FROM THE LIBRARY OF REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON, D. D. BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO THE LIBRARY OF PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY DMsiofl Seedofl , scB / <^ Or' PH/JV$) HYMN§.FEB17 1333 ; BY JOHN BOWRING. : The prayers I utter will be sweet indeed If Thou the spirit give with which I pray." LONDON : PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR : SOLD BY ROWLAND HUNTER, ST. PAUL'S CHURCH- YARD; AND C. FOX AND CO., THREADNEEDLE STREET. 1825. G. Smallfield, Printer, Hackney, PREFACE. This little book is intended as a se- quel to the u Matins and Vespers." It has no pretensions to supply the place of similar productions. If it be allowed to add any thing to the treasures of our devotional poetry ; if any of its pages should be hereafter blended with the exercises of domestic and social wor- ship ; or if it shall be the companion of meditative solitude, the writer will be more than rewarded. He does not apologize for the new species of versification he has employed, because he thinks the variety of mea- sure in the hymns used by the Lutheran and Calvinistic churches of the Conti- IV PREFACE. nent may be gracefully and properly introduced into our English composi- tions, the monotony of which has been frequently felt. Most of the " Peculiar Metres" of the present volume are con- stantly employed in the languages ana- logous to our own, viz. the German, Swedish, Danish, and Dutch; from all of which, in fact, some hymns have been taken. INDEX OF FIRST LINES. Page A thousand, thousand changing things 79 Again the morning's beams proclaim 68 Am I lonely ? No ! with God 82 Ancient of Ages ! humbly bent before Thee 96 Are we not from God descended 80 As children round a father's knee 120 As gontle children fondly press 83 Before Thy throne, almighty Lord ! 132 Blessed, blessed are the dead 71 Both joy and sorrow come from Thee 117 Bow down Thine ear, Almighty One ! 41 By what a charm is life attended 143 Christ is risen and death subdued 21 Clay of our departed brother ! 97 " Clay to clay, and dust to dust !" 25 Close the sabbath-day in joy 101 Come, come to the temple of God. In His presence appear 137 Come to God's temple, come ! 46 " Come, ye blessed of my Father 21 Come, ye sons of promise, gather 47 Come, wand'ring sheep ! thy Shepherd's care 70 Could I mount on Seraph's wing 67 Creator and Preserver, God ! 48 Devotion's hour is swiftly past 134 Dying is but a second birth 16 Earth throws down her funeral robe 123 Faitli untrain'd to works is naught 4 " Father ! glorify Thy name" 81 Father, whose benignant ear 72 Fear not, faint not, though thou stray 142 For whom but Thee, to whom but Thee 3 From house to house the apostles went 147 God is love 1 His mercy brightens 22 God is my song , 87 Happv hour in which I rise , t , 127 a2 Vl INDEX OF FIRST LINES. Page Have ye never heard His voice ? 35 Hear ray cry, O God ! attend 17 He builds his house upon the sand 19 He in heaven who ever liveth . . . , 52 He is not here, he is not here . . 45 He lives ! he lives ! Let joy again 90 " He was there alone," when even 104 He wept as he approach'd the place 84 He who in nature's desolate distress 118 I heard a voice which sweetly said 44 I saw the wicked in his pride 30 I wander through a foreign land 91 " I will not leave you comfortless" 80 If ever on earth 47 If I aught possess, 'tis Thine 114 If we may breathe a prayer to Thee 49 I'll trust my future fate to Thee 78 In duleijubilo — to the house of God we'll go 19 In folly and error 24 In grief's deep solitude, we turn 12 In the cross of Christ I glory 60 In the spirit of devotion 20 In Thy bright tabernacle, God ! 9 Lead us with thy gentle sway 106 Let sinners tremble, as they must 108 Let Thy gracious spirit teach us 39 Let Thy servant now depart 8 Life and motion, breath and being 131 Lo ! he comes, the Lord of glory 130 Long had the darkness of ages surrounded 103 Look on the place where Jesus lay 27 Lord ! fom its deepest, most retired recesses 128 Lord ! I believe : but if a doubt 23 Lord, I would humbly seek Thy throne 102 Lord ! to live, to die to Thee 88 Lord ! to Thee I dedicate 105 Lord ! to Thy holy will I bow me 138 Man is not left untold, untaught ................ 13 Mark the virtuous man, and see 5 My earliest thought be turned to Him 100 INDEX OF FIRST LINES. 'it Page My task of duty's done 36' My times are in thy hand, and Thou 74 Not a broken, brief obedience 136 Not with trees of Lebanon 129 O could our art, or our desire 51 O how cheating, O how fleeting 32 O how wise that God hath hidden, 117 O my soul ! a few short moments 1 19 O sweet and sacred is the rest 37 O there are hours so dark and dull 40 (> Thou high and holy One ! 126 O Thou, to whom all praise belongs ^7 O what a strange, a fearful strife 59 On ! on ! our moments hurry by 10 One ! One ! One ! art Thou 62 Our God is nigh , 95 Ours is a lovely world ! Where'er 26 Puer natus in Bethlehem, Bethlehem, 18 Pure and undenl'd religion 69 Round us, o'er us, is there aught 109 Rouse thee, O my spirit, rouse thee 8 Sing Hallelujah ! Hallelujah sing 107 Sing ! sing ! ye ransom'd mortals, sing ! 76 Short is the reign of summer riow'rs 38 Spirit of devotion, come ! 14 " Surely 'tis the Son of God !" 39 The blank, exhausting pleasure leaves 140 The clouds and mists of darkness lower 116 The days of mortal man 28 The earth, and all the earth contains 65 The gospel is preach'd to the poor 53 The heaven's my throne, saith the Lord our God .... 141 The hymn of praise, the breath of prayer 110 The pageants and the pomp of kings 72 The secret — nay, the silent prayer 133 Their labours are ended, their duty is o'er 98 There are no hours so sweet as those 135 There is no terror in the grave 89 There remaineth a glorious rest 113 VUl INDEX OF FIRST LINES, Page There's good in all the various changes 83 There's no retreat from sin — no spot 31 They are not gone whom death's dark shroud 1 They rest in silence and in peace 94 Thou art my God, and Thou alone 6 Thou, my Son ! be wise — depart 61. Though laurel crowns and victor wreaths 112 Though the stream of being floweth 2 Thy will be done ! In devious way 7 Thy word is truth — its sacred page 50 t( 'Tis finish'd," the Redeemer said 93 'Tis God the Creator whose mercy hath given 115 'Tis not the gift — but 'tis the spirit 63 To each, to all, by love divine 108 To Thee alone we live 122 Treasures of this worldly scene 75 Wake, slumberer, wake ! repent, repent ! 11 Watchman ! tell us of the night 57 We have heard, and joy'd in hearing 58 We sat by Babel's streams and wept 42 We stand upon the grave, but thou 97 We walk by faith and not by sight 54 We walk'd in darkness, but at last 43 When my days have told their number 101 When shall mortal man be crown 'd 29 When the great Apostle spoke 121 When the storms of sorrow gather 3 Where'er the foot of man hath trod 66 Where is thy sting, O Death ! 73 Whither, whither shall we go ? 58 Who leaves th' Almighty God to reign 55 Who that looks on man erect Ill Why stand we here in jeopardy 64 With th' angelic armies, we 86 Ye gently-falling dews ! whose mist 85 Yes ! soon away shall death's deep slumbers roll. ... 92 Yes ! Thou art with me, and with Thee 77 INDEX OF SUBJECTS. The Figures refer to the Hymns. Acceptable worship, 119, 137, 141. Adoration of the One True God, 103. Advent of Christ, 59, 138. Adversity salutary, 127. Agar' $ petition, 52. Apostles, preaching of the, 147. Aspirations, 129. After truth, 148. Bethlehem hymn, Peter of Dresden's, 20. Blessedness of the righteous dead, 46, 75. Blessing, death a, 54. Of vicissitude, 89. Call to repentance, 13. Christ, resurrection of, 30. The Son of God, 40. Bless- ing conferred on man by the birth of, 45. Trust in, 55. Advent of, 59, 138. His disciples not left com- fortless, 86. Promises of, to his faithful followers, 91. Death of, 100. The day-star, 111. Christian, song of the triumphant, 37. Triumphs, 12h Christmas hymn, Peter of Dresden's, 21. Comfort, religious, 84. In God's goodness, 128. Conscience, a pure, 116. Cross of Christ, 63. Balm for a wounded spirit, 2. David's advice to Solomon, 64. Dead, blessedness of the righteous, 46, 76. Sleep of the, 101. Death, life in, 18. A blessing, 54. Victory over, 78. Of Christ, 100. Devotion, 49, 142. Invocation of, 16. Private, 143. Devout supplication, 19. Discipline of sorrow, 117. X INDEX OF SUBJECTS. Earthly dignities, 77. Easter hymn, 23. Eternity, lessons of time for, 15. Evening hymn, 92. Faitk and works, 5. Prayer for, 26. Walking by, 57. Felix trembled, 131. Friends, loss of, 14. Funeral hymn, 28, 104, 105. Fliture, the, wisely concealed, 126. Glorifying God's name, 87. God, alone the fit Object of praise and prayer, 3. Our Guide, 4. Unity of, 7, 65. His will be done, 8. Grati- tude and praise to, 9. Submission to, 22. Is love, 25. Omnipresent, 36, 69, 82. Help sought from, 41. Hope in, 42. Praise to, 48, 93, 115. His guidance implored, 51. Trust in, 17,58, 76, 150. Unchangeable, 61. Infinite greatness of, 70. Our times are in His hand, 79. Our Comforter, 83. His name glorified, 87. Influence of, 88. Praise to, 93. Perfections of, 94. The chief good, 94. Always nigh, 102. Adoration of the One True, 103. v Our only refuge, 109. Supplications to, for the supply of our wants, 113. Every thing derived from ; 123. The Source of all good, 124. Comfort in His goodness, 128. Our Father, 130. Supreme in life and death, 132. Over all, 139. Our Guide, 140. Requires im- plicit obedience, 144. Resignation to His will, 146. Majesty of, 149. Good man, his end peace, 6. Gospel, truth of the, 53. Preached to the poor, 56, Blessing? of the, 60. Gratitude and praise to God, 9. Grave, the, no terror to the virtuous, 96. Sleep of the, 99.. Rest of the, 106. Happy hours, 135. Help sought from God, 41. Hope in God, 42. Humble worship, 43. Humility, 136. Hymn of praise, 50. INDEX OF SUBJECTS. XI Immortality, 1 18. Of man, 32, 85. Infinite greatness of God, 70. Insecurity of the wicked, 33. Internal peace, 80. Invitation to heaven, 125. Isaiah, translations of, ix., 45; lxvi., 149. Jesus, see Christ. Lessons of time for eternity, 15. Life, fleeting and vain, 12. In death, 18. Present, not man's all, 67. A pilgrimage, 114. Lord's Prayer, the, 134. Loss of friends, 14. Luther's angel-song, 81. Majesty oi God, 149. Man, end of the good, peace, 6. Immortal, 32. The heir of heaven, 85. Morning hymn, 73, 107, 133. Mortality, 120. Omnipresence of God, 36, 69, 82. Outward and inward virtue, 66. Parental providence, 90. Past, present, and future, 151. Peace, the good man's end, 6. IuternaJ, 80. Perfections of God, 94. Peter of Dresden's Bethlehem hymn, 20. Christmas hymn, 21. Poor, the gospel preached to the, 56. Praise to God, 48, 93, 115. Hymn of, 50. Prayer, a, 19. For faith, 26. ' For the best gifts, 110. The Lord's, 134. Private devotion, 143. Providence, parental, 90. Psalms, translations of, xv., 11; xxiv., 68; lxi., 19; cxxxvii., 44. Religion, pure and undented, 73. Religious comfort, 84. Repentance, call to, 13. Urgency of, 145. Xll INDEX OF SUBJECTS. Rest of the righteous, 38. To the people of God, 122. Of the grave, 106. Resurrection of Christ 30. The, 47, 97. Righteous, blessedness of the, 24. Rest of the, 38. Sabbath evening, 108. Safety in virtue, 27. Sheep, wandering, invited to their Shepherd's care, 74. Sin, remorse the consequence of, 34. Sleep of the grave, 99. Of the righteous dead, 101. Simeon's thanksgiving, 10. Solitude, 112. Song of the triumphant Christian, 37. Sorrow, discipline of, 117. Submission to God, 22. Supplication, devout, 19. To God for the supply of our wants, 113. Time, lessons of, for eternity, 15. Value of, 31. Temptation, trust in God for deliverance from, 62. Traveller's hymn, 98. Trust in Christ, 55. In God, 17, 58, 76, 150. Truth, and virtue immortal, 39. Aspirations after, 148. Of the Gospel, 53. Unity of God, 7, 65. Unchangeableness of God, 61. Urgency of repentance, 145. Value of time, 31. Vanity of life, 12. Of