of pleasing ill ; A soul inured to pain, To hardship, grief, and loss ; Bold to take up, firm to sustain, The consecrated cross. 104 PRAY WITHOUT CEASING. I want a godly fear, A quick-discerning eye, That looks to thee when sin is near, And sees the Tempter fly ; A si)irit still prepared, And arm'd with jealous care, For ever standing on its guard, And watching unto prayer. I want a heart to pray, To pray and ne\xn' cease Never to murmur at thy stay. Or wish my sufferings less. This blessing, above all. Always to pray, I want ; Out of the deep on thee to call, And never, never faint. I want a true regard, A single, steady aim, (Unmoved by threat'ning or reward,) To thee and thy great name ; A jealous, just concern For thine immortal praise ; A pure desire that all may learn, And glorify, thy grace. I rest upon tliy word ; Tlie promise is for me ; My succour and salvation. Lord, Shall surely come from thee : Dut let me still abide, Nor from my li()))e remove, Till thou my j)atient spirit guide Into thy perfect hne. PRAYER. id$ PRAYER. Rom. 8 : 26. Gen. 32 : 26, 29. Deut. 3 : 27. Shepherd Divine, our wants relieve, In this our evil day : To all thy tempted followers give The power to watch and pray. Long as our fiery trials last, Long as the cross we bear, O let our souls on thee be cast In never-ceasing prayer. The Si^irit of interceding grace Give us in faith to claim; To wrestle till we see thy face, And know thy hidden name. Till thou thy jierfect love impart, Till thou thyself bestow. Be this the cry of every heart,jj '. » "I will not let thee 2fo. -.-.y. ir>" " I will not let thee go, unless Thou tell thy name to me ; With all thy great salvation bless, And make me all like thee. rr< n rr)-j " Then let me on the mountain-top, Behold thy open face ; Where faith in sight is swallow'd up. And prayer in endless praise." lo6 THE POWER OF PRAYER. THE POWER OF PRAYER. Exodus 17 : 12. Exodus 32 : 10. James 5:17. O WONDROUS power of faithful prayer ! What tongue can tell th' aliniglitv gi-ace ? Gp^cJ's hands or bound or open are, As Moses or Elijah prays ; Let Moses in the Spirit groan, And God cries out: "Let me alone! " Let me alone, tliat all my Avrath May rise, the wicked to consume ; While justice hears thy praying faitli, It cannot seal the sinner's doom : ]\Iy Son is in my servant's prayer. And Jesus forces me to spare.'-' ' O blessed Avord of gospel grace. Which now Ave for our Israel })lcad ! A foithless and backsliding race, ' Whom thou hast out of Egypt freed ; O do not tliou in Avratli chastise, Xor let thy Avhole displeasure vise ! Fatlier, avc ask in Jesus' name; In Jesus' ])o>ver and spirit pray ; Divert thy vengeful thunder's jiim ; O turn tliy threat'ning Avrath uAva y ! Our guilt and punislimeut remove, Aud magnify tliy ])ard'ning love. , Eatlicr, rt'gard tliy ])U ading Son, Accept his all-a\ ailiug prayer ; AVENGE ME OF MINE ADVERSARY. 107 And send a peacofal answer down, In honour of our spokesman there ! Whose blood proclaims our sins forgiven, And speaks thy rebels up to heaven. '^AVENGE ME OF MINE ADVERSARY." Luke 18 : r, 7. Gen. 3:15. Matt. 12 : 29. Rom. 16:2 Jesus, thou hast bid us pray, Pray always, and not faint ; With the word a power convey '^*^' To utter our complaint. Quiet shalt thou never know. Till we from sin are fully freed : O avenge us of our foe. And bruise the Serpent's head ! We have now beofuu to crv. And we will never end, Till we find salvation nigh. And grasp the Sinner's Friend. Day and night we'll speak our woe. With thee importunately plead : O aveno'e us of our foe, . ' And bruise the Serj^ent's head ! Speak the word, and we shall be From all our bands released ; Oidy thou canst set us free. By Satan long oppress'd. ic8 AVENGE ME OF MINE ADVERSARY. NoNV tliy power almiglity show; Arise, the Woman's conquerhig SeiMl ! () avenge us of our foe, And l)ruise tlie Serpent's liead ! To destroy his work of sin, Thyself in us reveal ; Manifest thyself within Our flesh, and fully dwell With us, in us, liere below ; Enter, and make us free indeed. O avenge us of our foe, And bruise the Serpent's head ! Stronger than the strong man, thou His fury canst control. Cast him out, by entering now, And keep our rausom'd soul ; Satan's kingdom overthrow, On all tlie powers of darkness tre.id: O avenge us of our foe, x\nd bruise the Serpent's liead ! To the never-ceasing cries Of thine elect attend; Send deliverance from the skies. The mighty Spirit send. Though to man thou scemcst slow, Our cries Ihou scemcst not to ]ioc«l : O avenge us of our foe, And bruise the Serpent's IicikI ! Come, O come, all-glorions Lord ! Xo longer now delny ; AWAKE TO RIGHTEOUSNESS. 109 With thy Sphit's two-edged sword The crooked Serpent shiy! Bare thine arm, and give the blow, Root out and kill the hellish seed. O avenge us of our foe, And bruise the Serpent's head ! AWAKE TO RIGHTEOUSNESS. Eph. 5: 14. Luke 18 : l. Rom. 8 : 15. Dan. 9 : 2 Ah, when shall I awake From sin's soft, soothing power. The slumber from my spirit shake, And rise to fall no more ! Awake, no more to sleep. But stand with constant care, Looking for God my soul to keep. And watching unto prayer ! 0 could I always pray. And never, never faint; ])ut simply to my God display My every care and want ! 1 know that thou would'st give More than I can request ; Thou still art ready to recei^•e My soul to perfect rest. I feel thee willing. Lord, A sinful world to save : no AWAKE TO RIGHTEOUSNESS. All may obey thy gracious word, 3Iay peace and pardon have. Not one of all the race But may return to thee — But at the throne of sovereign grace May fall and weep, like me. Here will I ever lie, And tell thee all my care ; And Father, Abba, Father, cry, And pour a ceaseless prayer, Till thou my sins subdue, Till thou my sins destroy, My spirit after God renew, And fill Avith peace and joy. Messiah, Prince of Peace, Into my soul bring in The everlasting righteousness. And make an end of sin. Into all those that seek Redemption through thy blood, The sanctifying Spirit speak, The plenitude of God. Let us in patience wait Till fiiith shall make us whole ; Till thou shalt all things new create In each believing soul. Who can resist thy will y Speak, and it shall be done ! Thou shalt the work of faith fiillil, And i)erfect uh in one. THE BEATITUDES. m THE BEATITUDES. Matt. 5 : 3, i:t. Saviour, on me the want bestow Which all that feel shall surely know Their sins on earth forgiven; Give me to prove the kingdom mine, And taste, in holiness divme, The happiness of heaven. Turn into flesh my heart of stone, And, while I mourn for thee alone. The consolation send; O come thyself, my soul t' embrace, And let my cheerful life of grace In glorious comfort end ! Meeken my soul, thou heavenly Lamb, That I in the new earth may claim My hundred-fold rcAvard — My rich inheritance possess. Co-heir with the great Prince of peace, Co-partner with my Lord. Me v\-ith that restless thirst inspire. That sacred, infinite desire. And feast my hungry heart: Less than thyself cannot suffice; My soul -for all thy fulness cries, For all thou hast ^and art. il- THE BEATITUDES. Mercy wlio show shall mercy find; Thy pitiful and tender mind Be, Lord, on me bestow'd ; So shall I still the blessing gain. And to eternal life retain The mercy of my God. Jesus, the crowning grace impart ! Bless me with purity Qf heart, That, now heliolding thee, I soon may "\'iew thy open face, On all tliy glorious beauties gaze, And God for ever see ! Lord, give me that j^acific mind Which sjH-eads thy jDcace among manl])roa('h to thee, . FOR RENEWED GRACE. 123 Shall all with open foce beliold In Christ the glorious Deity ; Shall see, and put the Godhead on, The nature of thy sinless Son ! This, this is our high calling's prize ! Thine image in thy Son I claim ; And still to higher glories rise, Till all transform'd I know thy name, .ind glide to all my heaven above, My highest heaven in Jesu's love. FOR RENEWED GRACE. Mai. 3:1. Matt. 15 : 13. Light of life, seraphic lire, Love Divine, thyself impart ; Every fainting soul inspire ; Shine in every drooj^ing heart ! Every mournful sinner cheer. Scatter all our guilty gloom ; Son of God, appear, a|3pear ! To thy human temples come. Come, in this accepted hour ; Bring thy heavenly kingdom in ; Fill us with the glorious power, Rooting out the seeds of sin : Nothing more can we require. We will covet nothing less ; Be thou all our heart's desire, All our joy, and all our peace ! J 22 IN TEMPTATION. IN TEMPTATION. Psalm 91 : 4. Psalm 36 : 9. Jesu, Lover of my soul, Let me to thy bosom fly, While the nearer waters roll. While the tempest still is high : Hide me, O my Saviour, hide, Till the storm of life be past; Safe into the haven guide, O receive my soul at last. Other refuge have I none, Hangs my helijless soul on thee ; Leave, ah ! leave me not alone, Still support and comfort me : aVll my trust on thee is stay'd ; All my help from thee T bring Cover my defenceless head With the shadow of thy wing. Wilt thou not recrard mv call ? AYilt thou not accept my praytr V Lo ! I sink, I faint, I fill ! Lo ! on thee I cast my care ! Reach me out thy gracious hand ! Wliile I of thy strength receive, Hoping agiiinst hope I stand. Dying, and behold T liv^ ! Thou, O C^hrist, art m!1 I want; 3Iore tlinn all \n tlicc I find : AN ACT OF DEVOTION. Raise the fallen, cheer the faint, Heal the sick, and lead the blind ; Just and holy is thy jSTame ; I am all unrighteousness ; False and full of sin I am; Thou art full of truth and o-race. Plenteous grace with thee is found, Grace to cover all my sin ; Let the healing streams abound, Make and keep me pure witJun ; Thou of life the fountain art ; Freely let me take of thee; Spring thou up