FROM THE LIBRARY OF 
 
 REV. LOUIS FITZGERALD BENSON, D. D. 
 
 BEQUEATHED BY HIM TO 
 THE LIBRARY OF 
 
 PRINCETON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY 
 
 1Ki 
 
■ 
 
 ■ 
 
A COLLECTION OF 
 
 PRAYERS 
 
 FOR HOUSEHOLD USE, 
 
 WITH SOME 
 
 HYMNS AND OTHEE POEMS. 
 
 BY WILLIAM WINSTANLEY HULL, M.A., 
 
 BARRISTER AT LAW, 
 FORMERLY FELLOW OF BRASENOSE COLLEGE, OXFORD. 
 
 SECOND EDITION. 
 
 LONDON : 
 
 SEELEYS, FLEET-STREET, AND HANOVER-STREET, 
 HANOVER-SQUARE. 
 
 MDCOCLn. 
 
u / /Ay 
 
 JtfWW* * 
 
 ALEX. MACINTOSH.. 
 
 PRINTER, 
 GREAT NEW-STREET, LONDON'. 
 
ADVERTISEMENT 
 
 TO THE SECOND EDITION. 
 
 At the close of 1827, I sent to the press a 12mo. of 
 l7o pages under the same title as this volume. Some 
 sketches of St. Paul are there printed, and others were 
 intended to have been added long ago, but have not yet 
 been all completed. In January, 1832, I published a 
 small 32mo. under the title of Poems on Various Sub- 
 jects, connected with the profession and practice of the 
 Christian Faith. These two volumes contained eighty- 
 nine original hymns and poems, which are here reprinted 
 with alterations and additions. In December, 1832, I 
 published a collection from various books of 209 hymns. 
 All my hymns first printed in that collection were 
 eighty -three in number, and are contained in this volume 
 as poems or hymns. The three publications were all 
 without my name, and are now out of print. This 
 Edition contains many hymns and poems not in any of 
 the three earlier publications. 
 
 It is assumed that for six mornings in the week the 
 Book of Common Prayer will be used: and the hope 
 must here be repeated that when the Prayer-book is 
 revised, as soon it should be, Family Prayers will there 
 be found for mornings and evenings. The reader is 
 
4 ADVERTISEMENT. 
 
 requested to observe that the first prayer for Sunday- 
 morning is divided into separate sentences by the letters 
 m and n, and to consider how far it might be practicable 
 to carry out a complete set of Family Prayers on that 
 principle, the master of the family taking the sentences 
 marked m, and the rest of them joining to read the 
 sentences marked n. 
 
 If any of the readers of this small volume should find 
 in it one hymn that pleases them, I must take the liberty 
 of begging all such readers to do what in them lies to 
 secure in due time the publication of such a ASe-lection 
 of hymns as might be recommended for the general use 
 of the United Church of England and Ireland. 
 
 Several of the hymns in this volume are written for 
 particular tunes, and in more lines than are usual in 
 these tunes in order to avoid repetition, e.g., the 10th, 
 and all like it, for "Adeste Fideles;" the 12th, and all 
 like it, for Kelly's " From Egypt lately come ; " the 1 oth, 
 and all like it, for Kelly's " Hark, the solemn trumpet 
 sounding;" the 23d, and all like it, for the "Advent 
 Hymn;" the 30th, and all like it, for Kelly's "Yes, 
 we trust the day is breaking." A kind friend has 
 composed and given me the music for the " Te Deum." 
 
 WILLIAM WINSTANLEY HULL. 
 
 Tickwood, near Wenlock, 
 Saturday, September 27, 1851 
 
PREFACE 
 
 TO THE FIEST EDITION OF THE 
 
 PEAYEE3 AND HYMNS 
 
 IN ITDCCCNXYIIL 
 
 The publication of this little volume can hardly require 
 an apology. There is not anything new in substance on 
 any of these pages, but there is something new in the 
 fashion and form of them, which may render them useful, 
 where a better book might have been rejected. The 
 following remarks are submitted to each reader, as hints 
 to be followed up for himself. 
 
 In the present state of the world, it does not appear to 
 be what is commonly called belief that is so much wanted 
 as Christian love, and a continual sense of the obligations 
 consequent upon that love. There is a belief which 
 exists almost without hope, and without an adequate 
 sense of the value of immortal souls, a belief that has 
 little to do with Christianity. We are told that devils 
 believe and tremble ; but it is our privilege to believe, 
 and with our faith to cherish hope and love ; to which 
 end, Christ crucified is evidently set before us. The 
 doctrine, as distinct from the fact, of the Atonement has 
 been well shown to be full of mercy. The Saviour might 
 have died for us, and we not have known it ; and then 
 we could not have felt the force of His love for perishing- 
 sinners, the winning kindness of His call upon them. 
 Love is the fulfilling of the law ; love to God and man 
 the secret strength of Christianity. The greatest sinners 
 
 B 
 
may repent and bring forth fruits meet for repentance, 
 and be 
 
 with that free Spirit bless' d 
 
 Which to the contrite can dispense 
 The princely heart of innocence. 
 
 If God be for us, who can be against us ? He that 
 spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us, 
 how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things ? 
 It is Christ that died, yea rather that is risen again, who 
 is ever at the right hand of God, who also maketh inter- 
 cession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of 
 Christ ? We are His if we do His will ; and by that 
 only, not by any outward profession of any formal creed, 
 can we know ourselves to be His. Our souls must own 
 Him as their element of life, even as our bodies own the 
 food we eat. When evils befal us not, and plagues come 
 not nigh our dwelling, or when the shadows of the valley 
 of death lie damp on our souls, and our God appear as 
 though He would slay us, we must always love Him 
 and bless His love, though 
 
 behind a frowning Providence. 
 
 If these prayers be deemed wanting in attempts to 
 express this love, let each individual provide for himself 
 the language calculated for the utterance of his own 
 feelings. Our Common Prayer supplies an admirable 
 proof how the strongest words may be used without 
 departing from respect and sobriety of thought. 
 
 There is a strong evidence of the corrupted state of 
 our hearts in the multitude of meanings imposed upon 
 one word, and the vagueness of all language. Words will 
 not exactly and truly set forth one full and one only 
 meaning in matters of religion without the greatest care. 
 And after all this care, they must be taken in a certain 
 sense, and for that purpose, they who speak, and they 
 who are spoken to, must be of a particular character. 
 
Ill 
 
 The want of allowance for this defect of language has 
 led to much idle dissension, and to disputes more re- 
 sembling that about the black and white shield, than any 
 reasonable argument. It must be kept in mind always, 
 that our conduct is the only evidence of our faith to 
 mortal eyes, which cannot read our hearts ; and that any 
 discussions about a faith which cannot be traced in our 
 conduct, are unprofitable. 
 
 The general difficulties which harass a Christian's 
 mind to any grievous extent occur to him at the be- 
 ginning of his Christian life. As he advances in his 
 career, they haunt him less and less ; and instead of being 
 sorely perplexed in mind, he feels embarrassed in the 
 conduct of himself through the passing day. His heart 
 acknowledges the truth of his reasoning, yet his life does 
 not correspond with such acknowledgment. He finds a 
 law within him warring against his better purposes, 
 whereby he sometimes does that, which he cannot but 
 disapprove. If then the Gospel statement be so true, 
 why should we not give credit to the Gospel remedy, so 
 far as to try to the last its healing powers ? 
 
 It is very worthy of remark, that few of those who 
 have been brought up in practical Christianity have found 
 it difficult to understand : and to this remark, if true, 
 parents and guardians should give especial attention. 
 When the natural reluctance of the heart has been made 
 more obstinate and wilful by long indulgence, when evil 
 passions have " grown with our growth and strengthened 
 with our strength," when the Christian life has to begin 
 long after the natural life, when men will understand 
 Christianity before they adopt it, and adopt it because 
 they understand it, when they will receive as matter of 
 right to the helpless, that, which is offered as matter of 
 grace to the sinner, indeed then, are their difficulties 
 about the Gospel great and manifold, for they do not see 
 b 2 
 
IV 
 
 it, as it really is, in Jesus. And the experience of all 
 ages accredits oar belief, that these difficulties are more 
 severely felt, the more powerful and acute is the natural 
 understanding of him who is oppressed by them. These 
 are the very difficulties of that scheme of salvation, 
 whereof its Author declared that it should be foolishness 
 to those most gifted with earthly wisdom. 
 
 When we are striving in vain to understand any text 
 at any time, let us try the effect of a stricter inquiry into 
 our conduct at that time. Ithuriel's spear may startle 
 Satan from his post, and strip him of his borrowed shape, 
 though it were that of an angel of light. 
 
 Any such consideration of any truth as may tend to 
 our advancement in holiness, must be the work of the 
 Holy Spirit : for as Christ died for all, all must have been 
 dead. Whatever life is in us, is in us by faith in Him, 
 and in His Spirit each Christian lives, and moves, and 
 has his being. If any principle of heavenly life remained 
 in us, such as could have opened, and ripened, and 
 brought forth wholesome and abundant fruit, without the 
 light and heat of the Holy Spirit, without the blessing of 
 God on its increase, why have we received so many and 
 such earnest and solemn warnings against " the old man " 
 and " the wisdom of the flesh," and against " living unto 
 ourselves," and " obeying the devices and desires of our 
 own hearts ? " In all, therefore, that we do, day by day, 
 we serve the Lord or serve Satan, we live to heaven or to 
 hell, we obey our Saviour or rebel against Him, and 
 pervert the talents, winch are His, to a gain, of which an 
 account is not taken in His favour. 
 
 It is not requisite here to say more about this great 
 division of the Christian world into two classes. It will 
 be allowed by those who read their Bibles, that a man 
 cannot wittingly serve God and Mammon at the same 
 time. If the interests of two masters were compatible, 
 
the service would in effect be the same to each, and not 
 rendered to two. Now we may die at any hour, and we are 
 not authorized by the Scriptures to conclude that our 
 previous service of heaven will be accepted, if at the 
 hour of death we be found in the service of Satan. 
 " When a righteous man turneth away from his righte- 
 ousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in them, for 
 his iniquity that he hath done shall he die." Again, 
 " When the wicked man turneth away from his wicked- 
 ness that he hath committed, and doeth that which is 
 lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. Because 
 he considereth, and turneth away from all his transgres- 
 sions that he hath committed, he shall surely live, he 
 shall not die." 
 
 Yet many persuade themselves a third class exists : and 
 although the distinction in the Gospel is so plain and 
 decided, attempts have been made to prove an ambiguous 
 state possible. Some have considered themselves bound 
 by an earthborn allegiance, which is not altogether on 
 principles of this world, in their sense of the phrase, 
 because there are current in the world worse principles, 
 according to their erroneous standard of right and wrong, 
 than those which seem to influence themselves : and we 
 may allow their untenable notion of admeasurement to 
 pass current for the present and try for ourselves, by 
 their own test, the component parts of their allegiance. 
 From the imperfect reception of Christianity in the 
 world at large, too much success has attended their 
 attempts to support, upon what is called honour, and 
 upon an assumption of self-love, in a shape, which, 
 if possible, it never yet assumed, such parts of their 
 scheme as were too plainly at variance with the Word of 
 God. Indeed, a little support seems enough in these 
 cases, if it appear outwardly proportionate to the stress 
 it should bear. If the inquirer but see anything like 
 b 3 
 
VI 
 
 a beam, he does not often enough go on to examine 
 whether its strength may not have been eat away. And 
 the nature of human laws, and reasonings just enough 
 when applied to the civil government of a people, have 
 been forced, by a mistaken analogy, to justify the wrong 
 actions of individuals, in the eyes of those, who were 
 predetermined to hold them justifiable. Too many 
 practically adopt, whilst they vaguely dispute, this 
 tempting plan for a seeming reconciliation between their 
 duty to their Maker, and the indulgence of their own 
 wills. A hollow convention subsists, until a fitting 
 season occur to them for hearing more of the matter. 
 
 Nor is it the passions alone that set up this idol for 
 our worship. Our understandings, however seemingly 
 dispassionate, are subject to a corresponding idolatry ; but 
 the abomination of it is less apparent, and rarer, and less 
 offensive outwardly. Some writers in almost every age 
 have tried to defend a palsy of the mind, which they have 
 termed a suspension of their assent; and have thrown 
 over the wild dreams of disease a character borrowed 
 from the careful considerations of a sound investigator; 
 intending thereby to designate a state between belief and 
 unbelief. But, "whether he will hear, or whether he 
 will forbear," if the Gospel be true, every man who does 
 not try to shape his life by its pages, when known to him, 
 is liable to judgment. Every sceptic, in fact, deceives his 
 own soul; for he, who is not a believer, must be an 
 unbeliever: an intermediate state of doubt, a twilight 
 of faith, is inadmissible among those whom the Day- 
 spring from on high might have brightly visited. And 
 it is also useless ; for Atheism itself cannot exempt a 
 sound reasoner from the fear of death and a world to 
 come ; it can only deprive him of the hope his Maker 
 would have cheered him with while on earth. 
 
 If the word natural be taken in its usual acceptation, 
 
Vll 
 
 as meaning what we possess by nature, in the same 
 manner as we possess our sight or hearing, it is not 
 easy to understand what is meant by natural religion. 
 If it be natural, it cannot be religion; for then, our 
 reason were our God, and ourselves as high as our 
 Maker ; then, there would not, in terms, be any necessity 
 for a second revelation, such as were the Gospel. If it 
 be religion, it cannot be natural? because the avowed 
 purpose of religion is to make for man a new nature, and 
 overrule the corruptions of his old and natural birth. 
 The proper use of the epithet natural, as justly applicable 
 to religion in a restricted sense, has been too often 
 adduced in support of its improper use. 
 
 The Christian religion is not a science, consisting in 
 speculative knowledge, but a duty, founded upon the love 
 of God for man. A Christian may, or may not, have 
 studied in his Bible those things " which are hard to be 
 understood," according to his means and station ; but he 
 cannot, habitually, break any the lightest rule of conduct 
 deducible thence. He must live unto Christ : and it does 
 not appear that any course of life, however specious in 
 itself, and beneficial to those within its reach, can find 
 the warrant of Holy Writ, except it proceed from faith 
 in Jesus Christ, and be adopted through Him to the glory 
 of God. 
 