earthly things, 35. Vicissitude a blessing, 89. Virtue immortal, 1, 39. Safety in, 27. Outward and inward, 66. Wicked, insecurity of the, 33. Wise man, a, builds upon a rock. Works and faith, 5. World, the, beautiful, 29. Worship, humble, 43. Pure, 71. Acceptable, 119, 137, 141. ♦— HYMNS. HYMN I. They are risen. They are not gone— -whom death's dark shroud Hath curtain' d from our mortal eye ; They are not gone : Down to their bed of rest they bow'd*— ■ It was their portal to the sky, The pathway to their throne. They cannot die — whose being here Is by its worth immortal made ; They cannot die : Though the time- wasted sepulchre In which their vestiges are laid Crumbled in dust may lie. They are not dead — whose ashes fill That melancholy house of clay ; They are not dead : They live in brighter glory still, Than ever cheer' d their earthly way, Full beaming round their head. HYMN II. " The Heart knoweth its own Bitterness." Though the stream of being floweth Calmly to the sea of peace, Though the weary pilgrim goeth To his home of sleep and ease- None, but he who suffers, knoweth All a spirit's bitterness. Thoughts there are with misery in them, Sharper than the wintry wind : Wounds there are, though none have seen them, Rankling in the inner mind — Woes, with not a joy between them, Dark and vague and undefined. Is there for a spirit broken, Is there balm of Gilead here ? Yes ! the Lord — the Lord hath spoken, Draw, ye sons of suffering, near Christ, the word — his cross the token- See the cross — and banish fear. HYMN III. God alone the fit Object of Praise and Prayer, For whom but Thee, to whom but Thee, Shall praise be pour'd, shall prayers ascend ? Creation — space — eternity — From Thee derived, on Thee depend. Prime Cause uncaused, All-sight, unseen ! Unknown, all-knowing — who but Thou Art, must be, wilt be, and hast been Infinite — unapproach'd — as now ? Thy wisdom is an endless day, That bathes a million worlds in light 5 Thy goodness an eternal ray, Unbounded in its bliss-led flight. To whom but Thee — for whom but Thee, Shall prayers ascend — shall praise be pour'd? Thy glory fills immensity — Being of Beings ! God ador'd ! HYMN IV. God our Guide. When the storms of sorrow gather, O how blest 'Tis to rest 'Neath thy wings, O Father ! Bark may be the clouds and dreary, Yet the night Melts to light When Thou guid'st the weary. Sacred Shepherd ! save and guide me : If I be Led by Thee, Harm can ne'er betide me. hymn v. Faith and Works. Faith untrain'd to works is nought ! Idle are the soundest creeds ; Christian faith is holy thought — Christian merit, righteous deeds. If the purest doubting bow, Struggling after heavenly bliss, Shall the wretch converted now Claim its joys as surely his ? As the growing tree takes root, Springing, blooming, bearing ; so Do the leaves, the flowers, the fruit In the soil of virtue grow. Truth is gentle in its sway, Calm and still its onward stream, And the spark which shines to-day Kindles a to-morrow's beam. 'Tis no torrent from a height, 'Tis no tempest's rugged shock, 'Tis no glow of lightning bright, Scorching field and blasting rock. Soft its steps, and mild its mien, As when twilight's urn above Pours on earth's awakening scene More and more of light and love. HYMN VI. The End of the good Man is Peace. Mark the virtuous man, and see Peace and joy his steps attend ; All his path is purity- Happy is his end. Come and see his dying bed; Calm his latest moments roll : Angels hover round his head; Heav'n receives his soul. b2 6 Come and view his mortal grave, Silence and repose are there ; Never more shall sorrow's wave Wreck the slumberer. Come and read his charter'd page, See what bliss his advent waits ; Glories of an endless age ; Open are heav'n's gates. HYMN VII. Unity of God, Thou art my God, and Thou alone, The sole, the undivided One ! And never shall my prostrate knee Bend to another Deity. For Thou art One — Thou wilt divide Thy glory, Lord ! with none beside ; And when I worship at Thy shrine, No name HI utter, God ! but Thine. Shine forth in all Thy majesty— Let the earth honour none but Thee ; To Thee alone let mortals bow, All inpomnfunieable Thou ! Causer of causes ! Light of light ! Ineffable and infinite ! What words can grasp Thy boundless name ? One — matchless — viewless — still the same. HYMN VIII. God's Will be done. Thy will be done ! In devious way The hurrying stream of life may run ; Yet still our grateful hearts shall say, Thy will be done ! Thy will be done ! If o'er us shine A gladdening and a prosperous sun, This prayer will make it more divine— Thy will be done ! Thy will be done — though shrouded o'er Our path with gloom ; one comfort — one Is ours — to breathe while we adore — Thy will be done ! Thy will be done — above — below — Here and hereafter. We have none Holier desires to proffer — No ! Thy will be done ! 8 HYMN IX. Gratitude and Praise to God, Rouse thee, O my spirit, rouse thee, Unto God thy offerings bring; Sing His name, for He allows thee His stupendous name to sing. Soar upon thy loftiest pinions To th' Almighty's high abode ; And in heav'n's sublime dominions Hold high converse with thy God. O how kind and condescending Is our gracious God — from high To his lowliest creatures bending ! Tow'rds this earth he turns his eye, Sees our inmost heart's recesses, Hears our praise — our prayers He grants; All our days He cheers and blesses, And provides for all our wants. HYMN X. Simeon's Thanksgiving, Let Thy servant now depart ; Every doubt and fear is still'd, For Thy peace hath warm'd his heart, And Thy promise is fulfill'd. Now his aged eyes have seen Thy salvation, gracious Lord ! Joy around, and peace within, And redemption through Thy word. He is come — -a light to shine Over all on earth who dwell 5 And, with glory all divine, To encircle Israel. HYMN XI. Psalm xv. In Thy bright tabernacle, God ! Who shall learn and teach Thy will ? And who shall make his blest abode, Almighty ! in Thy holy hill ? 'Tis he who treads in virtue's ways, 'Tis he who does what's just and right, *Tis he whom falsehood ne'er betrays — Truth his devotion and delight. He wills no harm, he does no wrong ; His neighbour's interest is his own; In honesty and honour strong : These are his guides, and these alone. 10 He with the godless never walks, For God is ever in his view ; His tongue of truth and virtue talks — His heart is truth and virtue too. Generous and kind, disposed to lend— Ready to give and to forgive ; The poor man's hope — the poor man's friend He lives, and he shall ever live. HYMN XII. Life, fleeting and vain. On ! on ! our moments hurry by Like shadows of a passing cloud, Till general darkness wraps the sky, And man sleeps senseless in his shroud. He sports, he trifles time away, Till time is his to waste no more : Heedless he hears the surges play ; And then is dash'd upon the shore. He has no thought of coming days, Though they alone deserve his thought : And so the heedless wanderer strays, And treasures nought and gathers nought. 11 Though wisdom speak— his ear is dull ; Though virtue smile — he sees her not 5 His cup of vanity is full ; And all besides forgone — forgot. HYMN XIII. " Awake y thou that steepest" Wake, slumberer, wake ! repent, repent ! Yet a few fleeting hours remain ; One day of mercy still is lent ; That day may never dawn again. O waste it not — His thine — His all — All that remains of earth, or heaven ; Hark — how its flitting spirits call — Seize — sanctify the moment given. Thou tread'st on tombs, thou breathest death, The stars go out — the forests fade — Destruction reigns above, beneath, In noontide's beam, in midnight's shade. Wake, slumberer ! wake — the day that breaks Twilight shall never dim — nor thou Find aught but woe in all that makes Thy miserable pleasures now. 12 HYMN XIV. Loss of Friends. In grief's deep solitude, we turn To Thee our God ! and thence prefer The prayers of those who, doomed to mourn, Seek comfort from the Comforter. Teach us to feel that all is right, Since all is guided from above ; A father's hand could never smite But with a father's gentle love. When Friends depart — and hopeless woe The soul of sorrow seems to burst ; Father ! to Thee, to Thee they go, To Thee, from whom they came at first. And if on earth their lives were peace, Though earth's abode so darksome be j How infinite their blessedness, Wafted to heav'n, to joy, to Thee ! 13 HYMN XV. Lessons of Time for Eternity. Man is not left untold, untaught, Untrained by Heav'n to heavenly things ; No ! ev'ry fleeting hour has brought Lessons of wisdom on its wings ; And ev'ry day bids solemn thought Soar above earth's imaginings. In life, in death, a voice is heard, Speaking in Heaven's own eloquence, That calls on purposes deferred, On wand'ring thought, on wildering sense, And bids reflection, long interr'd, Arouse from its indifference. The present, future, and the past, It offers to our thoughtless eye ; That present is too short to last — That past is gone for ever by ; That future comes — a stormy blast That sweeps us to eternity. 14 HYMN XVI. Worship. Spirit of devotion, come ! Make and consecrate a home In the hearts that now- Reverent and grateful meet At the Almighty's altar-feet, And adoring bow. Purify those hearts within — Shades of doubt and taints of sin Purify and chase ; Let them 'neath Thine influence be, O our Goil ! for truth and Thee Fit abiding-place. Thou — devotion's soul ! inspire, Hallowed thought and pure desire ! Of this mortal clod Build an altar — rear a dome — And a temple, and a home, For the living God ! 15 HYMN XVII. A Wise Man — builds upon a Rock. He builds his house upon the sand, Who builds, great God ! on aught but Thee ! He is a wanderer in the land, Who seeks for any guiding hand But Thine — our best security. ' He builds his house upon a rock, Who makes Thy word his hope and trust : And flood and flame and tempest shock In vain will rage, — they cannot rock The steadfast temple of the just. So would I build — and dwell serene 'Midst wrecks and storms — the mountain- base Is not more firm. Time's busy scene Shall glide along — till death's dark screen Be spread around our resting-place. And then a day — a brighter day Shall dawn above the snowy hills, That frown upon the grave. Away* Away, despair ! — Even now its ray The path of life with splendour fills. 16 HYMN XVIII. Life in Death, Dying is but a second birth, In which the darksome coil of earth Is shuffled off by mortal men— And the freed spirit lives again. The damp, uncomfortable tomb Is only nature's second womb, Where man in embryo sleeps, and waits The opening heav'n's eternal gates. To die in faith, is to begin A journey freed from care and sin ; 'Tis the first step to bliss — a bliss Unthought of in a world like this. To die in hope, is to receive The brightest prize that Heaven can give $ To enter on a scene of joy That time can damp not nor destroy. 17 HYMN XIX. Psalm lxi. Hear my cry, O God ! attend To my humble, earnest prayer ; From the earth's remotest end I will call, if Thou wilt hear. When my heart is 'whelm' d in grief, Thou shalt be my citadel ; There I'll hasten for relief — There I'll seek Thee, there I'll dwell. Let Thy temple be my home, Where, Thy shadowing wings beneath, Sad and sorrowing I will come, Seeking peace in life and death. Thou wilt hear me — Thou hast heard — Lord ! how sweet to rest with Thee, Trusting in thy gracious word, Safe in immortality ! 