within my heart, Kise to all eternity. AN ACT OF DEVOTION. Matt. 6 : 22. i Cor. lo : 31. Rom. 12 : 2. John 10 '^ God of almighty love, By whose sufficient grace I lift my heart to things above, And humbly seek thy face : Through Jesus Christ the Just, My faint desires receive ; And let me in thy goodness trust, And to thy glory live. Whate'er I say or do. Thy glory be my aim ; i'T- 124 THE LOVE OF CHRIST THE SINNER'S PLEA. My ofteriiigs all bo offer'd tlirough The ever-blessed Xame ! Jesus, my single eye Be fix'd on thee alone : Thy name be praised on earth, on higli ; Thy Avill by all be done ! Spirit of faith, inspire jMy consecrated heart ; Fill me with pure, celestial fire. With all thou hast, and art; JMy feeble mind transform, And, perfectly renew'd. Into a saint exalt a worm, A worm exalt to God ! THE LOVE OF CHRIST THE SINNER'S PLEA Isabh 27 : 5. O Tnou who hast redeenrd of old. And bidd'st me of thy strength lay hold. And be at peace with thee ; Hel}) me thy benefits to own, And hear me tell what tliou hnst done, 0 dying Lamb, for me. < )ut ot" niyst'll' lor lirlj) I go, Thy only love resolved to know ; Thy love my ])lea T make; (live nie thy love, '(is all I claim ; (tIvc, for the honour of tliy nanir. Give, lor ihy jucrcy's sake. THE LOVE OF CHRIST THE SINNER'S PLEA. iz: Canst tlioii deny that love to me ? Say, thou incarnate Deity, Thou Man of Sorrows, say; Thy glory why didst thou enshrme hi such a clod of earth as mine, And wrap thee in my clay ? Ancient of Days, why didst thou come, And stoop to a poor virgin's womb, Contracted to a span ? Flesh of our flesh why wast thou made. And humbly in a manger laid. The new-l)orn Son of Man ? Love, only love thy heart inclined. And brought thee. Saviour of mankind, Down from thy tin-one above ; Love made my God a man of grief, Distress'd thee sore for my relief: O mystery of Love ! Because thou lov'dst, and diedst for me, Cause me, my Saviour, to love thee, And gladly to resign Whate'er I have, vvhate'er I am ; My life be all with thine the same. And all thy death be mine. 26 DIVINE LOVE. DIVINE LOVE. I. Eph. 3 : iS, ly. Ezra 9:6. :: Cor, ij : 15. Infinite, unexhausted Love ! (Jesus and Love are one :) If still to nie thy bowels move, They are restrain'd to none. What shall I do my God to love? My loving God to praise? The length, and breadth, and height to prove, And depth of sovereign grace ? Thy sovereign grace to all extends, Immense and unconfincd : From age to. age it never ends ; It reaches all mankind. Throughout the world its breadth is known , . Wide as infinity ! So wide, it never pass'd by one, Or it had pass\l by me. j\Iy trespass was grown up to heaven ; But far above the skies, In Christ abundantly forgiven, I s('<' ihy nvrcics rise ! The depth of all-redeenung love, What angel-tongue can tell V O may I to the utmost ])rove The gift uns])eakable ! DIVINE LOVE. 12? Deeper than hell, it pluck' d me tlience ; Deeper than inbred sin, Jesus's love my heart shall cleanse. When Jesus enters in. Come quickly, gracious Lord, and take Possession of thine own ; My longing heart vouchsafe to make Thine everlastino^ throne ! 'O Assert thy claim, maintain thy right, Come quickly from above : And sink me to perfection's Iieight, The depth of humble love. II. Luke lo : 39. I Tim. 3 : 16. 0 Love Divine, how sweet thou art ! When shall I find my willing lieart All taken up by thee ? 1 thirst, I faint, I die to prove The greatness of redeeming love. The love of Christ to me ! Stronger his love than deatli or licll; Its riches are unsearchable : The first-born sons of light Desire in vain its depths to see ; They cannot reach the mystery, The length, and breadth, and heiglit. 10 128 DIVINE LOVE. God only knows tlie love of God: O that it now were shed abroad In this poor stony heart ! For love I sigh, for love I pine : This only portion, Lord, be mine, Be mine this better part! O that I could for ever sit With 3fari/ at the Master's feet ! Be this my happy choice : My only care, delight, and bliss. My joy, my hei^ven on earth, be this. To hear the bridegroom's voice ! lU. Eph. 3 : iS, 19. What shall I do my God to love, My Saviour, and the world's, to praise? Whose bowels of compassion move To me, and all the fallen race ! Whose mercy is divinely free For all the fallen race, and me ! I \owvr to know, and to make known, Tlie liel!j:hts and depths of love divine, Tlie kindness thou to me hast shown, Whose every sin was counted thine I My God for mo resignM ]»is breath! He died to save mv soul from denfh ! DIVINE LOVE. How shall I thank thee for the grace On me and all mankind bestow'd? O that my every breath were praise ! O that my heart were fill'd with God ! My heart would then with love o'erllo\\', And all my life thy glory shoAV See me, O Lord, athirst and faint! Me, weary of forbearing, see ! And let me feel thy love's constraint, And freely give up all for thee ; True in the fiery trial prove. And pay thee back thy dying love ! 129 IV. 2 Cor. 3 : 8. Love Divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heaven, to earth come down Fix in us thy liumble dwelling. All thy foithful mercies crown : Jesus, thou art all compassion ; Pure mibounded love thou art ; Visit us with thy salvation ; Enter every trembling heart. Come, almighty to deliver. Let us all thy grace receive ; Suddenly return, and never, Kever more thy temples, leave : Thee we would be always blessing; Serve thee as thy hosts above ; 130 DIVINE LOVE. Pray, and praise thee without ceasing, Glory in thy perfect love. Finish, then, thy ncAV creation, Pure and spotless let us be ; Let us see thy great salvation. Perfectly restored in thee : Changed from glory into glory, Till in heaven we take our place. Till we cast our crowns before thee. Lost in wonder, love, and j^raise! V. Lam. I : la. Phil. 3 : 8. Gal. 5 : 24.. O Love Divine ! what hast thou done ! The immortal God hath died for nie I Tiie Father's co-eternal Son Bore all my sins upon the tree : The immortal God for me hatli died ; My Lord, my Love is crucified. Behold him, all ye that pass by, Tlie bleedincf Prince of Life and Peace .' Come, see, ye worms, your Maker die, And say, was ever grief like his ? Come, feel witli me his blood applied : My Lord, my Love is crucified. Is crucified for me and you. To brinir us rebels back to God: DIVINE LOVE. Believe, believe the record true, Ye all are bought with Jesu's blood ; Pardon for all flows from his side ; My Lord, my Love is crucified. Then let us sit beneath his cross, And gladly catch the healing stream : All things for him account but loss, And give up all our hearts to him : Of nothing think or speak beside, " My Lord, my Love is crucified." VI. Psalm 73 : 25. Jesus, all-atoning Lamb, Thine, and only thine, I am ; Take my body, spirit, soul ; Only thou possess the whole. Thou my one thing needful be ; Let me ever cleave to thee ; Let me choose the better part ; Let me give thee all my heart. Fairer than the sons of men. Do not let me turn again. Leave the fountain-head of bliss, Stoop to creature-happiness. 1^2 DIVINE LOVE. Whom liavc I on enrlli below ? Thee, and only thee I know ; Whom have I in heaven but thee ? Thou art all in all to me. All my treasure is above ; All my riches is thy love : Who the worth of lo^e can tell ? Infinite, unsearchable ! Thou, O Love, my jjortion art : Lord, thou know'st my simple heart ! Other comforts I despise ; Love be all my paradise. Notliing else can I require ; Love fills uj) my whole desire ; All thy other gifts remove. Still thou giv'st me all in love! VII. O Love, I languish at thy stay ! I pine for thcc with lingering smart, Weary and faint througli long delay : Wlien wilt tliou come into my heart ! From sin and sorrow set mo free, And swallow up my soul in lliee ! Come, O thou universal Good! Balm of the wounded conscience, come! DIVINE LOVE. 133 The hungry, dying spirit's food, The weary, wand'ring pilgrim's home ; Haven to take tlie sliipwreck'd in, My everlasting rest from sin! Be thou, O Love, whate'er I Avant: Support my feebleness of mind ; Relieve the thirsty soul, tlie faint, Revive, illuminate the blind; The mournful cheer, the drooping lead, And heal the sick and raise the dead. Come, O my comfort and deliglit! My strength and health, my sliield and sun, My boast, and confidence, and miglit. My joy, my glory, and my crown: My gospel hope, my calling's prize ; My tree of life, my paradise. The secret of the Lord thou art, The mystery so long unknown, Christ in a pure and perfect heart ! The name inscribed on the white stone I The life divine, the little leaven, My precious pearl, my present heaven. VIII. Rom. 5 : 5. My God ! I know, I feel thee miJie, And will not quit my claim. Till all I have is lost in thine. And all renew'd I am. 134 DIVINE LOVE. I liold tlice Avitli a trenibliug hand, But will not let thee go, Till steadfastly by faith I stand, And all thy goodness know. When shall I sec the welcome liour, That jjlants my God in me ! Spirit of health, and life, and power, And perfect liberty ! Jesus, thine all-victorious love Shed in my heart abroad ; Then shall my feet no longer rove, Rooted and fix'd in God. Love only can the conquest Avin, The strength of sin subdue, (Mine own unconquerable sin,) And form my soul anew. Love can bow down the stubborji neck, The stone to iiesli convert, Soften, and melt, and pierce, and break, An adamantine heart. O that in me the sacred fire Miglit now begin to glow, Burn up the dross of base desire, And make the mountains flow ! 