 A man can hardly have the power of godliness, and 
 outwardly neglect its decent forms. A ruler might 
 perhaps stand excused for not obeying his own rules, 
 but his subjects must observe them all. Ordinances are 
 necessary for a memorial of our faith among ourselves, 
 and its furtherance among those that may be without the 
 pale. And if so, then is an order of men necessary to 
 keep up the observance of those ordinances, which would 
 else die away ; and also a maintenance for such order 
 of men in every land : and that, a maintenance provided 
 
Vlll 
 
 without their own direct labour : else we could not have 
 that useful learning which was formerly supplied by 
 inspiration, and should have in its stead, trafficking and 
 perhaps ungodly gain. Without insisting on other 
 assignable reasons, experience has proved it advisable, 
 that the faith to be delivered by such an order to the 
 brethren at large, should be comprehended in a sound 
 form of words. And so we have a Christian Church in 
 each particular land, a sound part of the universal Church 
 of Christ. Without a Church, and due subordination 
 among its officers, either all religion would perish by too 
 great generality, or men's imaginations would run utterly 
 wild, like a vineyard undressed: and the Lord of that 
 vineyard would not find the fruit He looked for. It is 
 true that the stick on which it climbs is no part of the 
 vine ; but without it, the vine could not produce its full 
 fruit in due season. 
 
 The adoption of a set Liturgy for the public service of 
 a Church, seems to follow from the same reasons, that 
 warrant its establishment. And it is unseemly to bring 
 ourselves into the presence of Almighty God, not 
 knowing what we are to say, and not justifiable in 
 following the train of our own thoughts. When the 
 prayers are known, the attention is not divided, and 
 devotion of heart is not frustrated in so great a degree, 
 as by new and comparatively questionable forms of 
 prayer. It may however be admitted, that the same 
 words too often repeated, are too likely to lose part of 
 their just effect, from the hardness of our hearts. In the 
 public service of churches this seems an unavoidable 
 evil : and so it is that a passing-bell speaks not of death 
 to many an inhabitant of a populous parish. In house- 
 hold devotions, it is not a conclusive objection against 
 the introduction of other prayers, that the Church, or 
 any other known form of, prayers are better in general. 
 
It is not an easy thing to adopt honestly the practice 
 of regular prayer ; for such a practice is inconsistent with 
 the continuance in any known sin. Our lives should be 
 /in substance and effect, what our prayers are in words 
 and profession; but if we look at our own lives, and 
 consider well all our motives, how often are we con- 
 strained to confess a determination to continue in some 
 one known sin ! We may be healed of the leprosy, yet 
 ambition may bow us down in the house of Rimmon. 
 The covetous defend economy, the vain disclaim every 
 weakness but their own, and are led by it into all folly. 
 The actions of men should flow from one sole motive, and 
 yet how very seldom can we assign to any particular 
 determination the special reason which made us so 
 determine. The way that a man's face is set, is the way 
 on which he is desirous to walk. It is above all things 
 necessary that we do not trifle with prayer. If we tempt 
 ourselves, if we set up our idols in our hearts, and put be- 
 fore our own faces the stumbling-block of our iniquity, the 
 Lord will answer us according to our idols, and take us 
 in our own hearts, and cut us off from the midst of His 
 people. 
 
 It is revealed to us, that all men must believe some time 
 or other, with hope or without it, glad or trembling. 
 The obstacles to repentance and belief become greater as 
 we grow older, and the excellence and advantages of 
 religion are less and less intelligible the longer we con- 
 tinue to stand aloof. 
 
 The call of Christianity may be, at first, ungracious to 
 our ears ; and yet its promises are great, and we mostly 
 know, that, after all, the yoke is easy and the burden is 
 light, and the benefit immediate and increasing. Although 
 the notion of indwelling peace be, in itself, and by words, 
 incommunicable, yet all men may trace its effects on the 
 conduct of Christians. All the strange contradictions and 
 
jarring inconsistencies of life are attributable to sin, 
 which is in its nature unreasonable, manifold, and 
 tyrannical. The fogs of earth may reach, and obscure, 
 the hospitable lights, and the boasted beacons of unaided 
 reason ; but they cannot cloud the Star of Bethlehem, 
 when it rises upon willing hearts. The children of God 
 are always consistent, for they walk not after their own 
 imaginations : their power is not in themselves, and their 
 eyes are fixed upon their Redeemer, — 
 
 On they move, 
 
 Indissolubly firm ! nor obvious hill, 
 Kor strait' ning rale, nor wood, nor stream divides 
 Their perfect ranks, for high above the ground 
 Their march is. 
 
 In the daily intercourse of life, each individual should 
 be upon his guard against blind and obstinate adherence 
 to a general truth, upon any particular occasion, which 
 may not be within its scope. In such a case, mis- 
 understandings ensue between the best friends and even 
 in families : and when we are alienated from those among 
 men whom we ought to love, we cannot have charity, the 
 bond of peace, we cannot love God, we cannot pray. 
 Such jealousies and quarrels destroy all comfort, all 
 singleness of mind, and induce a hardness, against which 
 the Spirit of God may not always be striving : at the very 
 time this hardness is increasing fast upon our hearts, 
 we are less and less sensible of it, and blame others more 
 than ourselves. During this declension from our calling, 
 all the divisions in our household are widened and 
 widening. The dearest relations learn, first, to become 
 independent of each other in a wrong sense, then, to 
 undervalue one another; and excuse themselves, from 
 indolence, if from no worse motive, by alleging they 
 cannot understand such conduct; or, by some other false 
 plea of the same stamp, they strive to veil from them- 
 
XI 
 
 selves, and from others, the real mischief, which is the 
 selfishness and obdurate unthankfulness of their own 
 hearts. We turn against even our Maker in our pride 
 at times, because we are obliged to receive His gifts as 
 gifts, and would wish to be on equal terms with Him, and 
 to buy, what we are receiving, whether we thank Him 
 for it or not, from His unbounded goodness in the 
 common course of His providence. Ingratitude to God, 
 and ingratitude to man, are often found in the very 
 greatest degree, where they would be found in the least, 
 if man were not altogether born in sin and the child of 
 wrath. The conversion of love into hatred is almost a 
 proverb : and a fearful one, against each individual, when 
 deeply considered, and taken in principle only, and not in 
 degree. The heart that is not right with God, cannot be 
 right with men : the heart that is not right with men, 
 cannot be right with God. The golden links that bind 
 earth to heaven cannot be severed with impunity ; for if 
 one be broken, the hold is lost, the communion is at an 
 end. And as self-examination, and confession of sins, 
 are soon found essential in religion, as it is soon dis- 
 covered there can be no half-religion, so is it in our 
 charity towards our brethren. If we do not confess what 
 we have done wrong, we must aggravate what they have 
 done wrong, in self-defence. If we do not entirely 
 forgive that wrong, which we think our neighbours have 
 done to us, we are at least doing wrong ourselves : and 
 that does not promise us restoration to peace of mind. 
 A faithful watch against indolence, and pride, and 
 selfishness, in ourselves, will throw a bright glory over 
 the world, which else had been a damp and unwholesome 
 scene in our eyes. Young Christians must look in their 
 daily self-examinations, first for overt acts, and next for 
 undeniable thoughts of evil; and last of all for those 
 deficiencies, of which perhaps they would not be sensible 
 
Xll 
 
 at the beginning of their career : but they may so obtain 
 those deep notions of individual sinfulness and error, 
 which, when they once really take possession of the 
 heart, humble us utterly before the searching eye, the 
 searching Word, of God j and throw us in tears and hope 
 at the foot of the cross. 
 
 The direct and absolute cultivation of a cheerful and 
 active tone of mind is an essential part of our duty. 
 "We shall else become a prey to imaginary evils, if the 
 good hand of our God should lead us along a path free 
 from those which have been, incorrectly but intelligibly, 
 termed the real evils of life. The greater elasticity of 
 temper shewing itself in some men, is not so much the 
 consequence of original constitution, as many would 
 believe, or appear to believe, that it is always. 
 
 There are few who can hold fast their faith without 
 some severe struggles ; and we cannot pass, quietly, from 
 death to life. On the other hand, we should easily 
 stagnate in a state of death, corrupting like the waters of 
 a dead sea, but that the Spirit of our God will at times 
 move upon the face of them. These occasional struggles 
 are some of the greatest trials in Christianity, but escape 
 the scoffings, because they are not within the experience, 
 of infidels. 
 
 It is very important to keep up the conviction of the 
 special and personal superintendence of our Creator and 
 Preserver over each individual. By the use of general 
 terms we deprive ourselves of much consolation. The 
 means of grace, and the hope of glory, health, and power, 
 and wealth, and every blessing of this life, pass to each 
 possessor immediately from his God, and should be held 
 as his immediate gift. He is now the God of each 
 individual believer, as formerly He declared Himself to 
 be the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob. 
 
 A close inquirer will soon find that Christian love 
 
Xlll 
 
 goes far beyond all that ideal excellence, which false 
 superstitions, or corrupted faith, or earthly laws, enforce 
 and require, by present or future rewards and punish- 
 ments. Without this Christian love there does not 
 seem any certainty how a man will conduct himself, 
 so much of earth is mixed up with every superstition. 
 Upon any supposed emergency, the deeds, and words, 
 //and thoughts, of any Christian are so far understood 
 by any second person, as that second person is himself 
 a Christian. Afflicted or prospered, the Christian 
 acknowledges the hand of Him, who also giveth eternal 
 life to His children. As to earthly sufferings, they are 
 evidently aggravated to those who suffer in disobedience. 
 And in all joy, the feeling of obligation apart from all 
 thought of making any return, is the most delightful of all 
 with which the heart can be throbbing. It is not broken by 
 calculation, or disturbed by conscience. Fear is cast out, 
 and love prevails, and even sinners find their enemy baffled. 
 The terms of our acceptance with God are essentially 
 individual, and must be complied with in our own proper 
 persons, and welcomed in our own hearts. To serve Him 
 is our privilege, and to serve Him altogether : any con- 
 sideration whether such or such enjoyments be allowable, 
 argues at once more or less approximation to a spirit of 
 bondage. To doubt is to condemn, and but for our want 
 of faith such a doubt could not have arisen. A Chris- 
 tian's perfection, for our present purpose, may be said 
 to consist in doing all things at all times as well as he 
 can. His power is the measure of his duty. To be less 
 a Christian on one day, or one occasion, than another, 
 designedly, were a contradiction in terms. Temptations 
 from without, and weakness within, render occasional 
 offences more than probable ; but if they take away the 
 heart from God, the character of Christianity for the 
 time being is lost. 
 
XIV 
 
 Throughout any community of Christians, taking the 
 word in a more general sense, the influence of Christianity 
 will surely and quietly show itself. It has even done 
 much for those who have disavowed its work. It will 
 make manners affectionate and gentle; reasoning sound 
 and calm ; exertion habitual and requisite. Whatever 
 height we gain on the earth gives us the means, and the 
 hope, of attaining the higher points, it first discovers to 
 our view. We are framed for eternity. We cannot in 
 the present constitution of things maintain our station at 
 any degree of moral character to which we may have 
 attained, any more than we can arrest the passing 
 moment, and hold our lives in it, without any dependance 
 upon the past or the future. In what manner our 
 progress will supply strength, may be conjectured in 
 some measure from the weight of any one admitted sin ; 
 and again, from the great difference which selfish and 
 indolent habits of body are found more or less, by 
 unchanging experience, to work in mental energy. 
 
 Good works are occasionally spoken of as being the 
 condition of salvation ; but in one sense, which has been 
 put upon the word condition, this assertion is un- 
 warrantable, and calculated to mislead the incautious. 
 There is not any promise of eternal life to those who do 
 well, because they do well. Good works are not the 
 cause, but the effect of grace. The grace of God is free, 
 through Jesus Christ, and unconditional. If we could 
 comply with any terms that should entitle us to it, it 
 would be unnecessary. Where the condition of salvation 
 is spoken of, and does not mean the state in which we 
 are living, but appears, at the first glance, to mark out 
 the money and the price we are to pay for the milk and 
 the wine, it will often be found spoken of with such 
 previous qualifications, and subject to such a tacit and 
 conventional understanding, as saves the writer from the 
 
XV 
 
 error, to which it leaves the reader exposed. Had our 
 salvation been placed within our own hearts and minds, 
 instead of being, as it is, without us, and beyond our own 
 reach, the gift of God ; had the means of our salvation 
 originated with ourselves, and been dependent upon our 
 own exertions in the first instance, instead of being 
 derived through Him who was lifted up on the cross to 
 save sinners, then indeed our strength would have been 
 our weakness ; but now, we know that, when we are 
 weak, then we are strong. 
 
 It must in conclusion be stated, that our prayers should 
 bear continual testimony that our only reliance is upon 
 Jesus Christ. The words we utter, or the 'aspirations 
 after true holiness, which we cannot so definitely embody, 
 may yet take effect upon our own hearts, and often draw 
 down a blessing. Our reason, the wisdom of our flesh, is 
 indeed corrupt, until we receive a better spirit ; and we 
 shall receive it if we ask aright. Solomon has cautioned 
 us to trust in the Lord with all our heart, and to lean not 
 unto our own understanding. On any point the prin- 
 ciples of the Bible will give our determination its fullest 
 and only sanction. TTe must be cautious that we do not 
 reply against God, and that we do not stand in a wrong 
 spirit upon His high hill, and pass judgment upon His 
 works. As the bridegroom may come at any hour, we 
 must be cautious to have oil provided for our lamps. 
 Each man should be prepared beforehand for the 
 particular situation in life he may expect to fill, with 
 such a ready knowledge of the lessons of his Lord, that 
 he may apply them at once to the business in hand. TJie 
 Bible is a manual for our daily service in life. Each 
 day, each hour we must use diligently the fitting means 
 of grace ; or we cannot expect to receive that grace. 
 The promise is, not to work in our stead, but, to work 
 in us, and work with us, during our earthly trials and 
 c 2 
 
XVI 
 
 discipline : and faithful is He who gives us that promise. 
 When He may see us "faint, yet pursuing," He will 
 supply us that food, in the strength of which we 
 shall be enabled to accomplish our pilgrimage. As we 
 journey towards our heavenly Canaan, it will be a present 
 help in all danger, and strength under all fear and dark- 
 ness, that we shall not get the land in possession by our 
 own sword, neither shall our own arm save us, but Thy 
 right hand and Thine outstretched arm, and the light of 
 Thy countenance, O Lord God Almighty. 
 