18 HYMN XX. Peter of Dresden's Bethlehem Hymn. Puer natus in Bethlehem, Bethlelwm, Unde gaudet Jerusalem, Hallelujah. A child is born in Bethlehem, And joy has filled Jerusalem. Hicjacet in preesepio, prcesepio, Qui regnat sine termino, Hallelujah. And he is in a manger lain, Who lives eternally to reign. Cognovit bos et asinus, asinus, Quod puer erat Dominus, Hallelujah. The ox and ass both recognize That child the sov'reign of the skies. Magi de Saba veniunt, veniunt, Aurum, thus, myrrham offerunt, Hallelujah. The Magi of far Saba bring Gold, myrrh, and incense, offering. Sine serpentis vulnere, vulnere, De nostro venit sanguine, Hallelujah. He's placed beyond the serpent's pow'rs ; His blood is ours — his blood is ours. In came nobis similis, similis, Peccato sed dissimilis, Hallelujah. A brother's blood doth flow within — Yet he is pure from fault and sin. 19 Ut redderet nos homines, homines, Deo et sibi similes, Hallelujah. He saved our mortal race, and made Us like him and his glorious Head, In hoc natali gaudio, gaudio, Benedicamus Domino, Hallelujah. O joyous news ! O joyful word ! Come praise the Lord, O praise the Lord I HYMN XXI. CJu-istmas Hymn of Peter of Dresden, In dulcijubilo — to the house of God we'll go — Singing him who slumbering lies — in prce- sepio. Brightly as the Sun he lights, Matris in gremio, Alpha es et O, Alpha es et O. O Jesu parvule — fondly do I turn to thee, And in thee I put my trust, O puer optime. Lead me on my pilgrimage, Q princeps glorias, Trahe me post te, trahe me post te. O patris caritas ! O nati lenitas, All were on the brink of death — per nostra crimma, But we were saved by thee — CcElorum gaudia — Thither lead the w conquering One ! HYMN XLVI. " Their works shall follow them," I heard a voice which sweetly said, " Happy, thrice happy are the dead Who from their earthly labours rest— They slumber well — for they are blest." But while in dust at peace they lie, The holy memory cannot die Of deeds of virtue and of praise Which cheer'd and crown' d their mortal days. Those deeds can never die, though they To the cold grave have pass'd away ; But speed to heav'n and welcoming wait The spirit at the eternal gate. And there around th' Almighty's seat In holy concord they shall meet ; A cloud of witnesses — to cheer The path which leads the spirit there. 45 Then happy, happy are the dead Who on their way to heaven have sped ; Whose holy deeds are gone before To wait them at th' eternal door. HYMN XLVII. The Resurrection. He is not here, he is not here — Could death the Son of Life imprison ? Now check the sigh and wipe the tear, For lo ! the Lord, the Lord is risen. The grave that claim'd him, is compell'd To lose the prey that death had given : The conqu'ror yields the prize he held, And lo ! the Lord ascends to heaven. Promise and pledge of life to all ! Ruler of death ! thy advent hailing Upon our God, and thine we call j The Great, the Wise, the All-availing. For He who raised thee from thy tomb Shall raise us — though in death we wither- Who call'd our Elder Brother home Shall call us in his mercy thither. 46 HXMN XLVIII. Hallelujah. Come to God's temple, come ! There let us make our home, There let us dwell : Yes ! from this sacred floor Anthems of praise outpour, And with full hearts adore Th* Invisible. Great is our gracious Lord, Greatly to be ador'd — Language must fail : Yet shall his praise be sung, Rev'rence shall tune our tongue, And every harp be strung — Glorious One ! Hail ! And when to Thee we turn, May our glad souls discern Mercy's bright rays Streaming around Thy throne, Holy One ! Holy One ! Thee we would praise alone Thee we would praise. 47 HYMN XLIX. Devotion. If ever on earth The visions of heaven, Of glory and beauty, To mortals are given, 5 Tis when in devotion The spirit upsoars, Its eye on that Godhead It meekly adores. Though faint is the ray That breaks from above, Its smile is the brightness Of peace and of love : The pledge and the promise Of glory to come, When joy shall be harbour'd Secure in its home. HYMN L. Hymn of Praise. Come, ye sons of promise, gather Round th' Almighty's gracious feet ; 'Tis your Saviour, 'tis your Father, Calls ye to the mercy-seat : Lift your voices, Pour your songs in praises meet. 48 Blest it is to bow before Him, Right it is His praise to sing ; What a privilege to adore Him ! What a sweet employ to bring Worship's offering To His temple, glorious King ! Let us join to magnify Him ; Him the greatest, wisest, best ! Let us gratefully draw nigh Him, In the temple of His rest : Lift your voices, « Praise Him first, and mightiest ! HYMN LI. God's Guidance implored. Creator and Preserver, God ! To Thee our songs of praise we bear ; Our health, our hope, our soul's abode ! Our Guide to heav'n, our Saviour here. Our path 'midst doubt and danger is — Be Thou its sun ! Whate'er betide, Or thorns of woe, or flow'rs of bliss ; We look to Thee, our Friend, our Guide, 49 Conduct us as Thou wilt — we know Thou canst not wander nor mislead 3 And in Thy presence while we go. Our way is bright and blest indeed. Not long our journey — soon on earth The traveller's pilgrimage is o'er ; Death hangs upon a mortal's birth- — And life's dull path-way tires no more. Creator and Preserver ! Thine Be it to smooth our onward way : Upon Thy children's footsteps shine, And lead them to heav'n's ceaseless day. HYMN Lfl. Avar's Petition* If we may breathe a prayer to Thee, Our Father and our Friend, Let neither wealth nor poverty Our earthly steps attend. 50 But Thou, who knowest all, dost know, What's wisest — kindest — best ; We at Thy feet our off'rings throw, Do Thou direct the rest. Thou canst not grant our idle prayers, When evil they intreat ; Though urg'd with sighs, implor'd with tears, Thy mercy is too great. Thou wilt deny us, Father ! nought That's good, or kind, or right, Though never ask'd in word, or thought ; Thy love is infinite. HYMN LIII. " Thy JVord is Truth." Thy word is truth — its sacred page Throws splendour o'er the noon of youth, Gives brightness to the eve of age ; Father ! Thy word is truth. 51 Thy word is truth — its influence The bitterest pang of woe can soothe, And the sweet rays of joy dispense : Father ! Thy word is truth. Thy word is truth — when folly's sway Rules all uncheck'd by fear or ruth ; That truth its raging flight can stay : Father ! Thy word is truth. Thy word is truth — and truth is great, And Thou art mighty. This shall soothe My spirit when 'tis desolate — Father ! Thy word is truth. HYMN LIV. Death a Blessing. O could our art, or our desire, Make mortal man immortal here, And kindle an eternal fire From life's vain sparks of hope and fear ; How soon the restless soul would tire, And envy death its sepulchre ! 52 No ! life is long enough for all That's worth a care, that's worth a thought ; Soon pleasure's best attractions pall — Soon weariness its work hath wrought ; The ripen' d fruits unheeded fall, And time's delusions leave us nought. And then 'twere very sweet indeed To seek a grave — for who could bear To feel his heart's core bleed, and bleed Unstaunch'd by hope — uncur'd by care — And find no resting-place in need To shield him from his own despair ? HYMN LV. Ye believe in God — believe also in me.' He in heaven who ever liveth, Thus hath spoken : " Not to you Give I, as the vain world giveth, Fleeting things and worthless too ; But my peace, serene, unfading, Round your earthly steps shall shine \ All your heav'nward way pervading With a stream of light divine. 5S " Be not troubled, sad, or cheerless ; Trust in me, and trust in God — He shall lead you calm and fearless, Through life's dark and varied road : He shall bring you to the mansion Where the spirit, blest and free, Revels in its own expansion — Trust in God, and trust in me." HYMN LVI. " The Poor have the Gospel preached unto them.' The gospel is preach'd to the poor ; They long were abandon' d and lone : They now are forgotten no more The light of the gospel's their own. No longer they wander distrest, In a gloomy, disconsolate road \ They are blest — for all nations are blest, With the life-giving glory of God. The gospel is preach'd to the poor, To them are its promises given — For Jesus has open'd the door Winch leads them to hope and to heaven : 54 He owns them — he claims them as his ; He never will leave them to woe ; They shall share in eternity's bliss, In eternity's prospects below. HYMN LVII. We walk by Faith and not by Sight." We walk by faith and not by sight ; And if we ever go astray, Do Thou, O Lord ! conduct us right, And lead us in our onward way. Onward from earth to heaven we go ; And, gently guided, Lord ! by Thee, The path which is begun below Conducts to immortality. And though it wear a transient gloom, Though darkness on our steps attend — E'en though it lead us through the tomb, Its course is bliss, and heaven its end. 55 HYMN LVIII. " VVer nur den lieben Gott lasst walten." (From the German Psalm-book.) Who leaves th' Almighty God to reign Supreme, and trusts alone in God, Him shall th' Almighty One maintain ; Though dark and dismal be his road, Yet he may rest in peace, for he Is shelter' d by the Deity. How vain are sighs ! how vain regret ! Complaint could ne'er subdue distress : E'en though with grief our couch be wet, We shall not therefore weep the less. No ! tears but add a gloom the more To that which was so dark before. Be still — be silent — wait a while ; There's comfort yet from God for thee : His light amidst the gloom shall smile, All- wise, all-good, all- seeing He : He made us, and from him there's nought Conceal' d of deed, or word, or thought. 56 When joy should dawn, He joy decrees ; But only sends that joy to bless : But oft His searching vision sees Joy in apparent wretchedness : He comes unlook'd for — and whene'er He comes, both peace and joy are there. Then deem not, in thy gloomiest hour, That God abandons thee to woe : Wilt thou mistrust His awful power, Or wilt thou doubt His goodness ? No ! Yet a few hours — and time shall prove His changeless, countless, matchless love. His rule is wondrous — at His will This mighty universe, with all Its beings, vibrates, or is still — And kingdoms rise and kingdoms fall : He lifts the lowly, sinks the high, In His uncounselFd majesty. O then be calm — and tread serene, With prayer and praise, life's varying road j 'Tis gay with flowers — its paths are green, And thou art guided by thy God : Be calm — for at the worst, thy rest Is near — and heaven will make thee blest. 57 HYMN LIX. " JVatchman! what of the night?" Watchman ! tell us of the night, What its signs of promise are : Traveller ! o'er yon mountains height See that glory-beaming star ! Watchman ! doth its beauteous ray- Aught of hope or joy foretell ? Traveller ! yes ! it brings the day, Promised day of Israel. Watchman ! tell us of the night 5 Higher yet that star ascends : Traveller ! blessedness and light Peace and truth its course portends. Watchman ! will its beams alone Gild the spot that gave them birth ? Traveller ! ages are its own, And it bursts o'er all the earth. Watchman ! tell us of the night, For the morning seems to dawn : Traveller ! darkness takes its flight, Doubt and terror are withdrawn. Watchman ! let thy wand'rings cease; Hie thee to thy quiet home : Traveller ! lo ! the Prince of Peace, Lo ! the Son of God is come i 58 HYMN LX. " Thou hast the toords of Eternal Life: 9 Whither, whither shall we go ? For the word of life is Thine 3 Nothing of our way we know If Thy light refuse to shine : We are wanderers, lost and lone, If Thy hand tefuse to guide ; Toiling on our path, we groan Up life's dreary mountain's side. But with Thee to lead us on, Light above and peace below, We no longer, lost and lone, Up life's dreary mountain go- Verdure decks the springing ground, Nature smiles in joy and love ; Beauty wakes 'midst music round, And all heav'n breathes out above. HYMN LXI. God unchangeable. We have heard, and joy'd in hearing, All Thy glorious deeds of old ; Future ages, record bearing, Shall Thy matchless grace unfold : God and Father ! Friend and Saviour ! Through all time Thy praise be told ! 59 Ere creation's dawning started Into life, Thy power was nigh : When creation is departed Thou wilt reign sublime on high : Life- supporter, death- controuler, Thou canst never, never die, 'Midst the changes, dark and shifting, Which our mortal lot may be ; Up to Thee our spirits lifting, We would cling to Thee — to Thee : Kind and gracious — great and glorious, Smile on us benignantly. HYMN LXIf. Temptation. O what a strange a fearful strife, When desolation's wintry breath Disturbs the calm of peace — of life — With the dark storms of doubt and death ! O what a struggle wakes within When, in the spirit's solitude, The tempting, treach'rous thoughts of sin In all their luring smiles intrude ! 