0 tliat it now from lieavcn miglit fall, And all my sins consume I Come, Holy Ghost, for thee \ call, Spirit f)f burning, come! DIVINE LOVE. 135 Refining nrc, go throng] i my lieart, Illnminate my soul; Scatter thy life through every part, And sanctify the whole. Xo longer then my lieart shall mourn, While, purified by grace, I only for his glory burn. And always see his face. My steadfast soul, from falling free. Shall then no longer move ; But Christ be all the world to me, And all my heart be love. PART V. Sat vet) "B.adm. PART THE FIFTH, PENITENCE AND LOVE Deat. 32, : 39. Psalm 119 : 96. Deepex the wound tliy hands ha^e made In this weak, helpless soul, Till mercy, with its balmy aid, Descends to make me wliole. The shai-puess of thy two-edged sword, Enable me to endure ; Till bold to say. My hallowing Lord Hath wrought a perfect cure. I see the exceeding broad command. Which all contains in one: Enlarge my heart to understand The mystery unknown. O that with all thy saints I might By sweet experience prove, What is the length, and breadth, and heigiit, And depth, of perfect love ! 140 THE PROPITIATION FOR OUR SINS, ''THE PROPITIATION FOR OUR SINS." Heb. 9 : 22. Hcb. 13 : 8. Luke 7 : 42. God of my salvation, hear, And help me to believe! Simply do I now draw near, Thv blessino: to receive. Full of sin, alas ! I am ; But to thy wounds for refuge ilee : Friend of sinners, spotless Lamb, Thy blood was shed for me. Standing now as newly slain, To thee I lift mine eye ! Balm of all my grief and pain. Thy grace is always nigh : Now, as yesterday, the same Thou art, and wilt for ever be Friend of sinners, spotless Lamb, Tliy blood was shed for me. Nothing have I, Lord, to pay ; Nor can thy grace procure ; Empty send me not away. For I, thou know'st, am j)()or: Dust and ashes is my name, 3Iy all is sin and misery ; Friend of sinners, spotless Lnnib, Thy blood was shod for me. No good word, or woik, or thought, Ih-incr I to gain tliv grace ; SORROW FOR SIN. 1 4) Pardon I accept unbouglit ; Thy proffer I embrace : Coming as at first I came, To take, and not bestow on thee; Friend of sinners, spotless Lamb, Tliy blood was shed for me. Saviour, from thy womided side I never will depart ; Here will I my spirit hide, When I am pure in heart. Till my place above I claim, ' This only shall be all my plea, Friend of sinners, spotless Lamb, Thy blood vras shed for me. SORROW FOR SIN. Lake 15 : 4, 5. Matt. 8 : 3. Job 14 : 14. Jesus, thou know'st my sinfulness. My faults are not conceal'd from thee ; A sinner in my last distress. To thy dear wounds I fain would ilee, And never, never thence depart. Close shelter'd in thy loving heart. How shall I find the living way, Lost, and confused, and dark, and hVnul ? Ah, Lord, my soul is gone astray: Ah, Shepherd, seek my soul, and find. And in thy arms of mercy take. And bring the weary Avanderer back. 142 RESTORATION TO THE FAVOUR OF GOD Weary and sick of sin I am ; I hate it, Lord, and yet I love ! AYhen wilt tlioii rid me of my <«liauic ? When wilt thou all my load remove, Destroy the fiend that lurks Avithin, And speak the word of power, *' Be clean "' V O Lord, if I at last discern That I am sin, and thou art love, If now o'er me thy bowels yearn, Give me a token from above ; And conquer my rebellious will. And bid my murmuring heart be still. Sin only let me not commit, (Sin never can advance thy praise,) And, lo! I lay me at thy feet. And wait unwearied all my days, Till my appointed time shall come, And thou shalt call thine exile home. RESTORATION TO THE FAVOUR OF COD Psalm 23 : 3. Pro v. 3 : 7. Son of God, if thy free grace Again hath raised me up ; Call'd me still to seek thy face And given me back my hope : Still thy timely help aiibrd, And all tliy loving-kindness sliow ; Kei'i> me, kee]) me, gracious Lord, And never let me i^o. RESTORATION TO THE FAVOUR OF GOD. 1 43 By me, O my Saviour, stand, In sore temptation's hour ; . . . Save me with thhie outstretch'd band, And show forth all thy power ; ; t O be mindful of thy word ! .'.Jl(Tphy all-sufficient grace bestow; Keep me, keep me, gracious Lord, t'-?/' And never lot me go. Give me, Lord, a holy fear, And fix it in ray heart ; That I may from evil near ,, With timely care depart; Sin be more then hell abhorred. Till thou destroy the tyrant foe ; Keep me, keep me, gracious Lord, And never let me go. N"ever let me leave thy breast, From thee, my Saviour, stray. Thou art my support and rest, My true and living way ; My exceeding great reward, Li heaven above and earth below ; Keep me, keep me, gracious' Lord, And never let me go. Never let me go till I, Upborne on wings of love. Gain the region of the sky. And take my seat above ; See thee by all heaven adored. And all thy glorious fulness know; Keep me, keep me, gracious Lord, And never let me go. 11 144 REPENTANCE OF BELIEVERS. REPENTANCE OF BELIEVERS. Judges i6 : 20, Isaiah 57 : 17-19. Psalm 103 : iz. Saviour, I now with shame confess My thirst for creature liappiness, By base desires I wrong'd thy love, And forced thy mercy to remove. Yet would I not regard thy stroke ; But when thou didst thy grace revoke, And when thou didst thy face conceal. Thy absence I refused to feel. I knew not that the Lord was gone. In my own froward will went on, And lived to the desires of men, :\.nd thou hast all mv wanderiugs seen. mo I 1 ' Yet, O the riches of thy grace ! Thou, who hast seen my evil ways. Wilt freely my backslidings heal, And pardon on my conscience seal. For this I at thy footstool wait. Till thou my peace again create; Fruit of thy gracious lips, I'estore My peace and l>i"l me sin no more I Far oir, yet at thy feet, T lie, 'I'ill lliou again thy hlond apply : Till thou repeat my sins forgiven, As i'ar from God as hell from heaven. i; RE-UNION TO GOD. 145 But, for thy truth and mercy's sake, My comfort thou wilt give me back ; And lead me on from orrace to srrace. In all the paths of righteousness : Till, throughly saved, my new-born soul, And perfectly by faith made whole. Doth bright in thy full image rise. To share thy glory in the skies. RE-UNION TO GOD. Eccles. 7 : 29. Upeight, both in heart and will, We by our God were made ; But we turn'd from good to ill. And o'er the creature stray'd ; Multiplied our wand'ring thought, Which first Avas fix'd on God alone; In ten thousand objects sought The bliss we lost in one. From our own inventions vain Of fancied happiness, Draw us to th}'self again. And bid our wand'rings cease ; Jesus, speak our souls restored. By love's divine simplicity ; Reunited to our Lord, And wholly lost iu thee ! 1+6 CHRIST OUR ADVOCATE AND FRIEND. CHRIST OUR ADVOCATE AND FRIEND. I I John 2:1. Hu<. 14 : 4. Ezek. 11 : 19. L^a. 48 : 4. NVkary of wandering from niv God, fii And now made willing to return, I hear, and bow me to the rod ; For thee, not without hope, I mourn : I have an Advocate above, A Friend before tlie throne of Love. O Jesus, full of truth and grace, More full of grace than I of sin ; Yet once'affain' I'Seek thv face, Open thine arms, and take me in ; And freely my backslidings heal. And love the faithless sinner still. Thou know'st the way to bring rae back, My fallen spirit to restore ; O I for thy ti-uth and mercy's sake, Forgive, and bid me sin no move ; The ruins of my soul repair, And make my lieart a house of prayer. Tlie stone to flesh again convert ; Tlie veil of sm agam remove : Sprinkle thy blood upon my h. ;,i(. And melt it by thy dying h>v<' ! This rebel heart by love subdue, And mak'- ■* ^'^fr, mid make it new. Give to mine eyes refreslnng tears, And kindle my relentings now;' LONG-SUFFERING OF GOD. 147 Fill my whole soul with filial fears : To thy sweet yoke my spirit bow ; Bend by thy grace, O bend or break, The iron sinew in my neck ! Ah ! give me. Lord, the tender heart, That trembles at the approach of sin : A godly fear of sin impart ; Implant, and root it deep within ; That I may dread thy gracious power. And never dare to oifend thee more. • ^ONG-SUFFERING OF GOD. 2 Peter 3 : 9. Rom. 8 : 21. O God, if thou art lova indeed. Let it once more be proved in me, That I thy mercy's praise may spread, For every child of Adam free : O let me now the gift embrace : O let me now be saved by grace ! If all long-suffering thou hast shown On me, that others may believe, Xow make thy loving-kindness known, [,,, , Now the all-conquering Spirit give, Spirit of victory and power. That I mav never o^rieve thee more. t)' Grant my importunate request ; If*') It is not 7ny desire, but thine; 148 A PENITENTIAL HYMN. Since thou woiild'st have the sinner Idlest, XoAV let rae in thine imiige sliine, Nor ever from thy footsteps move, But moi'e tlian conquer through thy love. Be it according to thy will ; Set my imprison'd spirit free ; The counsel of thy grace fulfil ; Into tliy glorious liberty .,jyiy spirit, soul, and flesh restore, And I shall never grieve thee more. A PENITENTIAL HYMN. Psalm 9^; : 8. Hcb. 4 : 3. Stay, thou insulted Spirit, stay, Though I have done thee such des])ito ; Xor cast the sinner quite away, Xor take thine everlasting flight. Though I have stcel'd my stubborn heart, And still shook off my guilty fears, And vex'd, and urged tliee to de})art, For many long rebellious years. Thongli I have most unfaithful been, Oi" all who e'er thy grace received; Ten thousand times tliy goodness seen. Ten thousand times thy goodness gricvM Yet, 01 tlie chief of sinners spare, III lionour of mv great High-Priest; THE PRODIGAL'S RETURN. 149 Nor in thy righteous anger swear To cxchide me from thy people's rest. This only woe I deprecate ; This only plague I pray remove; Xor leaA'e me in my lost estate ; Xor curse me with this w^ant of love. Now, Lord, my weary soul release, Up-raise me with thy gracious hand, And guide into thy perfect peace, And bring me to the promised land. THE PRODIGAL'S RETURN. Luke 15 : iS, 19. Psalm 51 : 11. Yes, from this instant now, I will To my offended Father cry,;^, My base ingratitude I feel, Vilest of all thy children, T, Xot worthy to be call'd thy son ; Yet will I thee my Father own. Guide of my life hast thou not been. And rescued me from passion's power? Ten thousand times preserved from sin, Nor let the o-reedv orrave devour? And wilt thou now thy wrath retain. Nor ever love thy child again ? Ah! canst thou find it in thy heart To give me up, so long pursued ! 