 Friday, Dec. 28, 1827. 
 
I 
 
 PART OP THE PREFACE 
 
 TO THE FIRST EDITION OF THE 
 
 CHURCHMAN'S HYMNS 
 
 IN MDCCCXXXIII. 
 
 There has not been shewn any sufficient reason for 
 giving an exclusive preference to the Psalms, or to any 
 versification of them as yet published, for singing in our 
 churches or in our household devotions. A new ver- 
 sification of the Psalms is reported to have been executed 
 very lately, but is not published. Wherever chanting 
 may be practicable, it would seem much better to chant 
 the prose translation of the Psalms, rather than to put 
 any versification of them hitherto published into such use 
 as to prevent the introduction of any Hymns. The prose 
 Psalms so chanted, and a good Selection of Hymns in 
 verse, regularly sanctioned, appear to form the best 
 system. A considerable relief would be afforded the 
 clergyman by chanting the Psalms ; a collateral advantage 
 of great weight. 
 
 Whatever may be the letter of our law, if strictly 
 enforced, it is not the spirit of our time to reject Hymns 
 because they are not part of our Common Prayer as it 
 now stands. In almost every diocese, some Collection of 
 Hymns is in use; and in some dioceses, under the 
 immediate sanction of a Bishop. A version of the 
 Psalms, so free as to be fully adapted to modern feelings, 
 and so changed as to satisfy Christian gratitude, would, 
 in fact, be a Book of Hymns. 
 c 3 
 
xvm 
 
 The great number of Psalms and Hymns now pub- 
 lished is in itself a sufficient reason for the publication 
 of more ; as it justifies a belief that our Church is not 
 yet supplied with such versions of the Psalms, and such 
 Hymns, as are generally approved. It is probable that 
 the best means of providing such a supply, is, to publish 
 such Collections as will furnish the materials for a 
 Selection, in due time, by some fitting person. As the 
 want of such a Selection is more and more felt, and more 
 and more known, our hope that it may ultimately be 
 effected under the sanction of the bishops and clergy, 
 and authorized for general use in the Church, becomes 
 more and more reasonable. The Society for the Pro- 
 motion of Christian Knowledge has the best means of 
 calling forth new Hymns and selecting old ones, and 
 then giving their volume extensive circulation. Upon 
 that Society, therefore, is chiefly resting the moral 
 obligation to publish such a volume, whenever its 
 publication may be deemed expedient. ***** 
 ******** 
 
 We may have to be contented, and for some long period 
 of time, with such Hymns as may seem to individual 
 collectors the least objectionable. It is hardly to be 
 expected that any great number of good Hymns can be 
 written immediately. The number of Hymns we already 
 have, good and bad, is but small, in comparison with 
 ■what might have been counted upon from English 
 writers. Very few of the Hymns that we do possess 
 have any deep hold on the public mind. Men who 
 should try what they can do, sit down in a sort of 
 despondency; and quote what is almost a proverb in 
 consequence, that Hymns, like ballads, require the 
 highest poetical powers and the warmest feelings, com- 
 bined with taste and good sense. There have been poets 
 who might have written Hymns and Carols which would 
 
XIX 
 
 have benefited all ranks ; but it has not been their choice. 
 ^Vhat they would not do, rhymers of inferior power must 
 go on attempting ; not without hope that such attempts 
 may become a means of rousing others to the good work. 
 Our hope may perhaps be realized : at least, there are 
 Poems and Ballads, by writers now alive, which warrant 
 a belief that their Hymns and Carols would soon super- 
 sede every other collection. 
 
 It would be well that to every Prayer-book the Church 
 should add prayers for home use, about journeys, and 
 health, and the common accidents of life ; about riots, 
 and other public offences. The use of Common Prayers 
 is a sort of approach to the Communion of Saints : the 
 /Prayer-book should be on every household table, as well 
 jas the Bible ; and in that book the Church might publish 
 a Selection of Hymns, and mend it continually, as oppor- 
 tunity was given. In such a Selection there should be 
 Hymns which would be tauntingly, but truly, called 
 political, by many who could not feel how their taunt 
 was condemning themselves, and implying that their 
 religion did not and should not govern their conduct 
 towards their King, and his officers, and their fellow- 
 subjects. As such a Selection is to act upon the people, 
 so it should in some measure be acted upon by them ; 
 until, by such action and reaction, it became fitted for 
 their daily use. All public and private duties might 
 well stand together in the familiar language and un- 
 pretending pages of the same book which teaches us 
 how to sing the praises of our God. 
 
 There is in our days a sad want of due subordination 
 throughout all classes of society, which is at once the 
 cause and effect of much evil. Men are again trying to 
 live in God's world without Him ; to enjoy the gifts, 
 while they neglect the Giver, and forget His providence. 
 • Yet God alone can keep society together. Love alone, 
 
XX 
 
 the love of Jesus Christ, can conquer selfishness, and 
 form, through Him, a bond of union among men. 
 
 There is an obedience, for the sake of conscience, due 
 to our Rulers ; and we should yield it cheerfully. The 
 Rulers, on the other hand, should not ever require an 
 obedience to what is not shewn to be reasonable. They 
 who can understand the reasons so put forward, will, 
 under the blessing of God, be enough in number and 
 influence to maintain the just authority of our laws in 
 this kingdom, and preserve the conscientious obedience 
 of the people at large. The same bad principle that 
 makes us sinners before God will incline us to be rebels 
 against those earthly Rulers who bear His authority, and 
 i should use it to His honour. At the beginning of our 
 ' career, religion and Government alike imply restraint 
 upon those who are to become religious by denying them- 
 selves, and dutiful by sacrificing direct advantages to the 
 good of their neighbour, and by subjecting their conduct 
 to the laws of the community. The good subjects of 
 our Crown acknowledge God as the Author of their 
 Government, and His Word as its sanction. They who 
 are by Him rendered able and willing to restrain 
 themselves, are the only class that will not feel the 
 restraint of Government. They who cannot and will 
 not restrain themselves must be restrained by parents 
 and by laws ; and will naturally complain of the restraint, 
 and elude it if they can. Their path must be hedged on 
 both sides, until they acknowledge the Star, the only Star 
 that can guide them through this world : and are thankful 
 to consult on their knees the Bible as on earth our highest 
 authority, to be taken always in its true spirit. — Jerem. 
 xxi. 8 ; Deut. xxx. 19. 
 
 There are individuals in every rank that need this 
 restraint : and the restraint itself is not as strong in many 
 cases as it should be; for instance, in prohibiting the 
 
XXI 
 
 desecration of the Lord's-day, and the sale of blasphemous 
 •books, and books intended to enlist our passions on the 
 side of what God forbids. Legislators seem to forget their 
 primary duties, in spurious generalities, and a philosophy 
 falsely so called : they give away what does not belong to 
 them, and boast of their liberality: they sacrifice what 
 they do not value, and call it patriotism. The poor have 
 not the Gospel preached unto them, for want of church 
 room, in the large towns, where they most need its 
 lessons : while all our land through, mischief-makers, 
 that could not influence their equals or find among them 
 the means of indulging their vanity and restlessness, are 
 allowed, with impunity, to preach and print the lessons 
 of the devil. Alas, for such teachers ! Why will they 
 close their eyes against the whip by which they are 
 driven to their task and labour, deceiving and deceived, 
 in the vilest slavery, to corrupt their inferiors in station 
 and learning ? Alas, still more, for the nation which 
 permits such an enormity ! 
 
 The outbreak of a rebellious spirit should be checked 
 in its earliest stage. When the fathers of our flesh have 
 not their proper honour, we are so much the more ready 
 to disobey our King and to deny our God. When 
 mothers are unheeded by the children they tended 
 through their infancy, and would love while they have 
 life, how can conscience make us good subjects, or affec- 
 tion bind our hearts to Him, who gave His only Son 
 to die for us ? Few children so conduct themselves to 
 their parents, that manhood is not full of sorrow for 
 past unkindness to father or mother, unless, indeed, they 
 have gone on from one sin to another. " The eye that 
 mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, 
 the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young 
 eagles shall eat it." Disobedience to parents is a fatal sign 
 that we are in perilous times. The wages that render a 
 
youth independent of his father for maintenance are ill 
 earned, if they render him also independent of his father 
 for his blessing. A golden idol is an idol still ; and only 
 more dangerous for its apparent worth and costliness. 
 It were much better for parent and child to be living 
 in mutual love on bread and water, than to be wor- 
 shipping Mammon, to the increase of selfishness, and the 
 destruction of moral feeling. Affectionate discipline 
 should, if possible, be revived; and the name of father 
 on earth waken notions that may faintly image what we 
 owe to our Father in Heaven, and lead us to look up to 
 our God in that character. There is still a curse upon 
 every one that setteth light by his father or his mother, 
 the curse of hard-heartedness. Deut. xxvii. 16. Al- 
 though the Israel of God may not now, as of old, 
 assemble to acknowledge its certainty, yet are its con- 
 sequences no less formidable than when they did. It 
 will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the 
 day of Judgment, than for the city which rejects the 
 messengers and the words of Christ. It will be more 
 tolerable for Tyre and Sidon, than for Chorazin and 
 Bethsaida. The love of Christ is more constraining than 
 the law is deterring ; and we are much worse in moral 
 character for rejecting the Gospel, than for disregarding 
 the law. The greater is our sin, the more dreadful is the 
 state in which we are left, hopeless, and, in fact, un- 
 redeemed, with hearts to know God, but not to love 
 Him ; and to feel at once what we are, and what we 
 might have been, had we not in our day neglected His 
 great salvation. 
 
 December 27, 1832. 
 
PRAYERS. 
 
 Aoiighty God, our heavenly Father, who of Thy great 
 mercy hast promised forgiveness of sins to all them that 
 with hearty repentance and true faith are turned unto 
 Thee, have mercy upon us, we beseech Thee : grant us 
 repentance and true faith, pardon and deliver us from 
 all our sins, confirm and strengthen us in obedience to 
 Thy will, and lead us to everlasting life, through Jesus 
 Christ our Lord. Amen. 
 
 Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. 
 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is 
 in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive 
 us our trespasses, as we forgive them that trespass against 
 us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from 
 evil : for Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, 
 for ever and ever. Amen. 
 
 May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love 
 of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Ghost, be with 
 us all evermore. Amen. 
 
 May the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, 
 keep our hearts and minds in the knowledge and love of 
 God, and of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord: and the 
 blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the 
 Holy Ghost, be among us, and remain with us always. 
 Amen. 
 
MORNING PRAYER 
 
 FOR PRIVATE USE. 
 
 In the name of our Redeemer we would thank Thee, 
 Lord God Almighty, that Thou hast preserved our lives 
 unto this day. In His name and for His sake we would 
 earnestly beseech Thee to carry us through each passing 
 hour in cheerful obedience to Thy holy will. Leave us 
 not for one moment to our own devices and desires, but 
 teach us deeply to feel, and meekly to acknowledge, our 
 iniquity. Let Thy Holy Spirit work in us an abiding 
 conviction of our true state, and incline us to look ever 
 to the cross of Thine only Son, in Whom alone are 
 health and hope for penitent sinners. Enable us to 
 turn from every known error, and to abstain from 
 every dangerous indulgence. Overrule us in all we 
 think, and say, and do, to keep under our bodies, and 
 follow what belongs unto our peace. Deliver us from all 
 indolence and intemperance; from the deceitfulness of 
 riches ; from the snares of the world ; and from all fleshly 
 wisdom. Humble us entirely before Thy throne, and 
 help our unbelief, that in continual prayer and heedful 
 vigilance we seek from Thee our only strength, and hold 
 in Thee our every purpose. Cleanse our hearts, and 
 day by day renew within us a right spirit, that we may 
 honestly desire, and stedfastly endeavour, to amend our 
 lives according to Thy word. Teach us to seek Thy 
 
3 
 
 righteousness in fervent faith and singleness of mind. 
 Make us deeply and sincerely thankful to Thee for the 
 many comforts and conveniences we are enjoying, for 
 Thy great goodness to us and to all men ; for the means 
 of grace and the hope of glory. Throughout this day, 
 keep steadily before us the certainty of death and judg- 
 ment, so far as in Thee we may bear that awful truth. 
 Enable each of us to conduct ourselves aright to every 
 member of this household, and to every other person 
 with whom we may have any intercourse. Give us grace 
 humbly to profit by every lesson Thy mercy may give 
 us, and faithfully to discharge every present duty. 
 Bless our friends and relations. According to Thy 
 providence and mercy train us all up to love Thee. 
 In sickness and in sorrow, in health and in prosperity, 
 guard and protect us all in soul and body. Grant that 
 we may indeed embrace and evermore hold fast the 
 blessed hope of salvation in Jesus Christ, may truly live 
 and die in Him, through whom all wisdom, and thanks- 
 giving, and honour, and power, and glory, be unto our 
 God for ever. Amen. 
 
EVENING PRAYER 
 
 FOR PRIVATE USE. 
 