60 Tis then, my Father ! then T feel My nature's weakness — and, oppress'd, Like a poor trembling child, I steal To Thee, for safety and for rest. Beneath Thy shadows let me live ! Be Thou my Friend — my Father be ! I bend in dust — I pray, Forgive The erring child that flies to Thee ! HYMN LXIII. The Cross of Christ. In the Cross of Christ I glory, Tow'ring o'er the wrecks of time, All the light of sacred story Gathers round its head sublime. When the woes of life o'ertake me, Hopes deceive and fears annoy, Never shall the Cross forsake me — Lo ! it glows with peace and joy. When the sun of bliss is beaming Light and love upon my way, From the Cross the radiance streaming Adds more lustre to the day. 61 Bane and blessing, pain and pleasure. By the Cross are sanctified ; Peace is there that knows no measure, Joys that through all time abide. In the Cross of Christ I glory, Tow'ring o'er the wrecks of time, All the light of sacred story Gathers round its head sublime. HYMN LXIV. David's Advice to Solomon, Thou, my Son ! be wise — depart From the dangerous path of folly ; Serve thy God with cheerful heart — With obedience prompt and holy. He, thy father's God, and thine, Watches where thy footstep goeth ; Every thought He can divine ; All thy secret soul He knoweth. If thou humbly seek Him, thou Wilt dwell with Him — absent never But if thou forsake Him now, He wilt cast thee off for ever ! 62 HYMN LXV, " God is One:* One! One! One! art Thou, Judge and King and God alone : Thee we worship— and allow None to share Thy glory— none ! Great, great, great, art Thou, Undivided greatness Thine : Other gods we disavow ; None but Thee we own divine. Wise, wise, wise, art Thou ; Wise beyond our highest thought : Nought, when at Thy throne we bow, Shall distract our praises — nought ! Good, good, good, art Thou ; Thine th' unfathomable sea Where each thought that fills us now Is o'erwhelm'd with thoughts of Thee. Great, wise, good, art Thou ! Thou our God that reign'st alone : Consecrate Thy servants' vow ; Incommunicable One ! 63 HYMN LXVJ. Outward and inward Virtue. 'Tis not the gift — but 'tis the spirit With which 'tis given, That on the gift confers a merit, As seen by Heaven, 'Tis not the prayer — however boldly It strikes the ear : It mounts in vain, it falls but coldly, If not sincere. 'Tis not the deeds the loudest lauded That brightest shine : There's many a virtue unapplauded, And yet divine. "Tis not the word which sounds the sweetest That's soonest heard : A sigh, when humbled thou retreatest, May be preferr'd. The outward show may be delusive, A cheating name : The inner spirit is conclusive Of worth or shame. 64 HYMN LXVII. " JVhy stand we in Jeopardy V* Why stand we here in jeopardy From hour to hour ? If life be all, Let's drink its sweets before they pall 5 To-morrow they will cease to be. Why stand we here in jeopardy From hour to hour ? Let's fill the cup E'en to the brim, with pleasure up ; To-morrow it will tasteless be. Why stand we here in jeopardy From hour to hour ? Let's eat and drink, And cease to mourn, and cease to think ; To-morrow we shall cease to be. Why stand we here in jeopardy ? Man is not wholly earthly — when He dies, if he should live again, How shall he meet eternity ? How shall he meet, eternity If time is trifled ? Time was given To lead him to the gates of heaven : Well may he stand in jeopardy ! 65 HYMN LXVIII. Psalm xxiv. The earth, and all the earth contains, Are Thine, O Lord ! Upon the seas Thou reard'st the world, and it remains Subservient to Thy high decrees. But who shall seek Thy temple, Lord ! Who dwell upon Thy holy hill ? He whose pure heart and honest word, And hands unstained, obey Thy will. Thy gen'rous blessing shall descend On him and his ; — and Thou wilt be His friend, who wert his father's friend, And all his sons Thy love shall see. Lift up your heads, ye heav'nly gates ! Eternal doors fly open too ; The King — the King of glory waits. Who is the King of glory ? Who ? The King of glory is the strong, The mighty Lord of hosts. He waits — To him the welcome shall belong. Lift up your heads, ye heav'nly gates ! The King — the King of glory's nigh. Who is the King of glory ? Who ? Lift, heavenly gates, your arches high, The King of glory passes through. 66 HYMN LXIX. God omnipresent. Where'er the foot of man hath trod, He feels the presence of a God : Around^ above, beneath, — where'er His thought can reach^ a God is there. In midnight darkess he can see The spirit of the Deity : In midnight solitude, his ear The noiseless voice of God can hear. Around His throne no lightnings play, No thunder marks His awful way : He walks in silence thro' the air, And He is here, and every where ! God is all eye, all ear : — the soul That animates this wondrous whole : The ray that lights our senses dim, Is a reflection caught from Him. God is our origin and end, From Him we came, to Him we tend 5 What an exalted strife to be Deserving such a destiny ! 67 HYMN LXX. Infinite Greatness of God. Could I mount on Seraph's wing To Thy throne of heavenly light : Could I, like archangels, bring Holiest offerings, pure and bright Could I songs of cherubs sing, Veil'd before Thy dazzling sight,— I might lift my eye to Thee, Thought- absor ding Deity. I am but a child of day — Shadow of mortality ! Born as 'twere but yesterday, And to-morrow doom'd to die $ Like a dream I pass away. Source of being ! how shall I Seek Thy high and holy throne, Great, unutterable One ? HYMN LXXI. Pure Worship. O thou, to whom all praise belongs, Thou all-controuling One ! Say, w T hat shall consecrate our songs, What waft them to Thy throne ? 68 The offerings to Thy throne which rise, Of mingled praise and prayer ; Are but a worthless sacrifice Unless the heart is there. Upon Thy all-discerning ear Let no vain words intrude : No tribute — but the vow sincere, — The tribute of the good. My offerings will indeed be blest, If sanctified by Thee ; If Thy pure spirit touch my breast With its own purity. O may that spirit warm my heart To piety and love ; And to life's lowly vale impart Some rays from heaven above. HYMN LXXII. Morning Hymn. Again the morning's beams proclaim The glories of Thy sacred name ; And heaven and earth and air and sea Reflect Thy might, Thy majesty ! 69 Thy everlasting love is spread O'er valley, plain, and mountain-head ; Breathes in the breeze, and lights the dew; 'Tis ever active — ever new. But man, Thy friend, Thy fav'rite, shares Thy kinder, Thy peculiar cares ; And what is man, that he should be A friend, — a fav'rite, Lord ! of Thee ? O be it my unwearied aim To merit this distinguished name ; All other praise — all other bliss Is weak, is vain, compar'd with this. HYMN LXXIII. "Pure Religion and undefiled" Pure and undefiTd religion, In our God and Father's sight, Is, to pour on helpless orphans Balm of healing and delight : 'Tis to visit cheerless widows In their darkness and distress : This is pure and true religion In its power of blessedness. 70 Pure and undefil'd religion, Is, amidst the tainted scene, To preserve a heart untainted, Viceless, spotless, and serene. ^Tis, amidst the world's defilements, To direct our path aright : This is pure and true religion In its glory and its might. HYMN LXXIV. Come, wandering Sheep. Come wand'ring sheep ! thy Shepherd's care Thee to the distant fold will bear : When thou in safety shalt abide In pastures green by streamlet's side. No more thy erring feet shall stray By the brown heath or rocky way ; Nor, hungry, faint — nor, thirsty, pant : No ! he shall chase thy ev'ry want. No more fatigue — no more distress, Shall overwhelm thy helplessness \ Nor raging storm — nor chilly rain, Disturb thy calm of peace again. 71 Come, wand'ring sheep ! no more alarms- Thy Shepherd calls thee to his arms ; Thy heav'nly fold is circled in, And thou art safe from pain and sin. HYMN LXXV. " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.' Blessed, blessed are the dead In the Lord who die : Rest the pillow of their head While they slumb'ring lie : All their earthly labours done, Still'd each mortal pain : Till the Lord, th' Almighty One, Calls them forth again. Blessed^ blessed are the dead In the Lord who die \ Radiant is the path they tread Upwards to the sky. All the deeds of virtue done, Deeds of peace and love, Now are stars of glory strown, Lighting them above. 72 HYMN LXXVI. Trust in God. Father ! whose benignant ear Ever to the prayers attending Of the humble worshiper, Whether from Thy house ascending Or from nature's solitude ; Every voice devoutly blending, We address Thee, wise and good ! At Thy holy altar bending. Thou our fathers' God and ours ! Teach us all to love and fear Thee ; Lead us through life's varied hours Fixed on heaven and ever near Thee. When our little task is done, May our children still revere Thee ; So Thy work shall hasten on Till assembled worlds shall hear Thee. HYMN LXXVII. Earthly Dignities. The pageants and the pomp of kings Are vain and transitory things, Dazzling in darkness. — They disperse When sober thought looks calmly through Delusion's mists of twilight dew, Which hang around the universe. 73 The accidents and vanities Upsetting those, enthroning these — Careless who stand, or rise, or fall ; Teach us how false, how little worth, The idle dignities of earth, Inconstant, unsubstantial all. Then let not my ambition seek Objects so trifling and so weak As those of earth; but, soaring higher, Claim higher crowns and greener wreaths, Beyond Time's influence or Death's — Enough for limitless desire ! HYMN LXXVIII. u Death ! where is thy Sting?" Where is thy sting, O Death ! Grave ! where thy victory ? The clod may sleep in dust beneath, The spirit will be free ! Both Man and Time have power O'er suffering, dying men ; But Death arrives, and in that hour The soul is freed again. 74 'Tis comforting to think, When sufferings tire us most, In the rough stream the bark will sink, And suff' ring's power is lost. Then, Death ! where is thy sting ? And where thy victory, Grave ? O'er your dark bourn the soul will spring To Him who loves to save. HYMN LXXIX. My Times arc in Thy Hand.* My times are in Thy hand, and Thou Wilt guide my footsteps at Thy will : Lord ! to Thy purposes I bow, Do Thou Thy purposes fulfil ! Life's mighty waters roll along ; Thy spirit guides them as they roll : And waves on waves impetuous throng At thy command, at thy controul. We, in the giant stream, are less Than dew-drops rising o'er the sea — A viewless blank of nothingness Amidst a vast infinity. /.> Yet in tlmt orbit while we move Where beams Thy radiance ; while we share In the sweet sunshine of Thy love, We feel that we are something here : And, thus encouraged, look to Thee, And with a humbled, prostrate will, Lord ! in Thy all- sufficiency Would find a claim to love Thee still. HYMN LXXX. Internal Peace. Treasures of this worldly scene ! Not to you my hopes are turn'd : Other lessons I have learn'd — I at last have look'd within, And have found sweet thoughts to bless In my bosom's deep recess. I have built a temple fair In my solitary breast, There my wandering vows shall rest, Seeking consolation there ; Spirit of all-ages ! come, Make my heart Thy quiet home ! 