153 RENUNCIATION OF WORLDLY VANITIES. All ! canst thou finally depart, And leaAe thy creature in his blood I Leave me, — out of thy presence cast. To perish in my sins at last ! If thou hast wilPd me to return, If weeping at thy feet I fall, The prodigal thou wilt not spurn, But pity, and forgive me all, .hiiijin answer to my Friend above, In honour of his bleeding love! RENUNCIATION OF WORLDLY VANITIES. I Cor. 2 : 2. Heb. 2 : 9. Psalm liG : 7. Vaix, delusive world, adieu. With all of creature-good ! Only Jesus I pursue, AVho bought me with his blood : All tliy pleasures I forego, I trample on thy wealtli and pride: Only Jesus will I know, And Jesus crucified. Other knowledge I disdain, 'Tis all but vanity: Christ, the Lamb of God, was slain, lie tasted death for me. Me to save from eneii wide : Only Jesus will I know, And Jesus crucified. Him to know is life and i)eace, And pleasure without end ; This is all my happiness,^' '\' ' ]!■ T On Jesus to depend ; Daily in his grace to grow, And ever in his faith abide. Only Jesus will I know, And Jesus crucified I J»'lf'J(fO O'J/] O that I could all invite, This saving truth to prove : Show the length, the breadth, the b eight, And depth of Jesus' love ! Fain I would to sinners show The blood by faith alone applied ! Only Jesus will I know, And Jesus crucified ! 152 AFTER A RELAPSE INTO SIN AFTER A RELAPSE INTO SIN Matt. 13 : 8. John 11 : 32. Job 42 : 5, 6. My God, my God, to thcc I cry ; Thee only would I know ; Thy purifying blood apply, And wasli nie white as snow. Touch mc, and make the leper clean, Purge my iniquity : Unless thou wasli my soul from sin, I have no part in thee. ! of'!*// ]'■,(' 1' But art tliou not already mine ? Answer, if mine thou art ! Whisper within, thou Love Divine, And clieei* my drooping heart. Tell me again my i)eace is made. And bid the sinner live : The debt's discharged, the ransom's paid, ]\ry Fatlier must forgive. Behold, ihv me the Victim bleeds. His wounds are open'd wide : For me the blood of sprinkling i)l('ads, And speaks me justified. O why did I my Sa\ in/. 0 HOW shall a sinner perform The vows he hatli vow'd to the Lord ? A sinful and impotent v\"orm. How can I be true to my word ? 1 tremble at vrhat I have done : O send me thy help from above : The power of thy Spirit make kno\\'n, The virtue of Jesus's love ! My solemn engagements arc vain, My promises empty as air ; My vows, I shall break them again, And plunge in eternal despair : Unless my omnipotent God The sense of his goodness impart, And shed by his Spirit abroad The love of himself in my heart. O Lover of Sinners, extend To me thy compassionate grace ! Appear, my affliction to end ; Afford me a glimpse of thy face ! 15^ CHRISTIAN EXAMPLE. That light shall enkhidle in me A flame of reciprocal love ; And then I shall cleave unto thee, And tlien I shall never remove. O come to a mourner in pain, Thy peace in my conscience reveal ! And tlien I shall love thee again, And sino: of the sjoodness I feel : Constrain'd by the grace of my Lord, My soul shall in all things obey, And wait to be fully restored, And long to be summon'd away^ CHRISTIAN EXAMPLE. Nch. 5 ; 9. AVatcii'i) by tlie world's malignant eye, Who load us witli reproach and shame ; As servants of the Lord Most lligli, As zealous for liis glorious name. We ouglit in all I lis paths to move, Willi lioly I'car and humblt' love. That wisdom, I^ord, on us bestow. From every evil to dei)art ; To stop the mouth of every foe, Wliii«\ n|'i'i<.;lit both in lile aiul heart. The prool's of godly fear we give, And sliow tlu'in how the ('hi'istians Tnc. FILIAL FEAR. FILIAL FEAR. '^'^^ Rom. 6 : 1,2. Eph. 4 : 30. i Pet. i ; 17. God of all grace and majesty, Supremely great and good! If I have mercy found with thee, Through the atoning blood ; ' The guard of all thy mercies give, And to my pardon join A fear lest I should ever o-rieve The gracious Spirit Divine. If mercy is indeed with thee, May I obedient prove ; Kor e'er abuse my liberty, Or sin against thy love : This choicest fruit of fliith bestow On a poor sojourner; And let me pass my days below ' In humbleness and fear. Rather I would in darkness mourn The absence of thy peace, Than e'er by liglit irreverence turn Thy grace to wantonness : Rather I would, in painful awe, Beneath thine anger move, Than sin against the gospel law Of liberty and love. But O ! thou w^ould'st not have me live In bondage, grief, or pain ; ,'5/ 158 CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITY. Thou dost not take delight to grieve The helpless sons of men : Thy will is my salvation, Lord; And let it now take place! And let me tremble at the word Of reconciling grace. Still may I walk as in thy sight, My strict Observer see ; And thou by reverent love unite My child-like heart to thee : Still let me, till my days are past, At Jesu's feet abide ; So shall he lift me up at last. And seat me by his side. CHRISTIAN RESPONSIBILITY. Lev. 8:35. Mark 13 : 33. A CHAKGE to kee]) I liave, A God to glorify ; A never-dying soul to save, And fit it for the sky. To serve the present age, ]My calling to fulfil ; O may it all my jiowers engage, To d(. my Master's will! Arm me with jealous rare. As ill thy sight to live ; THE CAPTAIN OF OUR SALVATION. 159 And O ! thy servant, Lord, prepare A strict acconnt to give. Help me to watch and pray, And on thyself rely ; Assured, if I my trust betray, I shall for ever die. THE CAPTAIN OF OUR SALVATION. Isaiah 2 : 2, 3. Eph. 6: 11, 12. Rev. 3 : 21. Rev. 5 : Hark, Iioav the watchmen cry ! Attend the trumpet's sound. Stand to your arms ! the foe is nigh ; The powers of hell surround. Who bow to Christ's command, Your arms and hearts prepare ; The day of battle is at hand ! Go forth to glorious Avar ! See, on the mountain top. The standard of your God ! In Jesu's name I lift it u-p, All stain'd vrith hallow'd blood. His standard-bearer, I To all the nations call : Let all to Jesu's cross draw nigh I He bore the cross for all. Go up with Christ your Head, Your Captain's footsteps see ; Follow your Captain, and be led To certain victory. 12 l6o THE CAPTAIN OF OUR SALVATION. All power to liiiu is given ; He ever reigns the same ; Salvation, happiness, and heaven -Vre all in Jesn's name. Only have faith in God ; In faith your foes assail ; Not wrestling against flesh and hlood, But all the powers of hell. From thrones of glory driven, By flaming vengeance liurl'd. They throng the air, and darken heaven And rule the lower world. Angels your march oppose. Who still in strength excel; Your secret, sworn, eternal foes ; ■ Countless, invisible. With rage tliat never ends. Their hellish arts they try; Legions of dire, malicious fiends. And spirits enthroned on high. On earth tlie usurpers reign, Exert their baneful power ; O'er the poor fallen sons oi" uwn They tyrannize their liour. But shall believers fear? But shall believers fly? Or see tlie bloody cross apj)ear, Aiwl :ill llii'ir powers dcty ? Jesu's tremendous name J*uts all our foes to fliirht : THE FEAR OF GOD. l6l Jesus, the meek, the angry Lamb, A Lion is in figlit. By all liell's host Avithstood, We all hell's host o'erthrow ; And conquering them, through Jesu's blood, We still to conquer go. Our Captain leads us on ; He beckons from the skies, And reaches out a starry crown. And bids iis take the prize. " Be faithful imto death ; Partake my victory ; And thou shalt wear this glorious wreath. And thou shalt reiizn with me." THE FEAR OF GOD. Prov. 7:2. Pierce, fill me with an humble fear, My utter helplessness reveal ; Satan and sin are always near ; Thee may I always nearer feel. O that to thee my constant mind Might with an even flame aspire ; Pride in its earliest motions find, And mark the risings of desire. O that my tender soul might fly The first abhorr'd approach of ill : l62 WATCH IN ALL THINGS. Quick as the apple of an eye, The slightest touch of sin to feel. Till thou anew my soul create, Still may I strive, and watch, and i)ray Humbly and confidently wait, And long to see the perfect day. WATCH IN ALL THINGS. Isaiah 30 : ai. Jesus, my Saviour, Brother, Friend, On whom I cast my every care, On whom for all things I depend, Inspire, and then accejit my prayer. If I have tasted of thy grace, The grace that sure salvation brings If with me now thy Spirit stays. And hov'ring hides me in his wings : Still let him with my weakness stay, Xor for a moment's space depart ; Evil and danger turn away, And keep lill he renews my heart. Wl»en to the right or left I stray. His voice behind me may 1 liear : " Return, and walk in Christ thy way ; Fly back to Clirist, for sin is near!" His sacred unction from above, Be still mv coiiilbrter and guide. FOR A TENDER CONSCIENCE. 163 Till all the stony he remove. And in my loving heart reside. Jesus, I fain would walk in thee, From nature's every i)ath retreat : Thou art my way, my leader be, And set upon the rock my feet. Ui)hold me. Saviour, or I fall ; 0 reach me out thy gracious hand ! Only on thee for help I call ; Only by faith in thee I stand. FOR A TENDER CONSCIENCE. Prov. 7 : 2. Acts 24 : 16. Isaiah 30 : si. I WANT a principle ^\ithin Of jealous, godly fear ; A sensibility of sin, A pain to feel it near. I want the first approach to feel Of pride or fond desire ; To catch the wand'ring of my will, And quench the kindling fire. That I from thee no more may part, N^o more thy goodness grieve. The filial awe, the fleshly heart. The tender conscience, give. Quick as the apple of an eye, O God, my conscience make ! Awake my soul, when sin is nigh, And keep it still awake. 