 Have mercy upon us, O Lord God Almighty ! for the 
 sake of Him who died on the cross to save sinners, have 
 mercy upon us, and forgive us all our sins, and grant us 
 Thy Holy Spirit, that we truly repent them all. Have 
 pity upon us, and pardon all our ignorance and negli- 
 gence. Enable us to consider wisely the actions and 
 events of each day as it passes, while it is yet now, the 
 accepted time. Teach us the great love of our 
 Redeemer for sinful man, and through Him thy 
 gracious promises of pardon, and help, and mercy. 
 Let not our hearts be hardened within us, but 
 soften them and renew them after Thy law, that 
 we meekly confess our offences against Thee and against 
 our neighbour, in the stedfast purpose of amending our 
 lives. Put away from us all impatience, perverseness, 
 and ill-temper, all offensive sayings and uncharitable 
 thoughts. Deliver us from pride and hypocrisy, from 
 malice, hatred, and envy, from selfishness and discontent : 
 and set each of us to the performance of our several 
 duties with cheerfulness and zeal. Make us active and 
 diligent in our earthly calling, and ever mindful of Thine 
 honour and glory. Preserve us from all undue anxiety 
 about the things of this world, and grant us strength and 
 wisdom to lay up for ourselves a treasure in heaven. 
 
May we upon all occasions do to others as we would they 
 should do to us ; and think and speak of others as we 
 would they should think and speak of us. Work in us 
 and work with us, that we entirely believe and sub- 
 stantially render our religion the main business of every 
 day : and that in humble gratitude we leave under Thy 
 continual providence every person we love and every 
 pursuit we cherish. Make us earnestly thankful to 
 Thee for Thy great goodness to us and to all men, for 
 the means of grace and the hope of glory. We beseech 
 Thee to bless all our friends and relations. Incline and 
 enable us day by day to forgive our enemies, persecutors, 
 and slanderers. Teach both them and us the paths in 
 which we should walk, and strengthen us that we be 
 not turned aside from them, and of Thy tender mercy, 
 so conduct us through this life, that finally we partake 
 Thy salvation, through Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 d 2 
 
1. SUNDAY MORXIXG. 
 
 FERST COLLECT. 
 
 ( m Lord God Almighty ! Thou that hast created the 
 heavens and earth, and seas, and all things that are 
 therein, ( n Thou that art the only giver of light and life 
 to all Thy creatures ; ( m in the name of Jesus Christ we 
 would draw near unto Thee and cry out for pardon and 
 continual help ; ( n unto Thee would we offer up our 
 praises and prayers as we solemnly kneel before Thy 
 throne ; ( m glory be to God on high, on earth peace, 
 good -will towards men ; ( n Thou that takest away the 
 sins of the world, have mercy upon us ; ( m call us, O Lord, 
 that we may hear Thy voice, ( n draw us that we may come 
 unto Thee ; ( m forgive us all that is past, and deliver us 
 from the bondage of iniquity: fill us with contrition 
 for our frequent and grievous transgressions before 
 Thee ; ( n quicken us with a deep and abiding sense of 
 all Thy goodness and mercy ; ( m we beseech Thee to 
 work in us a stedfast faith in Him who for our sins 
 suffered on the cross, and for our justification was raised 
 again from the dead ; ( n enable us to feel our utter need 
 of a Saviour and to praise Thee for the exceeding 
 greatness of thy salvation ; ( m let us not wilfully repeat 
 offences from which we daily pray to be delivered. 
 ! let not our hands do that which our lips confess 
 we ought not to do ; ( n throughout every day let us 
 
constantly seek Thy Holy Spirit and honestly try to 
 do Thy will ; ( m it has pleased Thee to baptize us into 
 Thy Church, grant that we may indeed die unto sin 
 and become in truth thy servants, and have our fruit 
 unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. Enable us 
 to resist the devil, and to run with patience the race 
 that may be set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author 
 and finisher of our faith. On this day, more especially set 
 apart for Thy service, grant us an humble and teachable 
 disposition, and preserve us from all wandering thoughts 
 and hypocrisy. We pray for Thy blessing upon all Thy 
 ministers in whatsoever land they may preach the 
 glorious Gospel of Thine only Son, and especially upon 
 Thy ministers in our own neighbourhood, that they may 
 shine as lights in the world, and hold forth the Word 
 of life. Lord God, abundant in goodness and truth, 
 gracious and long-suffering, keeping mercy to a thousand 
 generations, we would praise Thee for giving unto us 
 Thy Word; for revealing unto us the forgiveness of 
 sins ; we would thank Thee for sending forth Thy Son 
 born of a woman, born subject to the law, to redeem 
 them that were subject to the law; we would magnify 
 Thy holy name for calling us who are sinners, and come 
 short of Thy glory, to receive the adoption of children 
 through Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
 d 3 
 
8 
 
 1. SUNDAY MORNING. 
 
 SECOND COLLECT. 
 
 Most Holy God ! the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 who left the heavens, his dwelling-place, and came upon 
 earth to save sinners ; for His sake awaken us to feel 
 what we ought to be upon earth, and what we hope to 
 be in heaven. Week after week is passing fast away, 
 and bringing each of us nearer and nearer to the grave. 
 "Work in us, and work with us, that day by day our lives 
 as well as our lips may bear witness to our belief that 
 the hour is coming in which all that are in the graves 
 shall hear the voice of Thy Son, and shall come forth, 
 they that have done good unto the resurrection of life, 
 and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of con- 
 demnation. Enable us to search the Scriptures, for they 
 testify of Christ, to turn unto Him that we may have 
 life. Pour Thy light upon all that wander in darkness, 
 all that are dwelling in the land of the shadow of death, 
 and guide their feet into the way of peace. We would 
 give Thee most humble and hearty thanks for all that 
 in this world are now living to Thee. We would bless 
 Thy holy name for all Thy servants departed hence in 
 Thy faith and fear, especially for those among them 
 whom here we have ourselves loved and honoured. 
 Have mercy upon us, and grant us Thy grace that we 
 may be ransomed from sin, and together with all Thy 
 saints in earth and heaven, continually glorify Thee 
 through Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
1. SUNDAY MORNING. 
 
 THIRD COLLECT. 
 
 Almighty God, our heavenly Father, the only giver of 
 every good gift, in the name of Jesus Christ we most 
 humbly and earnestly implore Thy blessing upon this 
 household and upon all our relations, friends, and 
 benefactors. Have mercy upon our enemies and soften 
 their hearts. Incline and enable us to forgive them, 
 and to forget all past unkindness and enmity. Suffer 
 us not to give offence to Thy people. Turn us away 
 from every path that is not followed as under Thy 
 gracious eye, from every pleasure that is not enjoyed 
 as of Thy free bounty. May all and each of us yield 
 Thee continual thanks through Thine only Son for Thy 
 great goodness to us and to all men, and deeply feel that 
 Thou hast first loved us in order that we might love 
 Thee, and might know what a blessed life it is to keep 
 Thy commandments, Our Father who art in heaven, 
 Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will 
 be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day 
 our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we 
 forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not 
 into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for Thine is 
 the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. 
 Amen. 
 
10 
 
 1. SUNDAY EVENING. 
 
 O most merciful God, who according to the multitude 
 of Thy mercies dost so put away the sins of those who 
 truly repent, that Thou rememberest them no more, have 
 compassion upon us for the sake of Thy Son ! have com- 
 passion upon us, miserable sinners, who most earnestly 
 desire mercy and forgiveness in His name. Renew in 
 us whatsoever has been decayed by the fraud and malice 
 of the devil, or by our own carnal wills and frailty. 
 Cause us to hear Thy loving-kindness, for we would trust 
 in Thee, to know the ways wherein we should walk, for 
 unto Thee would we lift up our souls. O Thou that 
 takest pleasure in them that fear Thee, in them that 
 hope in Thy mercy, cause us, we implore Thee, to 
 understand all Thy graciousness in Christ, through 
 Whom we have the means of grace and the hope of 
 glory. "Work in us and work with us, that our hearts 
 may sincerely acknowledge all Thy goodness and loving- 
 kindness, and our lips be filled with thankfulness and 
 earnest praise. Enable us by constant diligence in our 
 earthly calling, and zealous labour to do Thy will, so 
 to redeem our time, that we be continually advancing 
 and advanced along the appointed path of salvation. 
 Make us deeply feel that here we have not any con- 
 tinuing city, that in the midst of life we are in death, 
 and teach us to press forward in the race that is set 
 
11 
 
 before us, with faith and patience, with meekness and 
 humility, with charity, self-denial, and constant per- 
 severance ; in order that when we depart this life we 
 may sleep in Jesus Christ, and at the general resurrec- 
 tion on the last day may receive that blessing which 
 He will then pronounce upon all those that truly love 
 and worship Thee through His Holy name. Unto Him 
 that is able to keep us from falling, and to present us 
 faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding 
 joy, to G-od alone our Saviour through Jesus Christ 
 our Lord, be glory and majesty, power and dominion, 
 now and for ever. Amen. 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
12 
 
 1. MONDAY EVENING. 
 
 Almighty and most merciful Father ! for the sake of 
 Him who died for us on the cross, forgive us our 
 frequent and grievous offences against Thee. Grant 
 us an effective and true repentance, that we attempt not 
 to excuse or palliate our transgressions either to ourselves 
 or before Thee, but endeavour stedfastly to amend our lives. 
 Help our unbelief, and leave us not without hope. Instruct 
 us henceforward to watch and pray, that we may avoid 
 all temptation, and abstain from every appearance of evil. 
 Grant that the words of Thy wisdom, which day by day 
 we read and hear, may be so grafted inwardly in our 
 hearts by Thy grace, that they may bring forth in us the 
 fruit of good living, to the honour and praise of Thy name. 
 Enable us to perceive and incline us to discharge our duty 
 to Thee and to our neighbour in its full extent ; and so 
 order our lives and conversation, that we may speak and 
 think of others as we would they should speak and think 
 of us. Make us feel that it was for us miserable sinners 
 that Thine own dear Son, our Saviour, came down on 
 earth, was made flesh of the Virgin Mary, lived among 
 men a life of sorrow and grie£ and died a cruel death 
 on the cross. Teach us self-denial, and keep us heartily 
 thankful for Thy teaching. O make us Thine, body, 
 soul, and spirit, in Thine own good time, in Thine own 
 good way. May we constantly regard the time, all the 
 
13 
 
 means of improvement, and all the opportunities of 
 usefulness, afforded us here on earth, as talents of 
 which we must give in a true and solemn account 
 before Thy throne. Every night be pleased, for the 
 sake of our Redeemer, graciously to charge Thy 
 wakeful providence with the care of us, and of all 
 who are near and dear to us. Grant us a quiet 
 and refreshing sleep, defended from all grievous ad- 
 versities which might overpower the body, and from 
 all sinful thoughts which might hurt the soul. Every 
 morning fill our hearts with Thy praise, and make glad 
 our waking in Thee. Bestow upon us cheerfulness, 
 strength, and contentment, that we may rejoice to run 
 our course, and send us forth to our respective occupa- 
 tions under the settled conviction, that Thine eye rests 
 ever upon us, that Thou wilt reward us according to our 
 works ; and that the night cometh when no man can 
 work. And to the end that we fall not away from Thy 
 salvation, establish our reliance on Thee, the Giver of 
 every good and perfect gift, in Jesus Christ, through 
 whom all thanksgiving, and wisdom, and honour, and 
 power, and glory, be unto our God for ever. Amen. 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
14 
 
 1. TUESDAY EVENING. 
 
 Axjughtx who for the sake of Him that died 
 
 on the cross t ..iners dost forgive the sins of all 
 
 the truly penitent, create and make in ns new and 
 contrite hearts, that we worthily lamenting our sins, and 
 acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of Thee, 
 
 rod of all mer: n and forgiv 
 
 Let not our sorrow be of the world unto death, bu: 
 a godly manner ; that carefulness may be wrought in us, 
 and fear and clearing of ooraelves. Stir us up to 
 constant and impartial self-examination, to watchfulness 
 and fervent prayer : and grant us continually the help of 
 Thy grace to save us from the corruptions of the flesh, 
 from the wiles and assaults of Satan, and from the 
 seductive practices and perplexing interests of the ~ 
 around us. Enable us in our daily conduct to subdue 
 all evil tempers, impatience, and perverseness ; all 
 selfishness and discontent ; and to set a guard upon 
 ourselves in the fear of Thee. Let not our hearts 
 entertain any proud or unkindly notions, and let not 
 our tongues become unruly. Put away from us all bitter- 
 wrath, and clamour, all falsehood, evil speaking, 
 and malice. Teach us, unto whom Christ has forgiven 
 so much, to forbear one another, and to forgive one 
 another, in all meekness, and to put on charity, the bond 
 of perfectaess. Assist us, and all our friends, against 
 
15 
 
 our own blindness and iniquity, that we may break 
 through the bonds of spiritual ignorance, and the snares 
 of idleness and luxury. Give us true wisdom, that we 
 may discern what is pleasing to Thee, may follow what 
 belongs unto our peace. If it please Thee that our 
 riches increase, let not our hearts be set upon them ; but 
 keep us, we beseech Thee, duly mindful of Thee, the 
 Giver of all good things, and always conscious that here 
 we cannot have anything of our own ; and so conduct 
 us through our stewardship on earth, that we abuse not 
 Thy gifts, but shew ourselves faithful to the charge they 
 imply. Whenever it may please Thee to bring upon us 
 any of the sufferings of this life, humble us entirely 
 before Thy throne. Enable us to look ever unto the 
 cross of our Redeemer, and amid all the chances and 
 changes of this world, let Thy Spirit possess our hearts 
 with patience and consolation, and increase in us true 
 religion, that we may with one mind and one mouth 
 continually glorify Thee as God, through Jesus Christ. 
 Amen. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
16 
 