76 There is comfort, there is peace, There shall hope and memory dwell ; 'Stablish Thou the citadel, In its beauty, strength, and bliss ; And be there, to light and cheer, Saviour, Lord, and Comforter ! HYMN LXXXI. Luther's Angel-Song. Sing ! sing ! ye ransom'd mortals, sing! We come from heaven — from heaven, and bring Glad tidings of great joy to earth ; We come from heaven, commission'd there Glad tidings of great joy to bear, Announcing your Redeemer's birth. Yes ! your Redeemer is at hand ; Echo the tidings through the land; Your Saviour comes — he comes — the reign Of peace and glory is begun : He comes, the Son of peace, the Son Of God, his advent shout again. n Shout ! shout ! thou earth ! — thou heaven repeat The notes of joy in transports meet, For earth and heaven are one — are one ; The Lord of glory bows him down, And he who wears the heavenly crown Descends to rule on earth alone. HYMN LXXXII. God ever present. Yes ! Thou art with me, and with Thee I cannot be alone. For joy shall bear me company, And peace shall be my own. The solitude Thou hoverest nigh Is peopled all with bliss : The sandy waste, when Thou art by, A verdant landscape is. There is no night where Thou art seen : No light can day afford Without Thy rays to gild the scene — Without Thy presence, Lord ! h 2 78 Be with me ever ! Ever bless, And ever guide— and be, In life's decay and death's distress, On earth, in heaven, with me. HYMN LXXXIII. God our Comforter, I'll trust my future fate to Thee, All-good, all-wise, almighty One ! If thou controul my destiny, And I repose on Thee alone, I shall be blest — Thou, God ! my guardian and my rest. The bright, the dark, the twilight hour, Awak'd by Thee, alike are Thine : In each Thy wisdom, love, and power, In mingling, gathering beauty shine : Shall I rebel 'Gainst Thee, who orderest all things well ? No ! rather shall my soul repose On Thee, its pillow, and its trust : The Sun that with the gospel rose Wakes immortality from dust ; And o'er my head Shall its eternal lustre shed. 79 HYMN LXXXIV. Religious Comfort, A thousand, thousand changing things Man's mortal pilgrimage befal 5 But virtue, but religion, brings Sweet hopes and steadfast joys, for all. The restlessness that cannot sleep, Secures a peaceful pillow there ; The woes that waste, the thoughts that weep, May find a shelter from despair. Dishearten'd hope and wearying care And dark distress its smiles controul, And, like an angel, minister To the bright sunshine of the soul. And fears subside, and doubts depart, And sorrow flits on speedy wing, And gentle joy subdues the heart, And wakes to peace eachslumb'ring string. Then, calmed to silence, every thought Brings comfort from vicissitude ; And the submissive soul is brought To own that all is right and good. 80 HYMN LXXXV. " Heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ" Are we not from God descended, Guided, guarded, blest by Him ? May we not, by peace attended, Through this earthly twilight dim, Hasten to a morning shining O'er the desert of the tomb, Where, in sweet repose reclining, We may sleep, and then speed home ? Heirs of heaven ! on earth possessing Hopes sublimer, higher far Than the proudest joy and blessing Which man's worldly portion are ; In the light of virtue speeding To our great inheritance — God our onward footsteps leading Is our glory and defence. HYMN LXXXVI. " / will not leave you comfortless" u I will not leave you comfortless :" So the benignant Saviour said ; No ! still he loves to cheer and bless, And, round his faithful followers' head, Streams of eternal light to shed. 81 To him in sorrow's hour I'll go, And those sweet words of peace recall, To heal my wounds, to soothe my woe : Like honied balsam they will fall, And chase all earthly misery — all. " I will not leave you comfortless :" With thoughts like these the soul may rest, And smile, unsadden'd by distress, And still the agitated breast, And feel that pain itself is blest. HYMN LXXXVII. " Father ; glorify Thy Name." " Father ! glorify Thy name/' Whatsoe'er our portion be j Wheresoever led by Thee, If to glory — if to shame — u Father ! glorify Thy name." Let Thy name be glorified ! If in doubt and darkness lost, Hope deceived, and purpose crost, Nought amiss can e'er betide — Let thy name be glorified ! 82 " Father ! glorify Thy name;" Vain and blind our wishes are : This can be no idle prayer, This can be no worthless claim, " Father ! glorify Thy name." HYMN LXXXVIII. God with lis. Am I lonely ? No ! with God Solitude can ne'er be mine : Every where my foot hath trod Feels His influence divine : And where'er I yet may stray, He shall guide and light my way Am I cheerless ? No ! with Him Peace and pleasure lead me on : Nought is dark, or drear, or dim, Where His sunny rays are thrown; And His presence kindles bright Beams of beauty, love, and light. Am I helpless ? No ! His hand Wields the sceptre of all time ; Worlds and systems shake or stand, Waiting on His nod sublime : Yet there's none too mean to share All His kindness, all His care. 83 HYMN LXXXIX. Vicissitude a Blessing. There's good in all the various changes That man's mortality befal ; And wheresoever the spirit ranges, Death, great reformer ! levels all : The pomp that lifts its horn so proudly, The wealth that sits with scorn on high, The eloquence that talks so loudly, Death's storm sweeps off, and passes by. There's good in all — and death, that seemeth Greatest of mysteries, beams with good : Unwisely of his God he deemeth, Who, in the mix'd vicissitude Of earthly joys and earthly sorrows, No all-directing influence sees ; For heaven-excited wisdom borrows Comfort from all life's mysteries. HYMN XC. Parental Providence. As gentle children fondly press Around their mother's knee, So, in my spirit's helplessness, I fly, my God ! to Thee : 84 And, as a mother's cares protect Her offspring from alarm, Do Thou preserve, do Thou direct, Thy children, Lord ! from harm. 'Tis sweet beneath Thy love to be In safe and silent rest, As sleeps an infant on the knee Of her who loves it best : Thy love is wiser, kinder far Than any earthly tie ; Thou knowest all we want, and are, And, knowing, wilt supply. hymn xci. " Jesus wept.' He wept, as he approach'd the place Where the departed Lazarus slept ; The clouds of sorrow veil'd his face, And, in his anguish, "Jesus wept/' Yes ! sainted are affection's tears, And purified from sin or shame ; Each drop that's shed by virtue bears The sanction of the Saviour's name. 85 Yet if ye weep, as wept your Lord Over his friend — now weep no more; But hear his all-consoling word, And dry the tears he dried before : f \ I go before you to prepare A mansion of felicity ; And where my faithful servants are, There shall their Lord and Master be. " There shall eternal years renew The scenes of peace which death destroys, And God in me, and I in you, Dwell 'midst unutterable joys." HYMN XCII. Evening Hymn. Ye gently-falling dews ! whose mist Now wraps the twilight world around, Ere darkness is the sovereign, list ! And join devotion's vesper sound. Thou staid and stately queen ! whose way Round earth, and through the azure heaven, Serenely thou dost take — my lay Of worship publish to the even. 86 Sweet stars of evening ! as ye shine Serenely from yon temple high, O join your songs of praise with mine, To celebrate the Deity ! Come night ! with all your glories, join My hymn of adoration — pour Your streams of praise, and brighten mine, And let us rev'rently adore. HYMN XCIII. Praise* With th' angelic armies, we Bow the head and bend the knee ; Ever pinging praise to Thee, Singing praise to Thee alone. Round thy throne when we appear, Hear our mingled voices, hear, Everlasting One ! Thou art far beyond the reach Of all thought, or song, or speech ; Yet 'tis thus we learn and teach How to love Thee more and more. 'Tis a privilege high and great To approach Thy holy seat, Humbly to adore. 87 Thus adoring, we would try (Feebly and unworthily) From Thy glory-fount on high Some faint rays of light to steal. God and Father ! grant the ray To illume our earthly way, And Thv laws reveal. HYMN XCIV. God is my Song, God is my song, His praises I'll repeat \ His name is great and all His works are great : To Him all power and praise belong. At His command A thousand worlds appear'd : Forth gush'd the sea — the hills their head uprear'd — Light gush'd upon the sky, the land. His robes are light, His path is all unknown ; Mercy and beauty sit around His throne; His crown is truth — His sceptre, might : 88 An endless tide Of glory, greatness, love, Pouring their waters forth below, above : Eternally He shall abide. The present, past, And future, — all unveil'd Are to His searching eye : there's nought conceaPd ; And all that He decrees stands fast. HYMN XCV. God the chief Good. Lord ! to live, to die to Thee, Ever, ever to be Thine ; Now and for eternity ; Father ! Friend ! to call Thee mine, And when death shall overtake me, Calmly to repose me there Till Thy awful voice awake me, — Hear the wish and grant the prayer ! If that prayer may soar to Thee, Not for wealth, nor power, nor pride, Lord ! shall my petition be : I would turn my thoughts aside From the dreams so vain and idle, Which too long have driven me on $ Every wish and passion bridle, Fixing them on Thee alone. HYMN XCVI. The Grave no Terror to the Virtuous. There is no terror in the grave For him who, in its gloominess, Perceives Thy hand, outstretched to save, Thy welcoming smile that waits to bless ; For him who knows and feels that he Is born for immortality ; And, keeping steadfast in his view, That bright, sublime, and awful goal, Moves all life's course serenely through, With humble heart and grateful soul \ And gathers from vicissitude Virtue and strength and joy and good. The grave to him is but the door Where angels wait and say, " All Hail ! Welcome where grief afflicts no more : Come! thou hast pass'd life's tearful vale; Now enter on eternity, For we are sent to welcome thee." 1 2 90 HYMN XCVII. The Resurrection. He lives ! he lives ! Let joy again Take up its rest with ransom'd men : The grave is void — the victory his ; And his the glory—- ours the bliss. His tomb is bright with love and peace, And gladness springs from face to face 5 For he has freed us from the yoke, And all death's heaviest fetters broke. And doubts and darkness now are fled : Ye mourners ! mourn not for the dead ; The dead have triumph'd. Come and see The trophies of their victory. That glorious victory all who bear The privileg'd name of man may share. 'Tis ours ! 'tis ours ! Come, join to sing The anthem of our conquering King. 91 HYMN XCVIII. Traveller's Hymn, I wander through a foreign land, And still Thy love is mine ; And, guided by Thy gracious hand, I feel that 1 am Thine. My soul rejoices, Lord ! to know I dwell beneath Thy care ; And wheresoe'er I chance to go, The all-present Friend is there. So let me ever, ever dwell, As knowing Thou art nigh, And see Thee, though invisible, Where'er I turn my eye. For this is wisdom — all the rest Is scarcely worth a thought : He with Thy presence, Lord ! is blest, Who seeks Thee as he ought. And he who seeks Thee thus shall find, Where'er his lot may be ; Thou art throughout all space enshrin'd, And all eternity. 92 HYMN XCIX. Sleep of the Grave. Yes ! soon away shall death's deep slum- bers roll. And Thou wilt wake, my soul ! And He who fashioned Thee Shall build thee mansions for eternity. The seed may perish in the wintry earth ; It springs to nobler birth : The harvest hour shall come, And the Great Harvest-Lord will reap the tomb. We shall but slumber long enough to rest Our passion- wearied breast ; And Who our pillow makes Shall fill our eyes with light when morning breaks. Then shall the idle, transitory things Of earth's imaginings Fade into mist away, And the soul revel in an endless day. 93 HYMN C. 11 It is Finished." "Tis finish'd," the Redeemer said, And then he bow'd his sacred head, And then he died. The sun conceal'd His face in darkness — not to see That hour of crime and misery — And earth with shame and terror reel'd. The mountains shook — the firmament Was in that awful moment rent — The graves gave up th' imprison'd dead Yet 'midst those terrors was begun Salvation's work, and victory won : "'Tis finish'd," the Redeemer said. " 'Tis finish'd." In that trying hour, Death, sin, and sorrow's mortal power Was broken and subdued. Our way Is clear to heav'n, and bright : the gloom > The dread, the darkness of the tomb, Like passing shadows, haste away. 94 HYMN CI. Sleep of the Righteous Dead. They rest in silence and in peace Beneath the verdant sod ; They slumber in their blessedness, And they are watch'd by God. Life's busy, ceaseless tumults crowd The world with griefs and cares ; Yet though the storm be wild and loud, No care, no grief, is theirs. Theirs is a solitude too deep For earthly thoughts to break ; Theirs too profound, too dark a sleep, For mortal power to wake. Alike to them are joy and gloom, The midnight and the day ; The darkness that involves the tomb, Man may not chase away. Then let them rest beneath the sod, In peace and silence rest ; They are protected by our God, And He shall make them blest. 