164 FOR A NEW HEART. If to tlic right or left I stray, That moment, Lord, reprove ; And let me weep my life away. For having grieved thy love. O may the least omission pain My well-instructed soul ; And drive me to the blood again, ^Yhich makes the wounded whole ! FOR A NEW HEART. Ezek. 36 : 26, 27. O Jesus, let thy dying cry Pierce to the bottom of my heart ; Its evils cure, its wants supply. And bid my unbelief de23art. Slay the dire root and seed of sin ; Prepare for thee the holiest ]ilace ! Then, O Essential Love, come in ! And fill thy house with endless i)raise. Let me, according to thy word, A tender, contrite heart receive. Which grieves at having grieved its Lord, And never can itself forgive. A liearl, tliy joys and griefs to feel, A heart tliat cannot faithless prove : A heart \\lM'r(' Christ alone may dwell, All ]»rais('. all nicckjicss, and all love. PART \' I . luxt^ 3poctr]T. «K- PART THE SIXTH. CHRIST THE WAY. John 14:6. Psalm 66 : 12. I Peter 5:10. Jesu, my truth, my way, 3Iy sure, unerriug light, On thee my feeble steps I stay, AVhieh thou wilt guide aright. :\Iy wisdom and my guide. My counsellor thou art ; 0 never let me leave thy side, Or from thy paths depart. 1 lift my eyes to thee. Thou gracious, bleeding Lamb, That I may now enlightened be, And never put to shame. Never will I remove Out of thy hands my cause ; l68 CHRIST THE WAY. J)Ut rest in thy redeeming love, And liang upon tliy cross. Teacli me the liappy art In all things to depend On thee ; O never, Lord, depart, But love me to the end ! Still stir me up to strive With tliee in strength divine ; And every moment. Lord, revive Tliis fiiinting soul of mine. Persist to save my soul Throughout the fiery hour. Till I am every ^vhit made whole, And show forth all thy power. Through fire and water hring Into tlie wealthy place ; And teach me the new song to sing, Wlien pei'feeted in grace ! ( ) make mc all like thee. Before I hence remove ! Settle, confirm, and 'stablish mc, Aneace by Jesu's name. Supported by his smile: Joyful thus my faith to show, I find his service my reward ; Every work I do below, I do it to the Lorcl. Thou, O Lord, in tender love. Dost all my burdens bear! Lift my heart to things above. And fix it ever there ! Calm on tumult's w^heel I sit, 'Midst busy multitudes alone, Sweetly waiting at thy feet, Till all thy Avill be done. To the desert, or the cell, Let others blindly fly, 170 THE LORD OUR GUIDE. Ill ihh evil world I dwell, Unlmrt, unspotted, I : Here I find n house of prayer, To Avliicli I inwardly retire, Walking unconcerned in care, .Vnd unconsuined in fire. Thou, 0 Lord, my portion art. Before I hence remove ! Now my treasure and my heart Are all laid up above : Far above all earthly things. While yet my hands are here einployM, Sees my soul the King of kings. And freely talks with God. O that all the art might know Of living thus to thee ! Find their heaven begun below, And liere thy glory see ! Walk in all the works prepared J]y thee to exercise their grace. Till they gain theii* full reward, And see thv ixlorious face ! THE LORD OUR GUIDE. £xodu3 I 3 : 21. Captain' of Israefs host, and (Juide Of all wIjo seek tlie land above, J>eneath thy shadow we abide, Tlie cloud of lliv protecting love: THE SACRIFICE OF OUR PERSONS. 171 Our strength, thy grace; our rule, thy word; Our end, the glory of the Lord. By thine unerring Spirit led. We shall not in the desert stray ; We shall not full direction need, ]!^or miss our providential way ; As far from danger as from fear, While love, almighty love, is near. THE SACRIFICE OF OUR PERSONS. I. Job I : 21. Fathee, into thy hands alone I have my all restored ; My all, thy property I own, The steward of the Lord. Hereafter none can take away My life, or goods, or fame; Ready at thy demand to lay Them down I always am. Confiding in thy only love. Through Jesus strength'ning me, I wait thy faithfulness to proAC, And give back all to thee. Take when thou wilt into tliy hands. And as thou wilt require ; 172 THE SACRIFICE OF OUR PERSONS. Kesiimc by the Chaldean bands, Or the devouring fire. Determined all thy will to obey, Thy blessings I restore ; Give, Lord, or take thy gifts away, I praise thee evermore ! II. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, One in Three, and Three in One, As by the celestial host. Let thy will on earth be done ; Praise by all to thee be given. Glorious Lord of earth and lieaven. Vilest of the sinful race, Lo ! I answer to thy call : Meanest vessel of thy grace, Grace divinely fi'ee for all, Lo ! I come to do thy will. All thy counsel to fulfil. Tf so poor a worm as T ^lay to thy great glory live. All my actions sanctify, All my words and llioiiglils receive; ('l:iim me for thy service, cl.iim i\ll I have, and nil T mjii. Take my soul :iiid body's jxnvers; Take my memory, mind, and will ; THE SACRIFICE OF OUR PERSONS 1 73 All my goods, and all my hours, All I know, and all I feel ; All I think, or sj^eak, or do ; Take my heart ; — but make it new ! Now, O God, thine own I am ; ^ow I give thee back thine own; Freedom, friends, and health, and fame, Consecrate to thee alone: Thine I live, thrice happy II Haj^pier still if thine I die. Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, One m Three, and Three in One, As by the celestial host, Let thy will on earth be done; Praise by all to thee be given, Glorious Lord of eartli and heaven. IIL Rom. 14 : 8. o Let Him to whom we now belong His sovereign right assert. And take up every thankful song, And every loving heart. He justly claims us for his own. Who bought us with a j)rice; The Christian lives to Christ alone, To Christ alone he dies! 174 DESIRE FOR SALVATION. Jesus, tliine own at last receive, Fulfil our heart's desire. And let us to thy glory live, And in tliy cause expire. Our souls and bodies we resign ; With joy we render thee Our all, no longer ours, but thine To all eternity. DESIRE FOR SALVATION. Gen. 49 : i8. Long have I Avaited, Lord, For thy salvation here, And hoped, according to thy word, To sec it soon appear: To see thee passing by. All-glorious from above. The Lord of hosts, the Lord most liigli, The God of pardoning love. Tliyself Jehovah's Son, Discover to my heart. That when I have my Saviour known, 1 may in ])eace depart: ^lay tliee, tlie world's desire, With arms of faith embrace. And then, with yon enraptured choir, J'^)r ever see tliv face. THE AUTHOR OF ALL GOOD. I75 THE AUTHOR OF ALL GOOD. James I : 17. John 15:5. Phil. 2:13. Isa. 26 : la. Father, to thee my soul I lift ; My soul on thee depends, j^ Convinced that every perfect gift From thee alone descends. .•)t. Mercy and grace are thine alone, And power and wisdom too : Without the Spirit of thy Son We nothing good can do. We cannot speak one useful word, , One holy thought conceive. Unless, in answer to our Lord, Thyself, the T^kssing give. His blood demands the purchased grace, His blood's availing plea Obtain'd the help for all our race. And sends it down to me. Thou all our Avorks in us hast wrought ; Our good is all divine: ,The praise of every virtuous thought. And rio'hteous word is thine. jii' '&' From thee, through Jesus, we receive The power on thee to call ; In whom we are, and move, and live, Our God is all in all. 13 176 TE DEUM LAUDAMUS. ,j. TE DEUM LAUDAMUS. Infinite God, to thee we raise Our hearts in solemn songs of praise ; By all thy works on earth adored, We worsliip thee, the common Lord ; The everlasting Father own, And bow ourselves before thy throne. ,'jfiofi; 'jfiiifi o'ln Thee all the choir of angels sings, The Lord of hosts, the King of kings ; Clierubs proclaim thy praise aloud, And Seraphs sliout the triune God ; And, "Holy, holy, holy," cry, -'// "Thy glory fills both earth and sky I'' God of the patriarchal race, i-'-;ii The ancient seers record thy praise ; The goodly apostolic band > 'Iff ^.iT! In highest joy and glory stand ; ' And all ihe saints and prophets join To extol thy majesty divine. Head of the martvrs' noble liosti ^^rr Of thee they justly make their boast ; The church to earth's remotest bounds, Her lieavenly Founder's praise resounds; .And sti'ives with those aiound the throne, To hymn tlie mystic, Three in One Father of endless juajesty, All might and love they render thee; TE DEUM LAUDAMUS. 177 Thy true and only Son adore. The same in dignity and power; And God the Holy Ghost declare, The saints' eternal Comforter. Messiah, joy of every heart, Thou, thou the King of glory art ; The Father's everlasting Son, Thee it delights thy church to o^n ; For all our hopes on thee depend,"- Whose glorious mercies never end.- Bent to redeem a sinful race. Thou, Lord, with unexampled grace, Into our lower world didst come. And stoop to a poor virgin's womb ; Whom all. the heavens cannot contain, Our God appear'd a child of man ! When thou hadst render' d up thy breath, And dying drawn the sting of death. Thou didst from earth triuraptiant rise, And ope the portals of the skies. That all who trust in thee alone Might follow and partake thy throne. Seated at God's right hand again, Thou dost in all his glory reign ; Thou dost, thy Father's image, shine In all the attributes divine; And thou with judgment clad shalt come, To seal our everlasting doom. 78 TE DEUM LAUDAMUS. Wherefore we now for mercy pray, O Saviour, take our sins away! .jii'l ^ Before thou as our Judge appear, ' In dreadful majesty severe, Appear our Advocate witli God, .Vnd save the purchase of thy blood. Hallow, and make thy servants m^et, And with thy saints in glory seat;.