 1. WEDNESDAY EVENING. 
 
 Almighty God ! who sliewest to them that be in error 
 the light of Thy truth, to the intent that they may return 
 into the way of righteousness, absolve us, we beseech 
 Thee, for the sake of Thy Son, from our continual and 
 manifold offences, and thoroughly cleanse our hearts, in 
 order that we may thankfully accept the means of grace, 
 and gladly acknowledge the hope of glory. Suffer us 
 not to deceive our own souls, and remain satisfied with 
 the fonn of godliness without its power ; overcome rather 
 the pride and stubbornness of our tempers ; enable us to 
 realize our faith, and day by day to make more and 
 more practical our dependance upon Thee for every 
 good and perfect gift. Enlighten our understandings, 
 O Father of glory ! that we be not godless in the world, 
 and without hope ; but rather obtain fellowship in the 
 mystery now revealed by Thine apostles and prophets, 
 and through the effectual working of Thy power become 
 partakers of Thy promise in Christ. Grant us calmness 
 of mind, and steadiness of purpose, that we strive in 
 all things to approve ourselves His disciples. Teach 
 us to do under Thy blessing all we can every hour 
 towards our own amendment, and carefully to avoid 
 saying or doing whatever might be to ourselves or to 
 others an occasion of evil. Make us kindly to all with 
 whom we may have any intercourse, and ever watchful 
 
17 
 
 for the good and comfort of those more immediately 
 around us. Make us earnestly thankful for the many 
 blessings we receive at Thy hands, for all the comforts 
 and conveniences we are enjoying ; and so rule our 
 hearts, that our daily prayers unto Thee may be in the 
 spirit fervent and sincere. Have mercy on Thy Church, 
 and grant that all they that do confess Thy holy name 
 may agree in the truth of Thy holy Word, and live in 
 unity and godly love. Prosper our Queen and all those 
 in authority under her. Enlighten all Thy ministers, 
 and more particularly the Bishops, Priests, and Deacons, 
 of our own Church, with a true knowledge and under- 
 standing of Thy Word ; and further amid all people the 
 knowledge of Thy salvation. And we most humbly 
 beseech Thee of Thy goodness, O Lord, to comfort 
 and succour all them who in this transitory life are 
 in trouble, sorrow, need, sickness, or any other adversity. 
 And we also bless Thy holy Name for all Thy servants 
 departed this life in Thy faith and fear, beseeching Thee 
 to give us grace so to follow their good examples, that 
 with them we may be made partakers of Thy heavenly 
 kingdom, through Jesus Christ our only Mediator and 
 Advocate. Amen. 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 e 2 
 
18 
 
 1. THURSDAY EVENING. 
 
 Almighty and most merciful God, unto whom we have 
 access through Jesus Christ, for His sake pardon our 
 many offences, and so rule our hearts, that each of 
 us sincerely repent all our sins r negligence, and igno- 
 rance, and stedfastly purpose to lead a new life; that 
 each of us have a lively faith in Thy mercy through 
 Christ, with a most thankful remembrance of His death, 
 and be in charity with all men. Teach us to offer 
 up unto Thee our praises and prayers with earnestness 
 and sincerity, well knowing that we are now in Thy 
 more immediate presence, that Thou hearest every word 
 and readest every thought. And since it is Thou alone 
 canst order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men, 
 grant that we may love the things which Thou com- 
 mandest, and desire that which Thou dost promise ; 
 that in all time of our tribulation, in all time of our 
 wealth, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true 
 joys are to be found. May it please Thee to forgive 
 whatever of evil in thought, word, or deed the past day 
 witnesseth against us, for the sake of Him who died to 
 afford us the means of grace. Suffer us not to tempt 
 ourselves at all, or to be tempted above what it shall 
 please Thee to enable us to bear. Teach us in all our 
 undertakings to remember Thy continual providence, and 
 in singleness of heart to count upon Thy furtherance and 
 
19 
 
 support through Jesus Christ, in whom we can do all 
 things by faith. Give us ears to hear, and eyes to see, 
 that we commit all our works unto Thee, to the end that 
 our thoughts be established. Keep us ever mindful, that 
 riches profit not in the day of wrath; and let not that 
 way seem right unto us, whereof the end is death. May 
 we deeply feel, that all the blessings we enjoy, whether 
 the more immediate gifts of nature, of labour, or of 
 situation, proceed alike from Thy free bounty. Grant 
 us such a knowledge of Thy great and manifold mercies 
 bestowed upon us, as may engage us to a true thankful- 
 ness. And Thou, O God, who knowest us to be set in 
 the midst of so many and great dangers, that by reason 
 of the frailty of our nature we cannot always stand 
 upright, support us in all difficulty ; carry us through 
 all temptation; and enable us to serve Thee with a 
 quiet and contented mind, for the sake of Thine only 
 Son, who brought life and immortality to light, and be- 
 came the first fruits of them that slept. 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 e 3 
 
20 
 
 1. FRIDAY EVENING. 
 
 Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker 
 of all things, Judge of all men, we acknowledge and 
 bewail our manifold sins and wickedness which we from 
 time to time most grievously have committed by thought, 
 word, and deed against Thy Divine Majesty. "We beseech 
 Thee to grant us earnest and timely repentance, the grace 
 to feel how often we offend against Thee, the wisdom to 
 understand the means of amendment, and the heart to 
 adopt them all in singleness of purpose and deep humility. 
 Teach us to use this world as not abusing it, and to set 
 our affections on things above. May we cease to do 
 wickedly, and learn to do what is right in Thine eyes. 
 Incline us to consider well what great things Thou hast 
 done and art doing for us. Let us honour Thy Word, 
 and fear Thee, and serve Thee with all our heart. Keep 
 us from all wilful sin against our knowledge of the truth. 
 Enable us, who are not our own, but bought with a 
 price, to learn in truth how for us our Redeemer liveth, 
 and to hold fast the profession of our faith without 
 wavering. Instruct and strengthen us by Thy Holy 
 Spirit in the examination of our secret thoughts, and 
 the private works of our hands ; and when they are such 
 as we dare not acknowledge even before our fellow- 
 sinners on earth, convince us effectively of the terrors 
 of Thy judgment-day, when we shall be constrained to 
 
21 
 
 acknowledge them all before the angels of heaven. 
 Bless all our Governors in Church and State, and take 
 not away from our country Thy saving help, in which 
 alone is our strength and our hope. We would humbly 
 beseech Thee to advance the Kingdom of Thy Son over 
 all the earth. Let the Day-spring from on high visit 
 all people who sit in darkness and the shadow of death. 
 Let the children of light walk worthy of their high 
 vocation, endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit 
 in the bond of peace. Bless all our friends and relations, 
 and by thy most mighty protection here and ever pre- 
 serve both them and us in body and soul, for the sake 
 of Jesus Christ, the Author and Finisher of our faith, 
 through whom, unto Thee, O Lord God, be all might, 
 majesty, and dominion, all honour and glory, world 
 without end. Amen. 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
22 
 
 1. SATURDAY EVENING. 
 
 Lord God Almighty ! Father of Him who by His one 
 oblation of Himself has opened unto us the gate of ever- 
 lasting life, have compassion upon our infirmities for 
 His sake, and pardon our iniquity. Turn our ears to 
 hearing Thy law, that our supplications be not counted 
 as sin before Thee. Thou who art the strength of all 
 them that put their trust in Thee, mercifully accept our 
 prayers. And because we cannot do any good thing 
 without Thee, grant us the help of Thy grace, that in 
 keeping Thy commandments we may please Thee both 
 in will and deed. Preserve us from an evil heart of 
 unbelief, and teach us to consider wisely the actions and 
 thoughts of every day ere yet it be closed upon us for 
 ever, lest we should be hardened by the deceitfulness 
 of sin into neglect of Thy promises and disregard of 
 Thy justice. Let not the temptations of sloth and indo- 
 lence or the many luxuries of life prevail against us, but 
 enable us to keep under our bodies, and bring them into 
 subjection. Deliver us, we beseech Thee, from all fleshly 
 lusts that war against the soul, from envy, malice, and 
 all uncharitableness. Let us not hate reproof ourselves, 
 or upbraid others, but make us slow to anger, gentle and 
 kindly affectioned one towards another with brotherly 
 love. Convince us of our true condition in the world, 
 that we may seek earnestly Thy righteousness, and work 
 
23 
 
 in us that we be not indifferent and lukewarm in serving 
 Thee. Strengthen us that we may truly profit by the 
 revelation of all Thy loving-kindness to us. Let not 
 our faith stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power 
 of our Saviour and our God. May we acknowledge with 
 lively gratitude the continual and manifold blessings we 
 receive at Thy hands, and evermore shew forth in our 
 lives the praises of Him who hath called us out of 
 darkness into His marvellous light, who hath turned us 
 from the power of Satan unto God ! and we beseech Thee 
 to build us up on the foundation of the apostles and 
 prophets for an habitation of Thy Spirit. Teach us 
 to put off the old man, which is corrupt according to 
 the deceitful lusts, and to put on the new man, which 
 is created after Thee in righteousness and true holiness, 
 that at the second coming of our Redeemer in power 
 and great glory to judge the world, we may be accepted 
 in Him, through the shedding of whose blood is the 
 forgiveness of our sins and the precious promise of the 
 adoption of children. 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
24 
 
 SECOND SUNDAY MORNING. 
 
 FIRST COLLECT. 
 
 O Lord God, all-merciful and Almighty ! before whom 
 sinners may kneel through Jesus Christ, it is Thy will 
 that all men should be saved and come unto the know- 
 ledge of the truth. Have pity upon us for the sake of 
 Thy dear Son, and pardon us all that is past, and turn 
 our hearts unto Thee. Be Thou, O Lord, our refuge in 
 all distress, our strong tower of defence in every trouble. 
 Bring to our remembrance all our evil ways, all our 
 sinful works, and words, and thoughts, and make us 
 truly penitent. Cleanse us from secret faults, and from 
 all hypocrisy; deliver us from presumptuous sins, from 
 hardness of heart, and from all self-delusion. Humble 
 us entirely before Thy throne. And enable us to bring 
 forth fruits meet for repentance. Fill us with a living 
 and active faith in Thine only Son who died for our sins 
 on the cross, who ever liveth to intercede for sinners 
 at Thy right hand, who is made unto us wisdom, and 
 righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption ; let our 
 prayers ever be through His name, earnest, hopeful, 
 and sincere. " Scatter the darkness of our ignorance that 
 " we may see Thy light, and worship Thee as God. Make 
 " tender our spirits within us, that in lively devotion and 
 " singleness of heart we strive to work out our own 
 " salvation with reverence and awe, with utter distrust 
 
25 
 
 " of ourselves, and mighty confidence in Thee." Teach 
 us to estimate aright the advantages of our birth in 
 this favoured land, the blessings of Christian worship 
 and Christian society. Let our daily conduct be such 
 as to shew us truly thankful for the means of instruction, 
 and habitually diligent to profit by them all according 
 to Thy gracious will. Incline us to observe all those 
 duties and ordinances, which amid the deceitful pleasures 
 and absorbing cares of life, Thou hast enjoined for our 
 continual protection and support. On this, Thy holy 
 day, lead us to Thy house of praise and prayer in the 
 solemn purpose of living to Thine honour and glory. 
 Since Thou hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written 
 for our learning, grant that we may in such wise hear 
 them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that 
 by patience and comfort of Thy holy Word we may 
 embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of salvation. 
 And we beseech Thee to pour Thy blessing upon all 
 those in every country who have been called to any 
 office or administration in the Universal Church of our 
 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and especially upon 
 Thy ministers in our own parish and neighbourhood. 
 Instruct and strengthen them by Thy Spirit, fill them 
 with the truth of Thy doctrine, and endue them with 
 innocency of life, that they may faithfully serve before 
 Thee to the glory of Thy great name, and the benefit 
 of Thy people, through Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 
26 
 
 SUNDAY MORNING. 
 
 SECOND COLLECT. 
 
 Most Holy God ! the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 who left the heavens, his dwelling-place, and came upon 
 earth to save sinners ; for His sake awaken us to feel 
 what we ought to be upon earth, and what we hope to 
 be in heaven. Week after week is passing fast away, 
 and bringing each of us nearer and nearer to the grave. 
 Work in us, and work with us, that day by day our lives 
 as well as our lips may bear witness to our belief that 
 the hour is coming in which all that are in the graves 
 shall hear the voice of Thy Son, and shall come forth, 
 they that have done good unto the resurrection of life, 
 and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of con- 
 demnation. Enable us to search the Scriptures, for they 
 testify of Christ, to turn unto Him that we may have 
 life. Pour Thy light upon all that wander in darkness, 
 all that are dwelling in the land of the shadow of death, 
 and guide their feet into the way of peace. We would 
 give Thee most humble and hearty Thanks for all that 
 in this world are now living to Thee. We would bless 
 Thy holy name for all Thy servants departed hence in 
 Thy faith and fear, especially for those among them 
 whom here we have ourselves loved and honoured. 
 Instruct and strengthen us in Thy truth, and grant 
 us Thy grace that we may be ransomed from sin and 
 death, and together with all Thy saints in earth and 
 heaven, continually glorify Thee through Jesus Christ. 
 Amen. 
 
27 
 
 SUNDAY MORNING. 
 
 THIRD COLLECT. 
 
 Al:\iighty God, our heavenly Father, the only giver of 
 every good gift, in the name of Jesus Christ we most 
 humbly and earnestly implore Thy blessing upon this 
 household and upon all our relations, friends, and 
 benefactors. Have mercy upon our enemies and soften 
 their hearts. Incline and enable us to forgive them, 
 and to forget all past unkindness and enmity. Suffer 
 us not to give offence to Thy people. Turn us away 
 from every path that is not followed as under Thy 
 gracious eye, from every pleasure that is not enjoyed 
 as of Thy free bounty. May all and each of us yield 
 Thee continual thanks through Thine only Son for Thy 
 great goodness to us and to all men, and deeply feel that 
 Thou hast first loved us in order that we might love 
 Thee, and might know what a blessed life it is to keep 
 Thy commandments, Our Father who art in heaven, 
 Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will 
 be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this clay 
 our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we 
 forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not 
 into temptation, but deliver us from evil: for Thine is 
 the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. 
 Amen. 
 