95 HYMN CII. God always nigh. Our God is nigh; He watches all we think or do : Rolls o'er all time His penetrating eye, And tracks the round our steps pursue. By night, by day, Waking or sleeping — o'er the sea, lp to the heaven — where'er thou take thy way, Down to the grave — He follows thee. Thou canst not hide From Him thy weakness or thy strength ; His guardian angel tarries at thy side, And guides thee to thy home at length. The joys, the cares Which crowd our earthly being here, He portions in His wisdom, and forbears When heavier than our strength can bear. All we possess Is His — and all we hope for, His ; Pilgrims of earth, His holy name we bless, And look to heaven for peace and bliss. C6 HYMN CHI. Adoration of the One True God. Ancient of Ages ! humbly bent before Thee, Songs of glad homage, Lord ! to Thee we bring : Touch' d by Thy spirit, oh! teach us to adore Thee, Sole God and Father ! Everlasting King ! Let Thy light attend us, Let Thy grace befriend us, Eternal, Unrivall'd, All-directing King! Send forth Thy mandate, gather in the na- I tions, Through the wide universe Thy name be known : Millions of voices shall join in adorations, Join to adore Thee, Undivided One ! Every soul invited, Every voice united, United to praise Thee, Undivided One ! 97 HYMN CIV. Funeral Hymn. Clay of our departed brother ! Mingle with thy former dust : Calmly we commit another Treasure to the dark grave's trust, And to Him who keeps the just. Slumber in thy dormitory ; Thou hast reached thy earthly goal ; And may scenes of joy and glory Round thy eye in brightness roll ! Heaven receive the pilgrim's soul ! Soon our steps shall overtake thee, Soon the grave our bed shall be ; When heaven's trumpet shall awake thee O may we awake with thee — Heirs of heaven's felicity ! HYMN CV. Funeral Hymn. We stand upon the grave, but thou Hast past its awful portal now : We daily die. Heaven gives to thee A life of immortality. K 98 Sleep on in peace ; for now in vain Would woe disturb thy peace again ; And thou art landed on the shore Where sorrow's billows break no more. We follow thee. Thy course was fleet, And fleet is ours — thy rest is sweet, As ours shall be. Make haste, prepare A pillow for thy followers there. While wandering here, our heart shall keep Thy memory in its mansions deep ; And when that mansion shall decay, ' Twill mingle with thy holy clay. And he who wept his friend, as we Weep ours, shall our Redeemer be, And wake us in that morn which brings Eternity upon its wings. HYMN CVI. Rest of the Grave. Their labours are ended, their duty is o'er, The sorrows of life shall .disturb them no more ! No longer the damps of the midnight shall scathe Nor the pestilent noontide bring sorrow and death. 99 Through the darkness and discord of life they have past, And have reach'd the calm port of their voyage at last, Where the billows are silent, the tempest is still'd, And the haven around with serenity fill'd. How r ever distress may have trained them below, However o'erwhelm'd with the breakers of woe, They sleep in the stillness of peace — and at length Shall awake in the glory of virtue and strength. To mourn w r ere ungrateful, with hopes such as this ; To mourn were unwise, with such promise of bliss : No ! rather we'll joy in their joy — and pre- pare On their pillows to rest, in their glory to share. 100 HYMN CVII. Morning Hymn. My earliest thought be turned to Him Who, while in slumber's arms I lay, Through helpless hours and darkness dim, Has brought me safely to the day. I slept in safety, for His eye Watch'd round my bed ; and now I'll bring My offering to the Deity ; And He shall bless the offering. And as the morning sun displays His growing strength and light, may He With life- invigorating rays My Sun, my Glory-giver be. That sun his splendid journey takes Through the high heaven, diffusing joy ; And then his radiant couch he makes, Calm- sinking in the western sky. So let me rise, so soar, so sink, In peace and beauty. Day when gone Shall leave a tranquil eve to think That He is shining — shining on. 101 HYMN CVIII. Sabbath Evening, Close the sabbath- day in joy, Close the sabbath-day in praise ; O how lovely the employ, Anthems in God's name to raise ! Whose sweet-echo'd notes shall chime O'er the distant march of time. Hallowed shall the record be Of devotion's early thought, Like a smile of memory From the hour of spring-time brought; Fragrance breath' d and beauty shed, As from flowers of Eden's bed. HYMN CIX. God our only Refuge. When my days have told their number, Told their tales of joy and pain, And from death's concluding slumber I shall be arous'd again, Standing at the eternal bourn — Whither, whither shall 1 turn ? k2 102 When the day of wrath and terror Dawns upon the affrighted world, Every sin and crime and error In a blaze of light unfurl'd, Written on the eternal sky — Whither, whither shall I fly ? Whither but to Thee, whose mercy, All the clouds is breaking through : Great, beyond all controversy, Is thy love and pardon too. Father ! whither shall we flee — Whither, whither but to Thee ? HYMN CX. Prayer for the best Gifts. Lord ! I would humbly seek thy throne, And supplicate for that alone Which Thy kind mercy will supply ; For Thou art strong, and weak am I. I would not ask for worldly power, Which oft Thy liberal hand doth shower Upon the vilest. Pride and gold Held by the worthless I behold. 103 I would not ask for lengthened life, Which oft is but continued strife And hopeless sorrow. Better far Meekness and peace and wisdom are. Then give me wisdom, meekness, peace j All other vain desires shall cease. Peace, meekness, wisdom — these alone Will make both earth and heaven my own. HYMN CXI. Jesus the Day-star. Long had the darkness of ages surrounded Earth and its sons, when the day-star on high Broke from the mists, and with glory un- bounded, Held its high course through the gratu- lant sky. Angels of peace and of virtue attended, Blessing and blest, as it moved on its way ; And in its glory that day-star ascended, Lighting and cheering the world with its ray. 104 CVer us it shines, and shall shine on for ever, Fixed like a sun in the centre of all ; Never shall darkness o'ershadow us — never Sorrow and sadness our hearts shall appal. Clouds may roll by — but they cannot con- ceal it ; Tempests may frown — they shall break into light 3 Ages shall fly — but while flying shall hail it. Shining and smiling in glory and might. HYMN CXII. Solitude. w He was there alone/' when even Had round earth its mantle thrown, Holding intercourse with heaven : " He Was there alone." There his inmost heart's emotion Made he to his Father known ; In the spirit of devotion Musing there alone. So let us from earth retiring, Seek our God and Father's throne And, to other scenes aspiring, Train our hearts, alone. 105 Thus when time its course hath ended, And the joys of earth are flown, We, by hope and bliss attended, Shall not be alone. HYMN CXIII. Supply our Wants from Thy Fulness. Lord ! to Thee I dedicate All that I possess ; Let Thy righteousness forgive My unworthiness ; Let Thy all- sufficiency All my weaknesses supply. If, when life is pass'd away, I should live again, I will sing a loftier lay, Tune a nobler strain ; And since Thou hast promis'd, Lord ! I will rest upon Thy word. What I have, do Thou accept ; What I want, provide ; From Thy fulness, in Thy love, Let me be supplied \ Let o'erflowing mercy grant What Thy wisdom knows I want. w\ HYMN CXIV. Life's Pilgrimage. Lead us with Thy gentle sway, As a willing child is led ; Speed us on our forward way, As a pilgrim, Lord ! is sped ; Who, with prayers and helps divine. Seeks a consecrated shrine. We are pilgrims, and our goal Is that distant land whose bourn Is the haven of the soul, Where the mourners cease to mourn ; Where the Saviour's hand will dry Every tear from every eye. Lead us thither. Thou dost know All the way ; but, wanderers, we Often miss our path below, And stretch out our hands to Thee : Guide us, save us, and prepare Our appointed mansion there. 107 HYMN CXV. Hallelujah . Sing Hallelujah ! Hallelujah sing ; Welcome the Lord of hosts, the sovereign King, The King of glory. Hallelujah ! pour Anthems and hymns of praise to Him, the blest, The glorious, who is seated evermore In the high heavens — the first, the mighti- est. Sing Hallelujahs ! Let His praise go forth And fill the East, the West, the South, the North ; Where'er His goodness is, His praise shall be- Throughout all space, all time, below, above; O'er all the busy earth, the rolling sea : His praise be infinite as is His love. Sing Hallelujahs ! sing ! 'Tis right, 'tis meet To bend in adoration at His feet : Sing Hallelujahs ! Let our voices blend With nature's everlasting voices. Sing, In an eternal chorus, Him, our Friend, Our God, our Saviour, and our sovereign Kins:. 108 HYMN CXVI. A pure Conscience. Let sinners tremble, as they must, When feeling Thou art pure and just ; Yet if my heart a witness be That I have sought to follow Thee, In Thy unbounded love I'll trust. There is a calm and silent peace Shrin'd in the bosom's deep recess, Which a pure conscience gives, that throws Its soften'd light o'er joys and woes, And blends them all in blessedness. That inner peace will still remain In spite of outward grief and pain, And purify and turn to good The dross of life's vicissitude, Till nought but bliss and heav'n remain. HYMN CXVII. Discipline of Sorrow. To each, to all, by love divine, Some portion of distress is given ; 'Tis salutary discipline That fits an earthly soul for heaven. 109 We have our sunny hours, not few, Whose radiance lights, whose beauties bless ; And shall we not experience too The visitations of distress ? Yes ! He who life's libation pours, Will wisely mingle joys and woes ; The Father, whom my heart adores, Supplies my wants, my weakness knows. Then come the twilight or the morn, The darkness or the day, I'll bend Grateful, by this sweet thought upborne — God is our kindest, wisest Friend. HYMN CXVIII. Immortality, Round us, o'er us, is there aught Which can fill our highest thought ; Aught which may deserve to be With our noblest aims inwrought ? Yes ! 'tis Immortality ! Is there, when the waters roll Of affliction o'er our soul ; Is there aught whose energy Can that rolling tide controul ? Yes ! 'tis Immortality. 110 Whither may the soul repair When the blast of worldly care Snaps the flower and blights the tree ? Where is comfort? — Tell me where, But in Immortality ! Immortality shall cheer All my path, however drear ; And its holy light shall be Sunshine, blessed sunshine, here : Welcome, Immortality ! HYMN CXIX. Acceptable Worship. The hymn of praise, the breath of prayer, To Thy high mercy- seat I'll bear ; The song, the vow, shall sweetly blend, And to Thy holy presence soar ; And reverent shall my soul adore Thee, Guardian, Saviour, Father, Friend ! From every spot of space or time, In every tongue and every clime, The orisons which calmly seek Thy presence, to Thy throne will reach ; The trembling hope, the imperfect speech, Be welcome, as when angels speak. Ill The faintest breath of infant tongues Is sweet to Thee as seraph songs ; The music of the highest sphere Is less divine, less grateful far, Than hymns of humble mortals are When breaking on Thy hallowed ear. HYMN CXX. Mortality, Who that looks on man erect, Full of vigour, ^Wsdom, strength, Standing high in self-respect, Dares to think that he at length Drops into the grave, to be Trampled on by poverty ? Who that thinks from whence he came- Heaven his birth-place and his home, Son and heir of God his name — E'er could fancy that the tomb Would enwrap in darksome fate, One so glorious and so great ? 