- Sustain and bless us by thy s^ay^ r And. keep to. that tremendous day, When all thy church shall chant above Tlie new eternal sonir of love. Saviour, we now rejoice in hopie. That thou at last wilt take us up ; With daily triumph we proclaim, And bless and magnify thy name ; And wait thy greatness to adore Wlien time and death shall be no more. Till then with us vouchsafe to stay, And keep us pure from sin to-day;' Thy great confirming grace bestow, And guard us all our days below ; And ever mightily defen^' O may we to his day remain ! Who trust the blood of Christ to cleanse Our souls from every sinful stain. 1 88 TFIE NAME OF THE LORD PROCLAIMED. Lord, we believe the promise sure ! The purchased Comlbrter impart ! Apply thy blood to make us j)ure : To keep us pure in life and lieart ! Then let us see that day supreme, AVhen none thy Godhead shall deny ; Thy sovereign Majesty blaspheme, Or count thee less than the Most High ! When all who on their God believe, W]\o hear thy last appealing love, Shall thy consunmiate joy receive. And see thy glorious face above. THE NAME OF THE LORD PROCLAIMED. Exodus 34 : 5, 7. J: GiiEAT God! to me the sight afford. To him of old allow'd ; And let my faith behold its Lord Descending in a cloud. In that revealing Spirit come down, Tliine attributes pnx'laim, And to my inmost soul makt; known The glories of thy name. Jeliovah, C-hrist, I thee adore. Who gav'st my Foul to be! Fountain of being, and of ]>ower, . And great in majesty. > THE NAME OF THE LORD PROCLAIMED. 1H9 The Lord, the mighty God, thou art ; But let me rather prove 'That name in-spoken to my hearty']' That favourite name of Love. Merciful God, thyself proclaim Li this polluted breast ; Mercy is thy distinguish'd name, ji Which suits a sinner best. Our misery doth for pity call, Our sin implores thy grace And thou art merciful to all Our lost apostate race. Thy ceaseless, unexhausted love, Unmerited and free. Delights our evil to remove. And help our misery. Thou waitest to be gracious still, Thou dost w^ith sinners bear, That saved, we may thy goodness feel, And all thy grace declare. Thy goodness and thy truth to me. To every soul, abound ; A vast unfathomable sea, Where all our thoughts are drownM. Its streams the whole creation reach. So plenteous is the store ; Enough for all, enough for each, J Enough for evermore. Faithful, O Lord, thy mercies are ! A rock that cannot move : 190 THE NAME OF THE LORD PROCLAIMED. A thousand promises declare Thy constancy of love. Throughont the universe it reigns, Unalterably sure ; And while the truth of God remains, His croodness must endure. Reserves of unexhausted grace Are treasured up in thee, For myriads of the fallen race ; ' For all mankind and me. The flowinsT stream continues fulli Till time its course hath run ; And while eternal ages roll Thy mercy shall flow on. ' Merciful God, long-suftering, kinrl, To me thy name is showVl ; But sinners most exult to find Thou art a pardoning God. Our sins in deed, and word, and thought Thou freely dost forgive^ - ■ For us thou hy thy blood hast bought, And died that I might live. '): Auofi ntfo oT Yet wilt thou not the guilty clear, Tf we to sin return : Thy wrath, vindictively severe, '' From age to age shall burn ; Unless our sinful misery We, self-condemn'd, bemoan^ '-i And find :ui Advocate in thee, T?efbre ihv Father's tlirone. MYSTER05f OF THE TRINITy. 191 ,1': MYSTERY OF THE TRINITY^/ Acts 17 : 28. Gen. i : 26. Hail! Father, Son, and Spirit great, Before the hirth of time Enthroned in everlasting state, Jehoyah, Elohim ! A mystical plurality We in the Godhead own, Adoring One in Persons Three, And three in Xatnre One. From thee our beinc: we receive. The creatures of thy grace, And, raised out of the earth, we live To sing our Maker's praise. Thy powerful, wise, and loving mind Did our creation plan ; - And all the glorious Persons johrd To form thy favorite, Man. Again thou didst, in council met. Thy ruin'd work restore, Establish'd in our first estate. To forfeit it no more. And when we rise in love renew'd.^ Our souls resemble thee, An image of the Triune God, To all etei-nity. 14 192 THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD. The incoinniunicable right, Ahiiighty God ! receive, Which angel-choirs, and saints in liglit, And saints embodied, give. . Three Persons equally divine We magnify and love ; And both the choirs ere long yhall join To sing thy praise above. Hail ! lioly, holy, holy Lord, (Our heavenly song shall be,) Supreme, essential One, adored In co-eternal Three I THE SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD. Prov. 8 : 15, 21. hnifw Blest be our everlasting Lord, Our Father, God, and King ! Tliy sovereign goodness "\ve record, Tliy glonous power we sing. l^y thi'c the victory is given ; The majesty divine, And strengtli, and jnight, and earth, aiilow ; IT HYMN TO GOD THE FATHER. I97 Kooted in humility, Still ill every state resignVl, Plant, almighty Lord, in me A meek and lowly mind. Poor and vile in my own eyes, With self-abasing shame Still I would myself despise, And magnify thy name: Thee let eveiy creature bless; Praise to God alone be given: God alone deserves the praise Of all in earth and heaven,-] | HYMN TO GOD THE FATHER. Luke 15 : 21, 24. Thee, O my God and King, Mv Father, thee I sino-! Hear, well-pleased the joyous sound, Praise from earth and heaven reeei\-e Lost — I now in Ckrist am found, Dead — by fiith in Christ I live. Father, behold thy son. In Christ I am thy own : Stranger long to thee, and rest, See the j^rodigal is come: Open wide thine arms and breast, Take the w^earv wanderer home. 198 IN TEMPTATION, Thine eye observed from far, Thy pity look'd me near; !Me thy bowels yearn'd to see ; Me thy mercy ran to find. Empty, poor, and void of thee, Hungry, sick, and faint, and blind. Thou on my neck didst fill, Thy kiss forgave me all; Still thy gracious words I hear, Words that made the Saviour mine "• Haste, for him the robe pt-epare. His be righteousness divine !" IN TEMPTATION. Jesus, to thee T now can fly, On whom my lielp is laid: Oj)press'd by sins I lift my eye. And see tbe shadows fade^TUoH lielieving on my Lord, I tind A sure and present aid : On thee alone my constant mind Is every moment stay'd. Whatever in mo seems wise, or good, Or strong, I here disclaim: 1 wash my garmoits in tlie blood Of the atoning Lamb. GOODNESS AND MERCY. 1 99 Jesus, luy Strength, my Life, my Rest, On thee will I depend,. Till summon'd to the marriage-feast, AYhen faith in sis^ht shall end. GOODNESS AND MERCY. Psalm 103 : 13. Psalm 5:12. Matt. 10 : 30. John 3:16. Good thou art, and good thou dost ; Thy mercies reach to all. Chiefly those who on thee trust, And for thy nlercy call : New they every morning are ; As fathers ;when their childi-en cry, Jjs thou dost in pity spare. And all our wants supply. Mercy o'er thy works presides^ Thy providence display'd Still preserves, and still provides For all thy hands have made ; Keeps, with most distinguished care, The man who on thy love depends ; Watches every uumber'd hair. And all his steps attends. Who can sound the deptlis unknown Of thy redeeming grace ? ' Grace^ that gave thine only Son To save a ruin'd race ! zoo CONVERSE WITH GOD. Millions of transgressors poor Thou hast for Jesu's sake forgiven ; Made them of thy favour sure, And snatch'd from hell to lieaven. Millions more thou ready art To save, and to forgive ! Every soul and every heart Of man thou woukVst receive : Father, now accept of mine. Which no"w, tlirough Christ, T offer the<: ; Tell me now, in love divine, That thou hast jjardon'd me ! > 01(7/ :,[') ;ij. ^ CONVERSE WITH GOD. Luke 24 : 32. Psalm 27 : 8. Talk Avith us, Lord, thyself reveal, While here o'er earth we rove; Spealv to our liearts, and let uS feci The kindling of thy love. With tlicc conversing, we forget ''* All time, and toil, .'ind care; Labor is rest, and ])ain is swcct, ' If thou, my Cod, art here. Here then, my Cod, Aouchsnle to sfriv, And hid my he;irt rejoice: IVfy hounding lu'iirl shall own ihy sw.iv. And echo to thv voice. JUSTICE AND MERCY. 201 Thou callest me to seek thy face ; 'Tis all I wish to seek; ^rlT To attend the whispers of thy grace, And hear thee inly speak. Let this my every horn* emj^loy, Till I thy glory see ; Enter into my Master's joy, And find my heaven in thee. JUSTICE AND MERCY. Psalm 90 : 2. Psalm 145 : 9. Psalm 62 : 12. Neh. 9 : 17. Eph. I : 7. Glorious God, accept a heart That pants to sing thy praise: Thou without beginning art, And without end of days 5 f; Thou a Spirit invisible. Dost to none thy fulness show; Xonc thy Majesty can tell. Or all thy Godhead know. All thine attributes Ave own, Thy wisdom, power, and might: Ilaj^py in thyself alone. In goodness infinite. Thou thy goodness hast displayed, On thine every work imprest, Lov'st whatever thy hands have made • But man thou lov'st the best. 202 CHRIST ALL IN ALL. Willing thou that all sliould know Thy saving truths and live, .a- Dost to each, or bliss or woe, With strictest justice give : Thou with perfect righteousness Renderest every man his due ; • Faithful in thy i^romises. And in thy threat'nings too. , t Thou art merciful to all Who truly turn to thee ! Hear me then for pardon call, And show thy grace to me Me, through mercy reconciled. Me, for Jesu's sake forgiven, Me, receive, thy favoured cliikl, '^ To sing thy praise in heaven. CHRIST ALL IN ALL. Acts 4:12. Col. 3 : 2. Tiiou hidden Source of calm repose, Thou all-sufficient Love Divine, My help and refuge from my foes, Secure I am, if thou art mine : And lo ! from sin, and grief, and shame, 1 hide me, Jesus, in thy Xnmc. . , . ft Iff Thy mighty Name salvation i.s, Aiul keeps my ha}»py soul above ; Comfort it brings, :ind pow(;r, and peace, And joy, and everlasting lovii ; MERCY AND PARDON. i*l 205. To mej with thy clear iN^amc, are given(^ Pardon, and holiness, and heaven. Jesus, my all in all thou art; My rest in toil ; my ease in pain The med'cine of my broken heart; /'A In war, my peace ; in loss, my gain ; My smile beneath the tyrant's froAvn ; iT In shame, my glory and my crown: ""'^ In want, my plentiful supply; Iti weakness, my almighty power; In bonds, my perfect liberty; My light in Satan's darkest hour; In grief, my joy unspeakable; ^^ My life in death; my heaven in hell. ''A MERCY AND PARDON. 