23 
 
 2. SUNDAY EVENING. 
 
 O Lord God Almighty, for the sake of our Redeemer 
 have mercy upon us miserable offenders, and throughout 
 our continuance in this world let Thy Holy Spirit work 
 in each of us obedience to Thy will, and dependance on 
 Thy power. In Thee, Lord, in the multitude of Thy 
 mercies, establish Thou our hope through Jesus Christ, 
 our only Mediator and Advocate. We would kneel 
 before Thee in single-mindedness and deep humility. 
 Let not the consciousness of our many offences day by 
 day become a snare for our souls ; but turn us to full 
 and lowly faith in Him who has suffered for our ini- 
 quity, and broken the power of Satan. Thou alone 
 art strong to save ; O Lord, in none other have we 
 any help. Overrule the secret misgivings of our un- 
 belief, and with great might succour us. Amid all 
 our wilfulness and neglect of Thee, root and establish 
 Thy kingdom in our hearts, for the honour of Thine only 
 Son. Let not iniquity have dominion over us. Order 
 our steps in Thy word, and set a watch before our 
 mouths. Incline us to keep Thy commandments, and 
 to avoid the fellowship of those who do evil in Thy 
 sight, and have not in their hearts the fear of Thee. 
 Suffer us not to lavish away the season of mercy, pro- 
 cured for us here by such a costly sacrifice, on pursuits 
 of unreal importance, or in unprofitable studies. Enable 
 
29 
 
 us to put our whole trust in Thee, that we may not lean 
 unto our own understandings, or seek after the wisdom 
 of the flesh. In the deaths of our fellow-creatures, as 
 they fall around us continually, teach us to feel how frail 
 and uncertain is our own condition, and so to number 
 our days that we may indeed apply our hearts unto 
 wisdom. Let us ever be mindful that death may 
 come upon us suddenly ; that we know not the day 
 nor the hour when each and all of us here assembled 
 in the flesh before Thee, shall hear the certain summons 
 to the grave : and that after the grave, wherein is no 
 place for change and repentance, cometh the judgment. 
 Prepare us against the terrors of the last day, that we 
 may then be found in the train of our Redeemer, and 
 heartily rejoice in the strength of our salvation. Unto 
 Him that is able to establish us according to His Gospel, 
 and the revelation of the mystery winch was kept secret, 
 but is now made known for the obedience of faith ; unto 
 God only wise be glory for ever, through Jesus Christ. 
 Amen. 
 
 F 2 
 
30 
 
 2. MONDAY EVENING. 
 
 Almighty God, unto whom all hearts be open, all desires 
 known, and from whom no secrets are hid, have mercy 
 upon us, for the sake of Him who left the heavens, His 
 dwelling-place, and came on earth in the flesh to save 
 sinners; have mercy upon us, O Lord, and fill us 
 effectively with the fear of Thee, that we may begin 
 to be wise : grant us lowly, penitent, and obedient 
 hearts, that we may meekly confess our manifold sins 
 and wickedness, and never dissemble them before Thee, 
 never excuse them to ourselves, to the end that we may 
 obtain forgiveness of the same through Thine infinite 
 goodness and mercy. Grant us that living and active 
 faith which is the free gift of Thy Holy Spirit in Christ, 
 that we may serve Thee with a tender conscience, shrink- 
 ing from evil in whatsoever form it may appear, and by 
 our lives as well as with our lips offer up our continual 
 thanks, through Him who took us out of darkness and 
 the shadow of death, that He might make us the children 
 of light, and exalt us to everlasting glory. Subdue within 
 us each evil passion, and strengthen us against every dan- 
 gerous indulgence. Deliver us from all hypocrisy, pride, 
 and blindness of heart ; from contempt of Thy command- 
 ments, and all false peace. Every night let us lie down 
 to sleep in the same forgiving and humble temper as 
 to those around us, and to ourselves, in the which we 
 
31 
 
 would desire and hope to die, lest our souls be required 
 of us unawares, and we perish in our sin. Let us rejoice 
 in the light of every morning as Thy gift, and seek on 
 our bended knees that assistance from Thee, by which 
 alone we can be carried through the day in safety. 
 Make us diligent and active in our earthly calling, and 
 zealous above all things for Thine honour and glory, 
 that so, whatever we do, we may do it heartily and 
 with goodwill, as to the Lord, and not unto men. 
 Work in us that we try honestly to do Thy will and put 
 not any trust in our own wisdom or strength. Establish 
 our reliance on Thy power according to Thy promised 
 mercy. Let us not turn to our own destruction the 
 many blessings we receive at Thy hands, but try to 
 perfect their merciful intent in stedfast hope with all per- 
 severance. Break the bondage of our iniquities ; have 
 compassion upon our infirmities ; and day by day render 
 our fear of Thee more solemn and effectual, our love of 
 Thee more tender and abiding, our prayers to Thee more 
 fervent, our praises of Thee more earnest and continual, 
 through our only Saviour, Jesus Christ. 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 p 3 
 
32 
 
 2. TUESDAY EVENING. 
 
 Lord God Almighty, Father of Him who came into the 
 world to save sinners, have compassion upon us for His 
 sake. We confess our utter unworthiness in Thy sight, 
 we acknowledge the evil imaginations of our hearts. 
 Leave us not to ourselves for one moment, but work in 
 us evermore both to will and to do, that we, who cannot 
 do anything that is good without Thee, may by Thee be 
 enabled to live according to Thy Word. Make us 
 habitually desirous of improvement in the" knowledge 
 and practice of Thy Word. Deliver us from careless- 
 ness and a trifling spirit, that we may give ourselves up 
 to Thy service with earnest zeal : let our prayers become 
 unto us the rule of our life every day, that each of us 
 may thankfully rely on Thy continual furtherance and 
 support, and may sincerely desire to discharge the duties 
 of our respective stations as before Thee. Preserve us 
 from all unchristian tempers and pursuits ; from selfish- 
 ness, under whatsoever form it might else beguile us ; 
 and from every deed, and word, and thought, which might 
 grieve the Holy Spirit. Extinguish in us all wrath, 
 envy, pride, and malice. Guard us against sloth and all 
 manner of excess, in eating and drinking, and suffer 
 us not to neglect the means of grace, or lose the hope 
 of glory. Dispose us to be lowly-minded, obedient, 
 and teachable, to put our trust in Thee the living God, 
 
33 
 
 who givest us richly all things to enjoy, and ever to 
 press forwards with all our strength of soul and body 
 towards the prize of our high calling in Christ. Incline 
 us to love our enemies, to bless them that curse us, and 
 to do good to them that hate us. We would pray for 
 them which despitefully use us and persecute us. Have 
 mercy on them and us, and our relations, friends, and 
 neighbours, and make us all deeply thankful to Thee for 
 Thy many blessings vouchsafed to us every day, for the 
 preservation of our senses, and the continuance of our 
 powers of mind and body. Work in us that we estimate 
 aright our time of trial here, while we are yet, under Thy 
 Spirit, able to turn it to its proper account ; and we earnestly 
 pray Thee, in whose hands are the issues of life and death, 
 to spare the lives of each of us here assembled before Thy 
 throne, until the work be finished which Thou hast given 
 us to do, through the death and revelation of Thine only 
 Son. 
 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
34 
 
 2. WEDNESDAY EVENING. 
 
 Almighty God ! in the name of Thy well-beloved Son, 
 who was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for 
 our iniquities, are we now gathered together before Thee. 
 Pardon us, we beseech Thee, for His sake, and accept 
 our prayers. Absolve us from our numerous offences, 
 whereby we have most justly provoked Thy wrath and 
 indignation. Cause us earnestly to repent and heartily 
 to be sorry for our misdoings : make the remembrance 
 of them burdensome and painful to us, and turn us to 
 Thee with an humble spirit and a contrite heart, for the 
 sake of Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate. 
 May we submit ourselves entirely to Thy Gospel, and 
 in all our ways acknowledge Thee. Let us not disquiet 
 ourselves in vain, or be troubled about many things, 
 but strive to lay up our treasure in heaven. Teach 
 us in whatsoever state we are therewith to be content, 
 and under all the chances and changes of this mortal 
 life to put our trust in Thee alone. Enable us to seek 
 Thy kingdom above all things, and cleanse us from all 
 filthiness of the flesh and spirit, that we may perfect 
 holiness in the fear of Thee. TTe make our humble 
 supplications unto Thee, for all our relations, friends, 
 and benefactors. Let Thy fatberly hand be ever over 
 them: let Thy Holy Spirit be ever with them: and so 
 lead them in the knowledge of Thy "Word, that in the 
 
35 
 
 end they may obtain everlasting life. Look with an 
 eye of pity and compassion upon all those who are any 
 ways afflicted in mind, body, or estate. Give them 
 patience under all their sufferings, and in due time a 
 happy issue out of all their afflictions. And as we pray 
 unto Thee, O God, for ourselves and others, so we desire 
 to bless and praise Thy holy name, for all Thy goodness 
 and loving-kindness unto us and unto all men. We give 
 Thee most sincere and humble thanks for the preservation 
 of us down to this day ; for the comforts and conveniences 
 as well as the necessaries of life. Above all, we magnify 
 and adore Thee for perfecting and revealing to us the 
 redemption of the world. Unto Jehovah, who is our 
 strength, unto Him that is able to do exceeding 
 abundantly above all that we ask or think, according 
 to the manifestation of His power, unto Him be glory 
 in the Church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, 
 world without end. Amen. 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
36 
 
 2. THURSDAY. 
 
 O God, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind, have 
 mercy upon each of us, and teach us our fallen estate ; 
 and so convince us of our sins, that we may, through 
 Christ our Redeemer, earnestly desire to be made truly 
 penitent, and humbly seek pardon and continual assist- 
 ance from Thee. Break within us the power of sin, 
 and deliver us from the bondage of Satan. Let us 
 indeed look to the cross of Him who died for our sins, 
 and ever intercedes for those who unfeignedly repent, 
 and sincerely endeavour to amend their lives. Let not 
 our hearts be hardened against Thee, but inspire us 
 with a constant sense of Thy presence, and a thankful 
 reliance on Thy faithfulness and power. Teach us 
 effectively that we cannot serve two masters, and make 
 us hold unto Thee. Put away from us all hurtful things, 
 and give us those things which may be good and profit- 
 able unto us. Deliver us from all wilfulness and inor- 
 dinate cares, from intemperance and prodigality, from 
 lying, and slandering, from ill-temper, hatred, malice, 
 and envy. Suffer not our hours to be consumed in 
 vanity, or our years in trouble, but let each day tell 
 and instruct another, that as our life draws nearer its 
 close, we may be more and more conformed to Thine 
 image. Be with us amid the trying concerns and 
 importunate claims of the world, and keep us habitu- 
 
37 
 
 ally studious to walk after Thy commandments, and 
 ever anxious to do that which we believe right in 
 Thine eyes. Oh ! Thou that art the Rewarder of them 
 that diligently seek Thee, work in us, that we acknow- 
 ledge the spirit and power, while we observe in all 
 humility the forms, of godliness. Let us not forget 
 the costly ransom of our souls, but ever be constrained, 
 by the love of Christ for us, to take the cup of salvation, 
 and to avow with our lips, and make manifest in our 
 lives, day by day, the power of His Spirit. And when 
 at any time we have fallen from our high calling, and 
 sinned before Thee, break down all plausible reasons, 
 all idle excuses, for not again seeking Thee with all 
 our might. Let us not ruin our own souls by danger- 
 ous delay, by most delusive intentions for the morrow, 
 but turn to Thee meekly, while it is yet now the accepted 
 time. Unto Him that is able to keep us from falling, and 
 to present us faultless before the presence of His glory 
 with exceeding joy, unto the Lord God Almighty, be 
 glory, and majesty, power, and dominion, now and for 
 ever, through Jesus Christ. Amen. 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
38 
 
 2. FRIDAY. 
 
 Enter not into judgment with Thy servants, O Lord 
 God Almighty, but spare us for the sake of Thy well- 
 beloved Son, and turn from us all those evils which 
 we most justly deserve. Spare us, whom Thou hast 
 redeemed, and take away the hardness of our hearts, 
 that we meekly acknowledge and truly repent our 
 transgressions. And forasmuch as Thou seest that we 
 have not any power of ourselves to help ourselves, in 
 all our dangers and necessity stretch forth Thy right 
 hand to help and defend us. Increase our faith, O 
 Lord, that it may work in us patience to run the race 
 that is set before us, and stedfast hope, that we count 
 all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge 
 of Jesus Christ. Let us not put ourselves in the way of 
 any temptation that may be avoided, or needlessly con- 
 tinue under any circumstances which may provoke us 
 unto evil. Make us more especially careful against 
 those things whereof our consciences are afraid, and 
 deliver us from the sin that doth most easily beset us. 
 Dispose us to seek the company, and listen to the 
 discourse, of such as honour Thy commandments and 
 fear Thee. Preserve us from evil communications and 
 example. Grant that we may ever be temperate in 
 our enjoyment of the comforts and wealth which Thou 
 givest for our use, and innocent and inoffensive in 
 
39 
 
 our conversation. Let us not be lost in the cares and 
 pleasures of this life, but ready at all hours, that we 
 may not have our portion among unbelievers. Teach 
 us that here we are only pilgrims, and are seeking an 
 eternal home ; that our appointed travel towards that 
 home is as a shadow passing away swiftly. Make us 
 so desire to die the death of the righteous, that we 
 may live in quiet and cheerful obedience to Thee. 
 Suffer us not in the blindness of our hearts to make 
 a mock at sin. Turn us away from heedless levity, 
 from vain imaginations, to watchful seriousness and 
 sober zeal, that we may be filled with all peace and 
 joy in believing, and may abound in hope through 
 the power of the Holy Ghost. Enable us to watch 
 always as those who know not when the Son of man 
 cometh, that when He doth come in power and great 
 glory to judge the world, each of us may be made a 
 partaker of His resurrection, and through Him an in- 
 heritor of Thine everlasting kingdom. 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
40 
 