112 So it is, yet thoughts there are To encourage, to console ; For our country lies afar, Far beyond the world's controul : Here we are but children, taught Higher hope and holier thought ! hymn cxxi. Christian Triumphs. Though laurel crowns and victor wreaths Be for the sons of triumph twin'd; Though song her sweetest music breathes For the destroyers of our kind ; O let them weep, for time shall sweep Their perishable pomp away ; O let them mourn, for death shall turn, The proudest conqueror into clay. But there's a deathless coronet, Wrought for the holy and the wise ; And there is music sweeter yet, Which never faints and never dies : The good may see earth's glory flee ; Heaven's ever-living glory theirs; Their path is peace and pleasantness, And they are joy's immortal heirs. 113 HYMN CXXII. There remaineth a Rest to the People of God. There remaineth a glorious rest For Thy people, Lord ! Thither they hasten to be blest, Trusting in Thy word. Crowded in this valley of tears, They to heaven aspire ; Joy shall there subdue their fears, Equal their desire. Long and dull in these scenes below Though their journey be, Full of ardour and hope they go Forward, Lord ! to Thee. Open the gates of heaven to them, 'Tis Thy promise, Lord ! Grant the appointed diadem Proffer'd^in Thy word. l2 114 HYMN CXXni. Every Thing derived from God. If I aught possess, 'tis Thine ; All I have, to Thee I owe ; Dare I call my being mine ? Life, or breath, or comfort ? No ! Lord ! I dedicate to Thee All that Thou hast given to me. Wilt Thou be my Father yet, Kind as Thou hast ever been ? And canst Thou Thy child forget, Wandering through this twilight scene ? Never ! O how sweet to rest On Thee, kindest, wisest, best ! Should my heart a moment fail, Should my steps a moment stray, Travelling through this tearful vale, — Guide me to my wonted way, To the way that leads me on To Thy glory, to Thy throne. 115 HYMN CXXIV. God, the Source of all Good. Tis God the Creator whose mercy hath given The beauty of earth and the glory of heaven, The freshness of ocean, the fragrance of air, And all that is wonderful, grateful, and fair. He sits on the mountains, flower-sprinkles the meads, And onward rejoicing the rivulets leads; He bridles the winds, He rules o'er the tides, And the stars in their courses unerringly guides. He wakens the morning, o'ershadows the eve, And the sunbeams from Him all their bright- ness receive ; The snows of the winter are His, and the buds Which the spring-time calls forth in the gar- dens and woods. And His are the measures of life and of death; We live in His life and we breathe in His breath ; We dwell in His keeping : so let us prepare, While His will we obey, in His glory to share. 116 HYMN CXXV. Away I Away ! The clouds and mists of darkness lower Round our appointed dying day ; But every day and every hour Shouts loudly, Now, away ! away ! Upon a dangerous brink we stand, Where'er our wand'ring steps may stray, And angels from the farther land Beckon unceasing, Come, away ! And pleasure's smiles and misery's groans, And all life's varying movements say, In not to be mistaken tones, Now, gird your loins, and come — away ! And tripping youth and tottering age, And wisdom's thought and folly's play, Call, as they flit across the stage, On to the goal — Away ! away ! 117 HYMN CXXVI. Future wisely concealed, O how wise that God hath hidden All the future from our view ! O how well that 'tis forbidden Coming darkness to look through ! If time's page of hurrying fleetness Were unveil' d to readers here, Joy itself would lose its sweetness, Sorrow would become despair. Now if storms the ocean cover, Hope declares a calm is near ; And when discord's tones are over, Softened music meets the ear. If the shadows of affliction Round us gather as we go, Soon some heavenly benediction Wakens peace from slumbering woe. HYMN CXXVII. Adversity salutary. Both joy and sorrow come from Thee, Who in our life's variety, Dost good with seeming evil blend : Thou wakest peace from suffering, And sadness and affliction bring Sweet hope and blessing in the end. 118 The cloud may sometimes hide Thy hand, And o'er the course which Thou hast plann'd Thick mists and midnight darkness rest ; Yet Thou dost take Thine onward way, Dispensing light and wakening day, And blessing all as Thou art blest. Adversity refines the soul, Opens the watercourse where roll The waves of after joy. It sweeps The earth's defilements as it flows, And smoothes the grave for sweet repose, Where the world- wearied pilgrim sleeps. HYMN CXXVIII. Comfort in God's Goodness. He who in nature's desolate distress Hath felt his helplessness, And, looking out for comfort all around, No single ray has found, Till he hath turn'd to heaven his earnest prayer, And sought, nor sought in vain, for comfort there } — 119 He only knows how blessed a relief Heaven keeps for human grief ; He only feels how woe is sanctified When most severely tried ; And gathers from its sternest discipline Hopes beyond earth, and joys almost divine. In all the sorrows that o'erwhelm us here God's kindness and His care Are ever beaming brightly. Good for man The end of every plan And every purpose. Woe, in scenes like this, Moves through vicissitude to perfect bliss. HYMN CXXIX. Aspirations. O my soul ! a few short moments Let us from the world retire ; Let us leave these scenes of darkness And to brighter scenes aspire : Earthly joys are insufficient For the scope of Thy desire. 120 Lo ! the stars that shine so sweetly, Lo ! the fair cerulean sky, Lo ! the clouds that roll sublimely, Call Thy holier thoughts on high : Thou art born to rise above them; Heavenly is Thy destiny. Look upon those towering mountains, Look upon yon boundless sea, Look upon that mighty river,— They are images of thee : Yet all these shall sink in darkness, Thou shalt rise immortally. HYMN CXXX. Our Father in Heaven. As children round a 'father's knee With reverence and affection cling,— So, heavenly Father ! we to Thee Our hearts, our souls, our lives, would bring ; And, pleased and grateful, would fulfil, As willing children, all Thy will. 121 The kindest parent and the best Will often err, by love beguil'd ; Thou, wisest, holiest, mightiest, Canst never towards an earthly child Be partial, or ill-judging. Nought But wisdom guides Thy will, Thy thought. As children of Thy mercy, we, And heirs of Thine abundant grace, Lift up our suppliant eyes to Thee, Our hope, our home, our resting-place; And yield us to thy gentle sway, Desirous only to obey. HYMN cxxxi. Feiix trembled. When the great Apostle spoke To Judea's tyrant lord, Felix trembled as he woke Conscience, with his awful word. When he told of fraud and wrong, Sin and shame and judgment near, Felix trembled as his tongue Laid the cherished vices bare. 122 When he reasoned thus—" Canst thou Judgment shun, who shunn'st not crime ?" Felix trembling cried, " Not now ; Wait a more convenient time !" Did that season ever come ? No ! his heart was sear'd and steel'd 3 No ! death sped the sinner home, Unrepenting — unanneal'd. There is no convenient time In the future. Now — to-day, You may wake, may conquer crime 3 But, alas ! to-morrow — nay ! HYMN CXXXII. " Whether living or dying> we are Thine. 19 To Thee alone we live, To Thee alone we die ; Do Thou, O Lord ! Thy spirit give, Both life and death to sanctify. The busy march of time, And death's unbroken sleep, Vouch for Thy purposes sublime, And all Thy holy mandates keep- 123 Thine eye is never clos'd : The present, future, past, But act the parts Thou hast propos'd, All leading on to bliss at last. The world in love began, Thro' love its mazes tend, And change but leads immortal man To an unchanging, joyful end. Lord ! let us live to Thee, And dying let us hear The welcome of eternity, And heavVs sweet anthems echoing near. HYMN CXXXIII. Morning Hymn, Earth throws down her funeral robe, Songs and music fill the globe \ I, refreshed by sleep, arise, Welcom'd to morn's melodies. Who is He whose hand hath led Day from its reposing-bed ? Who is He that bids the night Fly the calm approach of light ? 124 'Tis that gracious hand that first Bid the germ of being burst ; Pour'd the waters of the sea, Rear' d yon azure canopy: And, to crown His mighty plan, Breathed His spirit into man ; Made him Lord of sea and land, Placed the sceptre in his hand. In whatever is bright or fair, Grand or wondrous, He is there, Visible to mortal eye, And unveil' d His Deity. In the glorious course of day, In the moonlight's feebler ray, In the awakening smiles of spring, In the sweets the zephyrs fling : In the summer wreaths of flowers, In the music of the bowers, In the mountains, in the woods, In the vales and in the floods : In the autumnal glories bright, In the wondrous northern light, In the scatter'd snow, whose robe Covers more than half the globe : 125 And in all that's dark or drear, Lowering, frowning, He is there : In the evening's fading light, In the terrors of the night : In affliction's hour of gloom, In the dungeon of the tomb, In the storm's magnificence, In the raging pestilence : In the earthquake's shock of wonder, In the terror- spreading thunder, In the mist and in the wind — Every where His voice we find : Present, all- controlling still, Bringing good from seeming ill, And through life's vicissitude, Tuning all to peace, to good. Sweet it is to feel, to own, Tis the hand of God alone Marks our path, from youth to age, Guides us through our pilgrimage. Often those whom most He loves, Most He chastens and reproves-* Folly leaves to frowardnes ; Visits virtue with distress. m2 126 Every where His power is known, Every where He reigns alone ; And when He our God is near, Virtue can have nought to fear. HYMN CXXXIV. The Lord's Prayer. i O thou high and holy One ! Who in heaven hast fix'd Thy throne, Whom we God and Father call — Father ! dearest name of all ; Reverenced be that name sublime Through the extent of space and time \ Let its glory all rehearse Through the unbounded universe. May Thy kingdom come, and bless All men with its righteousness ; Thy blest kingdom from above Raised on peace and joy and love. E'en as heaven, let earth fulfil, Holy One! Thy holy will; Till the sons of earth shall be Fit in heaven to worship Thee. 127 Day by day, O God ! provide From Thy bounty, flowing wide, Our supplies of daily food, Our supplier of earthly good. Teach us ever to beware ; Keep us from temptation's snare ; Let us never tread the way Where our feet would slip or stray. hymn cxxxv. Happy Hours. Happy hour in which I rise From the mists of selfish cares, From this vale of vanities, From this scene of woes and tears, Seeking a sublimer goal, For a heaven-aspiring soul. Happy hour in which I hold Sweet communion with my God ; When the book of life, unroll' d, Shews the upward, onward road, Which conducts to heav'n, where rest, Peace, and joy, await the blest. 