2 Saml. 7 : 8. Ezek. 16:6. Acts 4:12. What am I, O thou glorious God! And what my fother's house to thee, That thou such mercies hast bestow'd "T On me, the vilest reptile, me ! '" I take the blessing from above, ^T And Wonder at thy boundless love. Me in my blood thy loVe pass'd by. And stopp'd, my ruin to retrieve; Wept o'er my soul thy pitying eye ; Thy bowels yeam'd, and sounded, "Live!'' 204 PRAISE TO THE REDEEMER. Dying, I lieard the Avelcome sound, y .Vnd pardon in tliy mercy found. Honour, and might, and thanks, and praise, I render to my pardoning God ; Extol the riches of thy grace, And spread thy saving name ahroad; That only name to sinners given, Wliicli lifts poor dying worms to heaven. Jesus, I bless thy gracious power, ^j And all within me shouts thy Name: Thy Xame let every soul adore. Thy power let every tongue proclaim ; Thy grace let every sinner know, And find with me their heaven below. ,y PRAis9.^TO THE REDEEMER. Acts 4:12. I Tim. 1:1552:6. Lkt earth and heaven agree, Angels and men be joinVl, To celebrate Avith me The Saviour of mankind ; To adore the all-atoning Lamb, And bless the sound of Jesu's Name. .Tesus, transporting sound ! The joy of eartli and heaven ; Xo otlier iielp is i\>\\\u\, No other name is given. PRAISE TO THE REDEEMER. 205 By which we can salvation have ; But Jesus came the worh.1 to save. Jesiis, harmonious Xame ! It charms the hosts above ; They evermore proclaim And wonder at his love ; 'Tis all their happiness to gaze: "Tis heaA'en to see our Jesu's face. His name the sinner hears, And is from sin set free ; 'Tis music in his ears, 'Tis life and victory : Xew songs do now his lips employ, And dances his glad heart for joy. 'jii Stung by the scorpion sin. My poor expiring soul The balmy sound drinks in, And is at once made whole : See there my Lord upon tlie tree ! I hear, I feel, he died for me. O unexampled love ! O all-redeeming grace ! How swiftly didst thou move To save a fallen race ! What shall I do to make it known, What thou for all mankind hast done? O for a trumpet-voice, On all the world to call ! 2o6 AjlMHil FREE GRACE. To bid their hearts rejoice In him who died for all ! For all my Lord was c-riicitk'd ; For all, for all my Saviour died! T FREE GRACE. Eph. 1:7. I Tim. 3:16. I Peter 1:12. Acts 12 : 6, 7. 2 Tim. 4:8. And can it be that I should gain An interest in the Saviour's blood ? Died he for me, who caused his pain ? For me, who him to death pursued ^ Amazing love ! how can it be, That thou, my God, shoukVst die for me ! 'Tis mystery all ! The immortal dies ! Who can explore his strange design ! In vain the first-born Seraph tiies To sound the depths of Lovp Divine I 'Tis mercy all ; let earth adore, Let angel-minds inquire no more. He left his Father's throne above ;, , (So free, so infinite his grace !) Kmpticd himself of all but love, And bled for Adam's helpless race;, 'Tis mercy all, immense and free, For, O my God, it found out nie/ Jjong my iiiijirisouM sj)irit lay Fast bound in sin and nature's night ; A THANKSGIVING. iij^. Thine eye diflused a quick'ning rayj f.i.'>0 vl/' I woke; the dungeon flamed with light; -£)'i My chains fell oiF, my heart was free, I rose, went forth, and follow'd thee. .^■'- i. ]^o condemnation now I dread ; Jesus, and all in him, is mine ! Alive in him,i Bfiy^ li\dng Head, And clothed in righteousness divine, '. ^teold I approach the eternal throne, •^''^'And claim the crown, through Christ mv own. A THANKSGIVING. I. Exod. 14 ; 13. Is.iiah 43 : 2, My Father, m/^SS, f iSii^'fer^ liif ld^^f^^« ^'^'^ O shed it abroad ; Send Christ from ahove^! ^^ ^^ ^ My heart, ever fainting. He only can cheer ; And all things are wanting. Till Jesus is here. O when shall my tongue Be fiU'd with thy praise ! While all the day long I publish thy grace, Thy honor and glory To sinners forth show. Till sinners adore thee. And own thou art true. Thy strength and thy povrer I now can proclaim, Preserved every hour Through Jesus's JSTame ; For thou art still by me. And boldest my hand ; Xo ill can come nigh me. By faith while I stand. 15 ^oS A THANKSGIVING. ^ly God is my 2: aide : Thy mercies abound:'; On; every side They compass me round: Tiiou say'st, me from sickness, From sin dost re- trievC)) i) And strengthen'st my weakness, And bidd'st me believe. . :;lt f --^n - r ; ')!• Thou boldest my soul in spiritual life, My foes dost control, And quiet their strife ; Thou rulest my passion. My pride and self-will ; To see thy salvation. Thou bidd'st me '^ stand still!" I stand, and admire Thine out-stretched arm ; I walk through the fire. And suffer no harm ; Assaulted by evil, I scorn to submit ; The world and the devil Fall imder my feet. T wrestle not now. But trample on sin, For with me art thou, And shalt be within ; While stronger and stronger In Jesus's i^ower, I go on to conquer, Till sin is no more. II. Hcb. 4 : x6. ^?t^.;4 : lo. Rom. 5 : 20. Matt, zi : 16. () God of my salvation, hear. And help a sinner to draw Jiear ' With boldness to the tlirone of Grace: flelp me thy benefits to sing, And nmile to kcc me feebly bring My humble sacrifice of praise. A THANKSGIVING. 209 I cannot praise thee as I vrould ; But thou art merciful and good ; I know thou never wilt despise The day of small and feeble things, But bear me, till on eagles' wings To all the heio-hts of love I rise. o 1 thank thee for that gracious taste, (\yhich pride would not permit to last,) That touch of love, that pledge of heaven. Surely on me my Father smiled And once I knew him reconciled, And once I felt my shis forgiven. My Lord and God I then could see. My Saviour, who hath died for me. To bring the rebel near to God ; Thou didst, thou didst, thy peace impart; Pardon was written on my heart, j In larofest characters of blood. Vilest of all the sons of men. When I to folly turn'd again, And sinn'd against thy light and love, Grace did much more than sin abound ; Amazed, I still forgiveness found, And thank'd my Advocate above. Saviour, for this I thank thee now ; My Saviour to the utmost, thou Plast snatch'd me from the gates of liell ; That I to all mankind may prove Thy free, thine everlasting love, Which all mankind with me mav feel. 210 A THANKSGIVING. The bouiuUess love that Ibiiiul niu me, For every soul of man is free ; None of thy mercy need despair ; Patient, and pitiful, and kind. Thee every ponl of man may liml, And, freely saved, thy grace dechue. A vile, backsliding sinner, I Ten thousand deaths deserve to die ; Yet still by sovereign grace I live ! Saviour, to thee I still look up ; I see an open door of hope ; And wait thy fulness to receive. How shall 1 thank thee for the graced /^ The trust I have to see tliy face, When sin shall all be purged a^vay ! The night of doubts and fears is past ; The Morning-Star appears at last, And I sliall see the j^crfect d:\y. I soon shall hear thy quick'ning voice, Shall always pray, give thanks, rejoice ; (This is thy Avill and faithful word ;) My spirit meek, my will resigird ; : , Lowly as thine shall be my mind ; The servant shall be as his L<»rd. Already, Lord, 1 feel thy power; Preserved from evil every liour, ]My great Preserver I proclaim : Safety and strength in tljce I lla^ e, T find, I iind thee strong to sine, And know that Jesus is thv nunic. THE YEAR OF JUBILEE. 211 By faith I every moment stand, Strangely upheld by thy right hand ; I my own wickedness eschew ; A sinner, I am kept from sin ; And thou shalt make me pure within, And thou shalt form my soul anew. Come, then, and loose my stamm'ring tongue, Teach me the new, the joyful song ^\nd perfect in a babe thy praise: I want a thousand lives to employ In publishing the sounds of joy, The gospel of thy general grace. Come, Lord, thy Spirit bids thee come ; Give me tliyself, and take me home ; Be now the glorious earnest given ! The counsel of thy grace fulfil ; Thy kingdom come, thy perfect will Be done on earth, as 'tis in heaven. THE YEAR OF JUBILEE. .OnfOfI ^^^'' ^5 : 9> 13- ^^^'^h 6 1 : 1-4. Blow ye the trumpet, blow The gladly solemn sound ; Let all the nations know. To earth's remotest bound, The year of jubilee is come ; Return, ye ransom'd sinners, home. 2li THE YEAR OF JUBILEK. Jesus, our great High IVicst, Hath lull atonement made ; Ye weary spirits, rest ; Ye mournful souls, be glad ; The year of jubilee is eoine ; Return, ye ransom'd sinners, liome. Extol the Laiub of God The all-atoning Lamb ; Redemption through liis Idood Throughout tlie world proclaiui : The year of jubilee is eome ; Return, ye ransoniM shmers, home. Ye slaves of sin and hell, Your liberty receive ; And safe in Jesus dwell. And blest in Jesus live : The year of jubilee is come; Return, ye ransom'd sinners, ijome. Ye who have sold for naught Your heritage above. Receive it back unbought The gift r>f Jesu's love : The year of jubilee is come ; Return, ye ransomM sinners, lioine. The gospel trumpet Iiear, Tlie news of heavenly grace ; And, saved from earth, a])pear Before yoiu* Saviour's lace : The year of jul/ilee is come; Return, ye ransom'd