 2. SATURDAY. 
 
 In His name who came into the world to save sinners 
 that only name under heaven given among men whereby 
 we may be saved, have mercy upon us, O Lord God, 
 and for His sake pardon our iniquity. Forgive us 
 all that is past, and vouchsafe unto us Thy grace, 
 that we stedfastly purpose amendment of our lives ; 
 and Thy strength, that we be continually labouring to 
 amend them. Deliver us from all evil passions and 
 from the pride of life, from all sinful thoughts and 
 unprofitable pursuits, from lying lips and a deceitful 
 tongue. Enable us to take good heed unto ourselves, 
 lest at any time our hearts be overcharged with sur- 
 feiting and drunkenness and cares of this world, and 
 the day of judgment come upon us as a snare. Let 
 us live in watchfulness and constant prayer. Instruct 
 us to examine our own minds and purposes as before 
 Thee. Teach us to search out our own spirits, that 
 they may not unawares become earthly, blinded, and 
 sensual. Especially we beseech Thee to grant Thy 
 grace to us and to all our relations, friends, and neigh- 
 bours, that we may love Thee and dread Thee, and try 
 diligently to live after Thy commandments. Establish 
 Thou the work of our hands, and comfort us in all our 
 trouble ; and let the glorious majesty of the Lord our 
 God be continually before us. Let not our imaginations 
 
41 
 
 be vain and evil, let not our hearts be darkened ; but let 
 us year by year and day by day strive earnestly to retain 
 in our knowledge the Lord, our Creator, our Redeemer, 
 our Sanctifier, and to glorify Him as God over all, blessed 
 for ever. Enlighten our understandings, that we may 
 know the great hope of our calling in Jesus Christ, the 
 exceeding greatness of His power, and the rich glory of 
 His inheritance. May each week as it passes the better 
 prepare us for that eternity, to which it assuredly brings 
 us nearer ; and make us more and more sensible of Thy 
 continual mercies, and of Thine unchangeable goodness 
 in all Thine ordinances ; more especially in commanding 
 us to make all things known unto Thee by prayer and 
 supplication with thanksgiving ; and we would now most 
 humbly and earnestly bless Thee and praise Thy holy 
 name for Thy gracious care of us and all dear to us. 
 It is Thy hand which continually supports us, and 
 preserves us in our going out and coming in. We 
 would worship Thee, we would glorify Thee, w r e would 
 give thanks to Thee for Thy great glory, O Lord God 
 Almighty, through Him who takes away the sins of 
 the world, and has taught us to call upon Thee, saying, 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 G 2 
 
42 
 
 THE MORNING BEFOEE 
 
 THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LOED'S SUPPER, 
 
 OR HOLY COMMUNION. 
 
 Lord God Almighty ! Creator and Preserver of all 
 mankind, Thy mercy is over all Thy works, and Thou 
 desirest not the death of any sinner, convince us of 
 Thy great love whereby Jesus Christ the righteous did 
 suffer death upon the cross, and there make by His 
 one oblation of Himself once offered, a full, perfect, 
 and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for 
 the sins of each of us here assembled before Thy 
 throne in His name, that He might redeem us from an 
 evil world, and enable us to worship Thee in spirit and 
 in truth. Humble us entirely before Thy searching 
 eye : deliver us from our own conceits, and take from 
 every heart its pride, and bitterness, and unbelief. 
 Render us truly conscious of our iniquity ; that we may 
 look upon Him who was lifted up on the cross, that 
 in Him we might have eternal life, that the world 
 through Him might be saved ! Work in our secret 
 selves a thankful acceptance of Him, a lowly obedience 
 to Thee. Thou hast promised to bring the blind by a 
 way that they knew not ; to make darkness light before 
 them, and crooked things straight. Let Thy Holy Spirit 
 work in each of us an affectionate confidence in Thy 
 gracious promises of pardon, help, and mercy, that we 
 
43 
 
 may give earnest heed to the things which we have 
 heard, and neglect not Thy great salvation. lift up 
 the light of Thy countenance upon us, that we may 
 acknowledge Thy guidance here, and may hope for Thy 
 glory hereafter. Let the wicked forsake his way, and 
 the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return 
 unto Thee, for Thou wilt have mercy upon him ; unto 
 our God, for Thou wilt abundantly pardon. Enable 
 us to lay well to heart this day what is signified by the 
 bread which we eat, and the wine which we drink at 
 the Holy Communion of the body and blood of our 
 crucified Lord and Saviour. Make us deeply feel that 
 the evening cannot leave us such as this morning re- 
 ceived us ; that we must then have used or abused in 
 a further degree the gracious offers of Thy Gospel. 
 Breathe into us a living and effective faith, and teach 
 us to cast our every care upon Thee, with stedfast hope 
 and lowly comfort. Guide us onward to the prize of 
 our high calling, order our steps by Thy "Word, and 
 lead us forth into the land of righteousness. In Thee 
 would we live, and move, and have our being, through 
 Jesus Christ. Unto Jehovah, who is our strength, unto 
 Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all 
 that we ask or think, unto Him be glory, in the Church, 
 by Christ Jesus, world without end. Amen. 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 G 3 
 
44 
 
 THE EVENING AFTEE 
 
 THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE LORD'S SCPPEE, 
 
 OE HOLY COMMUNION. 
 
 Lord God Almighty ! Creator of heaven and earth, and 
 all that therein is, have mercy upon us for the sake of 
 Jesus Christ, and forgive us all that is past, and make 
 as as little children before Thee, that we may truly 
 repent and be converted, and enter into Thy kingdom. 
 Thou hast sent Thy Son to suffer death for us upon the 
 cross ! of Thine infinite goodness grant that in Him we 
 may be turned from darkness to light, from the power 
 of Satan unto Thee, that in Him each of us may receive 
 the forgiveness of our sins, and an inheritance among all 
 them which are sanctified by faith. Give us ears to 
 hear, and eyes to see the things that belong unto our 
 peace, and make our lives such as may bear witness 
 to our belief in our Creator, our Redeemer, and our 
 Sanctifier. Teach us what it is to desire the sanctifica- 
 tion of Thy Holy Spirit, that we may lay aside all 
 iniquity, may honestly seek and stedfastly endeavour 
 with all our strength of mind and body to perfect 
 holiness in the fear of Thee. Govern us with con- 
 tinual thankfulness, and comfort us with continual hope. 
 In Thee and towards Thy righteousness establish and 
 direct our every thought, and word, and deed, that for 
 us death may be abolished in Jesus Christ, and life 
 
45 
 
 and immortality brought to light. Let us have died 
 unto sin in Him, that we may be quickened together 
 vith Him, and rise with Him unto newness of life, 
 through firm faith in Thy power and goodness ; and 
 let us earnestly desire to see Him in His glory, when we 
 shall have passed through the gate of death and the 
 grave. Here on earth enable us to love Thee, and to 
 know Thee that Thou art the Lord. Every day would 
 we bless Thee, and worship Thy holy name ; we would 
 extol Thee for ever, and magnify Thy salvation. We 
 would abundantly utter the memory of Thy mercies, 
 and speak of Thy righteousness. We bless Thee that 
 Thou wert in Christ reconciling us unto Thyself, not 
 imputing unto us our trespasses. We bless Thee, that 
 as we are partakers of flesh and blood, Christ himself 
 likewise took part of the same, that through death He 
 might destroy Him that had the power of death. 
 "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, 
 and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and 
 glory, and blessing, world without end. Amen. 
 Oar Father, &c. 
 
46 
 
 CHRISTMAS-DAY. 
 
 Lord God Almighty ! who didst send into the world 
 as on this day the Messenger of Thy covenant, Thy 
 well-beloved and only Son, that through Him the world 
 might be saved, have mercy upon us for His sake, and 
 let Thy Spirit work in us effectually that we neglect 
 not Thy great salvation. Enable us to confess with 
 our mouths the Lord Jesus, and to believe in Him 
 with all our hearts : and strengthen us unto a quiet 
 and confident conviction, that He is able to save to 
 the uttermost every one that shall come through Him 
 unto Thee. Let Him be made unto each of us our 
 wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and re- 
 demption. Quicken us to such a sense of our utter 
 unworthiness, as may humble us entirely before Thy 
 throne : and when we labour and are heavy laden, turn 
 us, and we shall be turned, unto Him who alone can 
 give us rest. Incline us to learn of Him who was 
 meek and lowly in heart, and to take upon us His 
 easy yoke, that we be not wise in our own conceits, and 
 follow not our own devices and desires, but rather be 
 filled with the knowledge of Thy will in all wisdom and 
 spiritual understanding. Teach us to deny ungodliness 
 and worldly lusts, and to live soberly and righteously 
 in this present world, as true believers in Him, who 
 came upon earth as at this time in the flesh, and gave 
 
47 
 
 Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all 
 iniquity, and purify us unto Himself for a peculiar 
 people, zealous of good works. May we learn the 
 lesson of our peace from Him, who was fashioned as 
 one of us, and lived in this our world, a man of sorrows 
 and acquainted with grief. Henceforward rule us all 
 our lives to take good heed unto Thy "Word, and let 
 the Day-star arise on our hearts, and the knowledge of 
 the birth of Christ be to us glad tidings of great joy. 
 Make us truly thankful that unto us a Child is born, 
 unto us a Son is given, upon whose shoulder is the 
 government, whose name is called the Mighty God, the 
 Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Hide Thy 
 face from our sin, and blot out all our iniquity. Vouch- 
 safe unto us the joy of Thy salvation, and uphold us with 
 Thy free Spirit. Open Thou our lips, and our mouths 
 shall show forth Thy praise. Glory be to God on high, 
 and in earth peace, good-will towards men. "We praise 
 Thee, we bless Thee, we worship Thee, we glorify Thee, 
 we give thanks to Thee, for Thy great glory, Lord God 
 Almighty, through Jesus Christ, Thine only Son. Amen. 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
48 
 
 NEW YEAR'S DAY. 
 
 Eternal and Almighty God, who hast brought us to 
 the end of one year and to the beginning of another, 
 have mercy upon us, and pardon every transgression 
 our past lives witness against us, for the sake of Jesus 
 Christ ; and let Thy Spirit work in us the will, and 
 bestow upon us the power, to obey Thy Word during 
 the remainder of our lives. It is Thy pleasure to 
 increase the number of our days: increase our faith 
 also, we beseech Thee, and enable us to bring forth 
 fruits meet for repentance. In every year as it passes 
 away let us be made wiser and better, and more capable 
 of loving Thee ; that so we may become Thine in name 
 and in truth, and more fitted to depart as the time of 
 our departure is drawing nearer and nearer. Make us 
 lay seriously to heart all Thy warnings" vouchsafed us 
 hitherto. Turn all the visitations of Thy providence 
 upon us to their proper account ; and let us feel our- 
 selves in the hands of a most merciful Father, and 
 endeavour through Thy continual help to live under 
 Thine eye with all gladness, as Thy children by adop- 
 tion in Jesus Christ. May we thankfully profit by all 
 our means of grace, and deeply cherish the hope of 
 glory. Make us remember, that every hour of every 
 day is Thy special and immediate gift, and spend it 
 to Thine honour in the work of our salvation. In 
 
49 
 
 Thy great mercy pardon us all the years we have 
 consumed in vanity, deliver us from all evil habits, 
 extinguish within us every bad passion, and destroy in 
 us all unholy desires. Enable us to run with diligence 
 the race that may be set before us, and teach us so to 
 number our days, that we may now apply our hearts 
 unto wisdom. It is Thou who hast made heaven, and 
 the heaven of heavens, with all their hosts, the earth, 
 and all things that are therein ; and Thou preservest 
 them all, and the hosts of heaven worship Thee. Let 
 all the ends of the earth fear Thee, and look unto Jesus, 
 and be saved in Him. The day is Thine, and the night 
 also. Thou hast made summer and winter. Thou hast 
 fashioned of one blood all nations that dwell on the face 
 of the earth. Have compassion on the work of Thy 
 hands. Thy Spirit has made each of us, and Thy breath 
 has given us life. Impute not unto us our iniquity, 
 redeem us from our sin, and renew us again after Thine 
 image. For the sake of Thy Son, let the Spirit of truth 
 guide us into all truth, and remove from us the weight 
 of our offences. Let us put on the righteousness of 
 Christ, that we may be delivered from the bondage of 
 corruption, and may stand fast in the glorious liberty 
 wherewith our Saviour has made free the children of 
 God : and sowing to the Spirit here, of the Spirit reap 
 life everlasting. 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
50 
 
 GOOD FRIDAY. 
 
 lx the name of Thy well-beloved and only Son, crucified 
 for each of us as on this day, we would draw nigh unto 
 Thee, most holy God, and humbly cry out unto Thee for 
 remission of our sins. Let each of us be saved from 
 wrath, through Him who has been evidently set before 
 us as wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our 
 iniquities, upon whom was the chastisement of our peace, 
 and with whose stripes we may be healed. Have com- 
 passion upon us, Almighty Father ; let Thy Spirit cleanse 
 and comfort our hearts : and to each of us here assembled 
 before Thy Throne, and to all in every land that call 
 upon the name of Christ, let the preaching of His cross 
 be the power of God and the wisdom of God. Enlighten 
 us to understand the exceeding sinfulness of sin from the 
 greatness of the sacrifice offered and accepted for our 
 redemption. Thou who didst not spare Thine own Son, 
 but didst deliver Him up for us all, in Thy power and 
 mercy work in us a full belief, that with Him Thou wilt 
 freely give us all things, and vouchsafe unto us peace 
 with Thee through the blood of His cross. And as 
 Thou wouldest have all men to be saved, give us hearts 
 to feel Thy passing love for us when dead in trespasses 
 and sin, and to acknowledge Thy justice and Thy perfect 
 holiness. According to the w r orking wdierewith Thou art 
 able to subdue all things unto Thyself, work in us, that 
 
51 
 
 we may live in Christ, and be clothed in that righteous- 
 ness which is of God by faith. Let not the world, the 
 flesh, or the devil beguile us from our allegiance to Thee, 
 or in any wise delude us into any compromise with sin, 
 any denial of Thy keen and searching Word. Increase 
 our faith, that we may look unto Jesus in singleness of 
 mind and fervent devotion, and may so bear in our 
 memories His anguish of spirit and cruel death, that 
 we may put off the body of the sins of the flesh, and 
 be created anew to good works. Blot out the hand- 
 writing of ordinances that is against us and contrary 
 to us, and take it out of the way ; lead us to the foot 
 of the cross of Thy dear Son, for the sake of Him that 
 loved us, and washed us from our sins by His blood in 
 Whom and through Whom all praise and power be unto 
 Thee, Lord God of heaven and earth, for ever. Amen. 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
52 
 
 EASTER SUNDAY. 
 