128 Happy hour in which I taste Some sweet promise of the day. Which the present and the past Light with hope's serenest ray ; Throwing o'er a future bliss, All the brightest beams of this. HYMN CXXXVI. Humility. Lord ! from its deepest, most retired re- cesses, Thee my check'd spirit tremblingly ad- dresses ; And all its weakness, all its fears confessing, Implores Thy blessing ! My life is full of error. Hadst Thou set Thee To mark my faults, as I, Lord ! to forget Thee,— Hadst Thou been swift to punish, I had found me With terrors round me. 129 But Thou art merciful, though pure, and writest No strict account against me, but delightest, Not in my bane, but bliss. I am sur- rounded By love unbounded. If I should wander, call me back t'obey Thee ; Lead me, and sanctify, and save, I pray Thee; Pour out Thy light, Thy love, Thy bounty o'er me — To peace restore me. Thy peace, which makes my heav'n — Thy love unclouded, Which shall shine out at length, however shrouded, O let them bless me, and desert me never, Now and for ever ! HYxMN CXXXVII. Acceptable Worship. Not with trees of Lebanon Would we raise Altars — Thou all-blessed One— To Thy praise. No ! our altars, Lord! shall be Bosoms of sincerity. 130 Not with blood of goats or kine, Would we pour Offerings to Thy name divine 5 But adore, In the meekness and the peace Of our spirits' loneliness. Not with incense steaming high, Would we mount To Thy temple, in the sky, — Glory's fount ! But in hymns as gently breath'd, As the dews by twilight wreath'd. HYMN CXXXVIII. Advent of Christ. SINGLE VOICE. Lo ! he comes, the Lord of glory, Peace and triumph in his train ; Lo ! he comes, by angels guarded, Over all the earth to reign : Death and darkness Would arrest his course in vain. 131 Chorus. Lo ! he comes, the Lord of glory, Sin and sorrow scattering far ; Lo ! he comes, and at his presence Woe retires and wasting war. Bow before him ; Bow before yon orient star ! Lo ! he comes the Lord of glory, Shouts of joy his path attend ; Lo ! he comes. Let tribes and nations, Grateful and rejoicing, bend. He has triumph'd, Saviour — Conqueror — Master — Friend. HYMN CXXXIX. God over all. Life and motion, breath, and being, All by God are given ; He, all- guiding and all- seeing, He, the Lord of heaven, Fashions at His will our lot, Changing not and erring not. 132 Sometimes through a vale of sadness, Dim and dark and fearful ; Sometimes o'er the plains of gladness, Flowery, fresh, and cheerful: Yet He ever is the same, Love His attribute, His name. All our various paths are tending To one dormitory ; Death in common ruins blending Poverty and glory : O'er the grave the hills arise Of the eternal paradise. HYMN CXL. God our Guide. Before Thy throne, almighty Lord ! A thousand angels stand ; They fly delighted at Thy word, Or wait on Thy command. While we, poor children of the dust, wScarce dare look up to Thee ; And tremble, e'en as weakness must, Before Infinity. 133 Yet Thou art near us, and Thy care Will bless us as we go ; And Thy kind thoughts are every where,- E'en in this vale below. This lowly vale, whose darkness spreads Its curtains o'er the gloom, Is yet a blessed path which leads To fields of endless bloom. And thither Thy paternal hand Thy children, Lord ! shall guide : It is our home, our fatherland, Where peace and joy abide. HYMN cxli. Acceptable Worship. The secret — nay, the silent prayer, Which the meek spirit wafts above, Will meet with sweet acceptance there, And bloom around the throne of love ; As buds which spring-time sunshine bids Burst through their wintry coverlids. 134 The eloquence that charms the ear, The songs of art which fascinate, Can give no upward- wings to prayer, Nor speed it through the Eternal's gate,, To Him, the music of the bee Is sweeter than man's vanity. He is not deaf to human praise, When human praises are sincere ; He turns not to the lowliest lays Of humble souls a careless ear : O no ! Devotion's sainted tone Is met with welcome at His throne. HYMN CXLII. Devotion. Devotion's hour is swiftly past, Yet memory keeps its joys enshrin'd : And its blest influence long will last, Like summer-sunshine on the mind. If seeds are sown — though they appear Deep buried — they will sprout anew, And bring a blessed harvest there : By sun-beams warmed, and fed with dew. 135 It works unseen, it spreads unknown, But works and spreads with growing strength; And towering in its course alone, 'Twill rear its head to heaven at length. Nor clouds, nor storms, nor damps, nor blight, Its ever-gathering strength impede j It rises, like a pile of light, Or everlasting pyramid. HYMN CXLIII. Private Devotion. There are no hours so sweet as those When the tir'd spirit finds repose In the calm peace of virtuous thought, And makes the heart a throne, where God And goodness make their blest abode ; While sin and folly are forgot. O only then, if ever, then Doth God delight to dwell with men, And men become almost divine 5 When heaven's own purity can chase Defilement from its dwelling-place, And consecrates man's bosom-shrine. 136 O teach and train my spirit, Lord ! With Thy own wisdom and Thy word, To welcome and to watch for Thee ; And in its hour of virtue come And make my heart a heaven, a home For Thy own peace and purity. HYMN CXLIV. " Ye cannot serve God and Mammon" Not a broken, brief obedience Doth the Lord of heaven demand ; He requires your whole allegiance, Words and deeds and heart and hand : God will hold divided sway With no deity of clay. Wealth and pomp and power are idols Worship' d by their devotees : But religion's influence bridles All esteem for things like these : They are trappings meant to hide The deformities of pride. He who onward moves, pursuing Patiently his heaven- ward road, 'Midst the rocks, and 'midst the ruin Which perplex the path to God- Not by hope or fear betray'd, Nor allured by vain parade : 137 He, who 'midst the world's delusions, Keeps his heart serene and free, Shelter' d safe from the intrusions Of unhallowed vanity ; — He, heaven's crown of bliss shall wear, He, earth's brightest portion share. HYMN CXLV. Urgency of Repentance. Come, come to the temple of God. In His presence appear, For earth is departing — death threatens — eternity's near : He speaks, as in accents of thunder. Ye thoughtless ones, hear ! To-day, while to-day is your portion, O steel not your soul, But turn, as a child to its father, from evil's controul, Fly, fly as from pestilence. Hark ! for the tempest-clouds roll. Wake, wake from your dreams, or the storm will burst over your head : In vain ye seek shelter — in vain, in your darkness and dread, Ye turn to invoke the Great Power to whose call ye were dead. n2 138 Again and again He implored, He invited—* and now, Even now, He appeals. His long-suffering, His mercy, can bow To the depths of your folly, and turn you from sin and from woe. If ye spurn Him, ye spurn the Great Being who holds in His hand Both time and eternity. He who created and plann'd This universe, which shall depart at His sovereign command. For life, and the issues of life, depend on His will; All that is — all that was — all that shall be, His purpose fulfil. Obey Him — adore Him — let passion and tumult be still. HYMN CXLVI. " Thy will be done" LorI) ! to Thy holy will I bow me, In infantine simplicity ; O lead me, Father ! nor allow me To wander e'en a step from Thee ; For all Thy will, when understood, Is infinitely wise and good. 139 And if sometimes affliction cloud it, And darkness gather round Thy way, The mists which veil, the glooms which shroud it, Will brighten into light and day, And manifest Thy love the more, As stars earth's midnight shining o'er. Tempests and vapours, clouds and twilight, Thy present purposes fulfil, Till heaven's serene, undying daylight Bursts on the world — it waits Thy will : Till then we wait. Do Thou controul, While we obey, and ages roll. HYMN CXLVII. " That they also may be one in us/ From house to house the apostles went, With arms of truth and words of power, By their great Master trained and sent, His own beatitude to shower Around them — wheresoe'er they trod — The spirit and the might of God. 140 Distress, disease, and discontent, And ignorance, and fear, and vice, Fled from their path, and virtue lent Its influence to the sacrifice Of all the world deems good, to claim A heritage of woe and shame. We follow in their steps ; the light Which filled their hearts and led their way, Now beams on us, as fair and bright As once on them ; and we, as they, May onward guide and onward go — Torches to cheer this vale below. Then to our labour — for the night Is coming, and the evening wanes, And death will blast, and time will blight Our noblest hopes, our wisest plans. Life is a web — a shade — a breath — And there's long solitude in death. HYMN CXLVIII. Aspirations after Truth. The blank, exhausting pleasure leaves, Nought but the power of truth can fill, When disappointed virtue grieves O'er hopeless purpose, helpless will : No light to guide its steps is given, But in a ray direct from heaven. 141 Th' enjoyment of the senses pall, The charms of wealth grow dull and dim ; 'Tis vanity and folly all — Man finds they were not made for him: They were not made to satisfy A spirit that would soar so high ;— So high, that neither space nor time Can bound its view nor stop its flight ; So high, that in its course sublime It seeks the fountain-head of light ; And cannot rest but near the seat Of all that's glorious, wise, and great. HYMN CXLIX. Isaiah lxvi. The heaven's my throne, saith the Lord our God, Although my feet the earth have prest; But where have I built my own abode, And where is the place of my rest ? The world is the work of my own right hand ; The things that were, the things that are, And the things that shall be, I command, While I sit in my strength afar. 142 I look from the height of my glory-shrine, And laugh at human pomp and pride : While I bid the smile of blessing shine On the lowliest valley's side. My spirit shall dwell in the poor man's home, His peace, his hope, his joy shall be, And a dawn of bliss from days to come Be bright with eternity. HYMN CL. Trust in God. Fear not, faint not, though thou stray In thy doubts and thy distress ; God can make a flowery way Even through the wilderness. Faint not, fear not, e'en if woe Devastate thy path around ; God can make the streamlet flow Even o'er the barren ground. If He lead thee, if He guide, Cease thy doubt, thy sorrows cease : For thy course is sanctified, And its end is joy and peace. 143 HYMN CLI. Past, Present, and Future. By what a charrrr is life attended, Led from activity to rest, The past, the future, sweetly blended, To make the present blest ! The memories of the time departed, The hopes that light the days to come, Life — busy, brief, and eager-hearted, And death — a quiet home. Yet, in its earthly course, the spirit Through all creation's orbit flies, And its expansive powers inherit Two vast eternities, — The eternity unroll' d before us, The volumes of recorded time ; The light of ages beaming o'er us, Instructive and sublime : And that eternity whose portal Is opened by the book of truth, Where man and virtue are immortal, And wear immortal youth. BY THE SAME AUTHOR. Matins and Vespers, with Hymns and Devotional Pieces. Second Edition. Altered and Enlarged. Royal 18mo. 6s. Demy 4s. 6rf.— G. B. Whittaker, Ave-Maria Lane. Specimens of the Russian Poets, with Biographical and Critical Notices. 2 Vols. 12mo. Second Edition. 15s.— G. B. Whittaker. Details of the Imprisonment, Arrest and Liberation of an Englishman by the Bourbon Government of France. 4s.— R. Hunter, St. Paul's Churchyard. Observations on the Restrictive and Prohibitory Commercial System, from the MSS. of Jeremy Ben- tham, Esq. 2s. — R. Hunter. Batavian Anthology, or Specimens of the Dutch Poets ; with a History of the Poetical Literature of Holland. By John Bowring, F. L. S., Hon. Mem. of the Royal Institute of the Netherlands, &c. &c, and H. S. Van Dyk. 8s.— Taylor and Hessey, Fleet Street. Peter Schlemihl, a German Story ; with Plates, by George Cruikshank. 6s. 6d. — G. B. Whittaker. Contestation a las Observaciones de D. Juan Ber- nardo O'Gavan, sobro la Esclavitud de los Negros. Por Juan Bowring. Madrid, 1821. 2*. — R. Hunter. Ancient Poetry and Romances of Spain, with a Pre- liminary Dissertation. 8vo. 10*. 6d. — Taylor and Hessey. Mr. Bowring is about to publish a History of the Literature of Poland, with Translations of the most celebrated Productions of the Polish Poets. Printed by G, Smallfield, Hackney. I