sinners, home. CHRIST'S EVERLASTING LOVE. 21 CHRIST'S EVERLASTING LOVE. )m -lo'l iJOflT Isaiah 53 : 3, 5^ I diJflT im Glorious Saviour of my soul, I lift it up to tliee ; Thou hast made the sinner whole, Hast set the captive free ! Thou my debt of death hast paid ; Thou hast raised me from my tall Thou hast full atonement made: My Saviour died for all. What could my Redeemer move To leave his Father's breast? Pitv drew him fi'om above, And would not let him rest; Swift to succour sinkmg man. Sinking into endless woe, Jesus to our rescue ran, And God appear'd below. God, in this dark vale of tears A man of griefs was seen : Here for three and thirty years He dwelt with sinful men. Did they know the Deity ? Did they own him, who he was? See the Friend of Sinners, see! He hangs on yonder cross! Yet thy wrath I cannot fear, Thou gentle, bleeding Lamb! 214 CHRIST'S EVERLASTING LOVE. By tliy judgment I am clear ; Hqal'd by thy stripes I am; Thou for me a curse "wast made, That I misfit in thee be blest ; Thou liast my full ransom paid, And in thy wounds I rest. i " i;// PART VII. Satrtti tiocti'iJ. PART THE SEVENTH. THE PROMISE OF SANCTIFICATION. Ezek. 36 ; 25—30. God of all Power, and Truth, and Grace, Which shall from age to age endure : Whorve AVord, when heaven and earth shall pasr=, licmains and stands for ever sure : Calmly to thee my soul looks up. And waits thy promises to prove, The object of my steadfast hope, The seal of thine eternal love. That I thy mercy may proclaim, That all mankind thy truth may see, Hallow thy great and glorious Kame, And perfect holiness in me. Chose from the world if now I stand, Adorn'd in righteousness divine, If, brought into the promised land, I justly call the Saviour mine ; 2l8 THE PROMISE OF SANCTIFICATIQN. Perform the work thou hast begun, My inmost soul to thee convert : Love me, for ever love thine own, And sprinkle with thy blood my lieart. Thy sanctifying' Spirit pour, To quench my thirst and wash me clean ; Xow, Father, let the gracious shoAver Descend and make me pure from sin. Purge me from every sinful blot. My idols all be cast aside ; Cleanse me from every evil thought ; From all the filth of self and pride. Give me a new, a perfect heart. From doubt, and fear, and sorrow free ; Tlie mind which was in Christ impart. And let my spirit cleave to thee. O take this heart of stone away ! (Thy rule it doth not, cannot own ;) In me no longer let it stay ; O take away this heart of stone ! The hatred of my carnal mind Out of my flesh at once remove ; Give me a tender heart, resigned, And ])ure, and fillM willi faitli and love. Within me thy good Spirit place ; Spirit of health, and love, and power ; I*lant in me thy victorious grace, And sin shall never enter more. THE PROMISE OF SANCTIFICATION. 2 19 Cause me to walk in Christ my Way, And I thy statutes shall fulfil ; 111 every point thy law obey, And perfectly perforin thy will. Hast Thou not said, who canst not lie, That I thy law shall keep and do? Lord, I believe, though men deny; They all are false, but thou art true. 0 that I now, from sin released, Thy word' might to the utmost prove ! Enter into the j^roniis'd rest. The Canaan of thy perfect love. There let me ever, ever dwell ; Be thou my God, and I will be Thy servant ; O set to thy seal ! Give me eternal life in thee. From all remaining filth within. Let me in thee salvation have ; From actual, and from inbred sin, My ransom'd soul persist to save. Wash out my old original stain ; Tell me no more. It cannot be — Demons or men! The Lamb was slain, His blood was all pour'd out for me! Sprinkle it, Jesus, on my heart ; One drop of thy all-cleansing blood Sliall make my sinfulness depart. And fill me with the life of God. 2 20 THE PROMISE OF SANCTIFICATION. Father, sni:>ply my every need; Sustain the life thyself hast given ; Call for the corn, the living bread, The manna that comes down from heaven. The gracious fruits of righteousness. Thy blessing's unexhausted store, In me abundantly increase ; Nor let me ever hunger more. Let me no more in deep complaint, " My leanness, O my leanness," cry, Alone consum'd with pining want. Of all my Father's children, I ! Tlie painful thirst, the fond desire, Thy joyous presence shall remove ; While my full soul doth still require The whole eternity of love. Holy, and true, and righteous Lord, T want to prove thy perfect will ; r>e mindful of thy gracious Word, And stamp nie with thy Spirit's seal. Tiiy faithful mercy let me find, Tn which thou causest me to trust; Ciive me thy meek and lowly mind, And lay my s]»irit in tlie dust. Show mc liow foul my heart hatli Itecu, When all renew'd by grace I nm ; When thou liast em])tied me of sin, Shew mc the fulness ol' mv shame. THE GOD OF JESHURUN. 221 Open my faith's interior eye, Display thy glory from above ; And all I am shall suik and die, Lost in astonishment and love. Confomid, o'erpower me, with thy grace ; I would be by myself abhorr'd ; (All might, all majesty, all praise. All glory be to Christ my Lord i) Xow let me gain perfection's lieiglit ! >[ Now let me into nothing fall ! Be less than nothing in thy sight, And feel that Christ is all in all. "THE GOD OF JESHURUN.f?, Deut. 33 : 26-29, NoxE is like Jeshnrun's God, So great, so strong, so high : Lo! he spreads his wings abroad, He rides upon the sky : Israel is his first-born son : »> God, the Almighty God, is thine; See him to thy help come down, The excellence divine. '^^-^ ^^'' Thee the great Jehovah deigns To succour and defend ; Thee the eternal God sustains, Thy Maker and thy Friend : 222 THE GOD or JESHURUX. Israel, what bast thou to dread 'i Safe from all impending Jiarms, Uomid thee and beneath are spread The everlasting arms. God is thine; disdain to fear (ruo'iiKi' / Tho enemy within : God shall in thy flesh a]»i)ear, And make an end of sin : God the man of sin shall slay, Fill thee with triumphant joy ; God shall thrust him out, and say : " Destroy them all, destroy !" '•• .!(• !!• All the struggle then is o'er. And wars and fighting cease ; Israel then shall sin no more, l>ut dwell in perfect ])eace : All his enemies are gone ; Sin shall have in him no part ; Israel now shall dwell alone. With Jesus in his heart. In a land of corn and wine Ilis lot shall be below ; Comforts there, and blessings join, And milk and honey flow : Jacob's well is iu his soul ; Gracious dew his heavens distil, I'ill Ilis soul, already full, Aiid shall forever fill. Hlest, O Israel, arl thou ; ^^'llat people is like theo ? THE CHRISTIAN'S REST. 223 Saved from sin, by Jesus, now Thoii art, and still shalt be: Jesus is thy seven-fold shield; Jesus is thv flaminof sword ; Earth, and hell, and sin, shall yield To God's almio'hty word. THE CHRISTIAN'S REST. Heb. 4 : i-ii. Lord, I believe a rest remains. To all thy people known ; A rest where pure enjoyment reigns, And thou art loved alone : A rest where all our soul's desire Is fix'd on things above ; Where fear, and sin, and grief expire, Cast out by perfect love. 0 that I now the rest might know Believe, and enter in ! KoAV, Saviour, now the power bestow, And let me cease from sin I Remove this hardness from my heart. This unbelief remove : To me the rest of faith impart, The sabbath of thy love. 1 would be thine, thou know'st I would, And have thee all my own ; 16 224 HOLINESS DESIRED. Thee — O my all-sufficient Good! I want — and thee alone. Thy JSTanie to me, thy nature grant ! This, only this, be given : Xothing besides my God I want; Xothing in earth or heaven. Come, O my Saviour, come away ! Into my soul descend! No longer from thy creature stay, My Author and my End ! Come, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, And seal me thine abode ! Let all I am in thee be lost ; Let all be lost in God! HOLINESS DESIRED. 2 Cor. 13 : 9. Hcb. 8 ; S, 10, li. John 17 : 3. Ezek. 16 : 62, 63. O God, most merciful and true ! Thy nature to my soul impart ; 'Stablish with me the covenant new, And write perfection on my heart. To real holiness restored, O let u\v gain my Saviour's mind ! And, in iIk' knowledge of my l^ord. Fulness of life eternal find. PRAYER FOR SANCTIFICATION. 22$s Remember, Lord, my siiis no more, That them I may no more forget; But sunk m guiltless shame adore. With speechless wonder, at thy; ifeet. :: :\ 'to I O'erwhelmed with thy stupendous' Igrace, I shall not in thy presence move!? ;;b-oT But breathe unutterable praise, .. And rapturous awe, and silent love. Then every murmuring thought and vain Expires, in sweet confusion lost; I cannot of my cross complain ; I cannot of my goodness boast. Pardon'd for all that I have clone, My mouth as in the dust I hide ; And glory give to God alone, My God for ever pacified ! PRAYER FOR SANCTIFICATION. Psalm 130 : 8. Jer. 4 : 14. Father, I dare believe Thee merciful , and true : Thou wilt my guilty soul forgive. My fliUen soul renew ; Com.e, then, for Jesu's sake. And bid my heart be clean; An end of all my troubles make. An end of all my sin. 226 ZION'S PROSPJ-RirV. I will, through ocrace, I will, I do, return to thee; T.ike, e/npty it, O Lord, and Hll My heart with pinity ! For power, I feebly pray : ^ Thy kingdom now restore, To-day, 'while it is call'd to-day : And I shall sin no more. I cannot wash my heart. But by believing thee. And waiting for thy blood to impart The spotless purity : While fit thy cross I lie, Jesus, thy grace bestow ; Now thy all-cleansing blood api»ly, And I am white as snow. ZION'S PROSPERITY. Isaiah 35. Rev. 21 -.4. Ifi:AA"Ej4L^' Wthcrf sovereign Lord, P^ver faithful lo tliy word, flnndjly we our seal set to. Testify that thou art true. Lo! for us the wilds are glad. All in <*hccrful green array'd ; ()j)ening sweets they nil disel(»se. I>ud an