 For the sake of Him who was delivered for our offences, 
 and as at this time rose again for our justification, hear 
 our prayers in heaven Thy dwelling-place, O Lord God, 
 and when Thou hearest forgive the sins of Thy servants. 
 Have respect to our supplication, and hearken unto the 
 cry and to the prayer that we pray before Thee this day. 
 We have sinned before Thee, and done evil in Thy sight, 
 and there is no health in us. Have mercy upon us, 
 miserable offenders, and make us truly penitent, and 
 heal us, that we may live the life we are now living 
 in the flesh by the faith of the Son of God. And 
 since He rose again from the grave as on this day, 
 having conquered the power of death, in Him let us 
 now be made new creatures, and be raised up as Thy 
 children by adoption. Set our affections on things 
 above, and so bring us to the throne of Thy mercy, 
 that we may find help in time of need, through the 
 intercession of Him who was touched with the feeling 
 of our infirmities. In His name vouchsafe to each of us 
 repentance and remission of our sins, and a heart to love 
 and dread Thee, and diligently to live after Thy command- 
 ments. Open our understandings to see the earnest of 
 our own resurrection in Him who is the resurrection 
 and the life, and shall sit upon the throne of His glory, 
 to judge all the kindreds of earth gathered together 
 
53 
 
 before Him, and shall give to the blessed of His Father 
 the inheritance of the kingdom prepared for them from 
 the foundation of the world. Humble us before Thy 
 presence, and render us in all things wholly obedient to 
 Thy will during our time of trial here. Keep us from 
 all idols, and subdue unto Thyself our every thought, 
 that we may not be drawn aside from Thee by our own 
 desires, or wilfully depart from Thy Word in any degree. 
 Let us not walk in the counsel of the ungodly, but make 
 us jealous over all our ways for the sake of Thy holy name. 
 Enable us to choose for our companions only such as by 
 their lives and lips profess to honour Thy Word and seek 
 Thy glory. May we and all our friends and relations be 
 filled with the Holy Spirit, and established unblameable 
 in holiness before God, even our Father, at the second 
 coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, with all His holy 
 angels; and may every tongue be made glad -with the 
 praise of the Lamb of God, that taketh away the sins 
 of the world. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and 
 became the firstfruits of them that sleep, to receive 
 power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and bless- 
 ing. Amen. 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 H 2 
 
54 
 
 WHITSUNDAY. 
 
 Holt, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, the Creator, the 
 Redeemer, the Sanctifier of all Thy people, have com- 
 passion upon us for the sake of Thy well-beloved Son, 
 and forgive us all that is past, and comfort us with a 
 knowledge of Thy free grace to sinners. Thou hast 
 not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by 
 our Lord Jesus Christ; that whether we wake or sleep 
 we should live together with Him, and be saved through 
 sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth. Make 
 us hunger and thirst after Thy righteousness, and feed 
 us with food convenient for us, and lead us to the pure 
 river of water, proceeding out of the throne of God and 
 of the Lamb. Let us not spend money for that which 
 is not bread, or labour for that which satisfieth not, but 
 hearken diligently unto Thee, that we may be made 
 partakers of Thy everlasting covenant. Build us up 
 on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, in Him 
 who is become the Head of the corner, for Thy habita- 
 tion. Let Thy Spirit dwell in us with power, that 
 we may abound in hope, and show forth in our lives 
 all joy, and love, and peace, and long-suffering, and 
 goodness, and faith, and meekness, and temperance. 
 Sustain us under all afflictions of mind or body, that 
 as obedient children we may be fashioned according to 
 the wisdom of those that have preached the Gospel 
 
unto us with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. 
 Put upon us Thy whole armour, that we may be en- 
 abled to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked, and 
 to stand against the wiles of the devil. Deliver us 
 from all unquiet and perplexing imaginations, and let 
 us not lean unto our own understandings, but fear 
 Thee and depart from evil. Enable us to search the 
 Scriptures with all diligence, and to hold fast the know- 
 ledge of the truth ; and amid all the chances and changes 
 of this world, to look unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher 
 of our faith. Let us serve Thee with a thankful vigi- 
 lance, and take good heed unto ourselves, that we quench 
 not the Spirit, but humble ourselves entirely before Thy 
 lightest admonition, and stand fast in our faith without 
 wavering, that our God may be glorified in all things, 
 to Whom be praise and thanksgiving, honour and glory, 
 world without end, through Jesus Christ. 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
 h 3 
 
56 
 
 PRAYER DURING A GENERAL ELECTION. 
 
 Lord God Almighty ! who desirest not the death of a 
 sinner, of Thy great goodness in Jesus Christ put away 
 the sins of our country, and remember them no more. 
 Especially we beseech Thee to pardon each of us here 
 present for every such sin of which we have been 
 partakers, whether by neglecting to do what we ought 
 to have done, or by doing what we ought not to have 
 done. Our nation is in Thine hand, as the clay in the 
 hands of the potter, be pleased to turn us from all our 
 evil works and ways. It has pleased Thy servant, our 
 Queen, at this time to summon a new Parliament to 
 aid and advise her in governing her realms, may we 
 and all people committed to her charge, find grace in 
 Thy sight to pursue effectual means for securing the 
 free course of Thy Word in her wide dominions, and 
 for spreading throughout them all the Protestant faith, 
 on which it pleases Thee the stability of her throne 
 should be dependent. May we honestly desire to obey 
 Thee ourselves, and to promote an entire obedience to 
 Thy will among all her subjects. May we try with all 
 our heart and strength to return to her council such 
 of her commons as love Thee, and dread Thee, and 
 diligently live after Thy commandments, while they 
 openly profess an unwavering adherence to our Pro- 
 testant faith, that so when the High Court of Parlia- 
 
57 
 
 ment shall be assembled, they may deliberately adopt 
 and resolutely carry out, under Thy blessing, the best 
 and wisest measures for the maintenance of the truth 
 as it is in Jesus Christ, and for saving our country 
 from the sins and errors of Popery, or any approach to 
 them. We beseech Thee to make us truly thankful to 
 Thee for the pure light of Holy Scripture, which containeth 
 all things necessary to salvation, and for Thy gracious 
 care of these realms. May we deeply feel that by Thy 
 law we owe to our Protestant Queen " most loyalty and " 
 " obedience afore and above all other powers and poten- " 
 " tates on the earth ; " and that according to Thy Word she 
 is " Supreme Governor in these her realms, and all other " 
 " her dominions and countries, over all persons, in all " 
 " causes, as well Ecclesiastical as Temporal." Grant that 
 she may long reign over us in health, peace, and happi- 
 ness: and that she, and all her subjects, in whatsoever 
 land, may continually pray and labour that truth and 
 justice, religion and piety, may be established among 
 us for all generations, to Thine honour and glory, 
 through Jesus Christ, our only Mediator and Advo- 
 cate. Amen. 
 
58 
 
 PRAYER TO BE SAID 
 
 WHEN THE PUBLIC PEACE IS DISTURBED 
 
 OR IN DANGER. 
 
 Lord God Almighty, in whose hands are all the nations 
 of earth, who sparest them that turn from their evil, 
 and withholdest Thy blessing from them that obey not 
 Thy voice, have mercy upon our nation for the sake 
 of Jesus Christ, have mercy upon us, and upon our 
 fellow -subjects, throughout all the dominions of our 
 Queen. May we cease to do wickedly, and learn to 
 do what is right in Thine eyes. Incline us to con- 
 sider well what great things Thou hast done for us, 
 and turn us from all evil, that we may honour Thy 
 Word and fear Thee, and serve Thee in truth, with all 
 our heart. Spare us, good Lord, and take not away 
 from us the hope of Thy favour and the light of Thy 
 countenance. May it please Thee to still the outrages 
 of all violent and unruly people, to abate their pride, 
 assuage their malice, and to defeat their counsels and 
 combinations against the quietness and good order of our 
 country. Save us from tumult and murder, from all sedi- 
 tion, privy conspiracy, and rebellion. We humbly beseech 
 Thee to protect Thy chosen servant Victoria, our Queen 
 and Governor, and to rule her heart that she may, above 
 all things, seek Thine honour and glory. May we, and 
 all her people, duly considering whose authority she has, 
 
59 
 
 faithfully serve, honour and obey her in Thee, and for 
 Thee, according to Thy blessed Word and ordinance. 
 Endue all her advisers, all the Lords of her Council 
 and Members of the High Court of Parliament, every 
 judge, magistrate, and public officer, all her army and 
 navy, with gentleness, firmness, and understanding, that 
 all things may be so ordered and settled by their en- 
 deavours upon the best and surest foundations, that 
 peace and happiness, truth and justice, religion and 
 good order, may be established among us for all 
 generations. Especially we pray Thee to bless and 
 strengthen all the ministers of Thy G-ospel throughout 
 our country, that they may zealously serve Thee in 
 their high office, ana* plainly set before all people who 
 need their counsel, the necessity of obeying the law 
 and discharging their duty to their God and their 
 Queen, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. Amen. 
 
60 
 MORNING PRAYER 
 
 FOR OLDER CHILDREN. 
 
 O Lord God Almighty ! maker of heaven and earth, 
 Thou hast brought me to the light of another day ! 
 be pleased to carry me through it in safety for the 
 sake of Jesus Christ. Have mercy upon me that I 
 may spend my days according to Thy will, and may 
 put my whole trust in Thee. Grant me Thy Spirit, 
 and lead me along the path of salvation. Incline and 
 enable me to do unto others as I would they should 
 do unto me, to submit myself thankfully to my parents, 
 governors, and teachers, and to learn diligently such 
 things as they may desire, so that as I grow older, I 
 may grow better and wiser, and more fitted to do my 
 duty in that station of life unto which it may please 
 Thee to call me. Save me from all hatred and envy, 
 from all anger and malice. Enable me to tell the 
 truth on all occasions, and to be honest, just, and kind, 
 in all I say, and do, and think. Make me gentle to 
 all around me, and especially affectionate to my friends 
 and relations. Bless my father and mother, my brothers 
 and sisters, and all that are near and dear to me. For- 
 give me all my past offences and set me free to serve 
 Thee with singleness of heart. On this day be pleased 
 to give me all things that are needful for my soul and 
 body. May I thank Thee for all the blessings I enjoy, 
 and earnestly desire, and honestly try, to live to Thine 
 honour and glory, through Jesus Christ. 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
61 
 EVENING PRAYER 
 
 FOR OLDER CHILDREN. 
 
 For the sake of my Redeemer, let Thy Spirit, O Lord 
 God, make me truly penitent for every wrong thing I 
 have said or done this day. Pardon all my sins, and 
 of Thy great goodness enable me to love Thee and to 
 fear Thee more and more. Correct in me all selfishness 
 and bad temper ; deliver me from idleness and disobedi- 
 ence, and make me gentle and teachable. Let me never 
 forget that Thou seest me always, hearest every word 
 I say, and knowest every thought I have. I thank 
 Thee, my God, for all the blessings I have received 
 this day, for all the comforts I enjoy, for the possession 
 of all my senses, and the health to use them diligently 
 in the great business of life. Have mercy upon me this 
 night, guard me while I am asleep, and if it be Thy 
 will that I awake again in this world, direct, sanctify, 
 and govern both my soul and body in the ways of Thy 
 law and the works of Thy commandments. Bless my 
 father and mother, my brothers and sisters, my teachers, 
 and all the members of this household. Let Thy Fatherly 
 hand be ever over us. Let Thy Holy Spirit be ever 
 with us, and so lead us through this world, that on 
 the great day of Judgment we may find grace in Thy 
 sight through Jesus Christ, and be pardoned for His 
 sake, and received into heaven. 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
62 
 
 PRAYER FOR YOUNG CHILDREN. 
 
 O Lord God Almighty ! maker of heaven and earth, 
 have mercy upon me for the sake of Jesus Christ, who 
 died on the cross to save me and all mankind. Be pleased 
 
 MORNING. EVENING. 
 
 To take care of me this 
 day, and to teach me what 
 I ought to do, and give me 
 Thy Spirit that I may read 
 my Bible honestly and act 
 upon it sincerely. 
 
 To pardon every wrong thing 
 I have said or done this day, 
 and make me in truth Thy 
 child, and take care of me 
 through this night against 
 all evil. 
 
 May I know Thee as my God, and be thankful to Thee 
 for all Thy goodness. Teach me to love Thee and to 
 do Thy will with all my heart. Let me never forget 
 that Thou, Lord, always seest me, and every thing I do, 
 that Thou hearest every word I say, and knowest all 
 I think. Save me from lying, and from doing or 
 saying what would deceive anybody else. Make me 
 diligent and kind and obliging to all around me, but 
 especially affectionate and dutiful to my parents. Bless 
 my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, my 
 nurses, and all my friends and relations. May Thy 
 Holy Spirit so lead us all through this world in obedience 
 to Jesus Christ, that on the great day of Judgment He 
 may redeem us from death, and make us children of God. 
 Our Father, &c. 
 
63 
 
 BAPTISM. 
 
 In the name of Jesus Christ we would humbly beseech 
 Thee, Lord God Almighty, to look with mercy upon 
 the child this day baptized into Thy Church, and to 
 make him indeed a child of grace. May he in Thy 
 strength overcome the world, the flesh, and the devil, 
 and living unto righteousness, ever remain in the 
 number of Thy saints. So that finally, with the 
 residue of Thy holy Church, he may be a partaker of 
 the resurrection of Thy Son, and an inheritor of Thine 
 everlasting kingdom, through Jesus Christ our Saviour. 
 Amen. 
 
 SICKNESS. 
 
 Lord God Almighty ! who hast compassion upon all 
 men, and hatest nothing that Thou hast made, of Thy 
 great mercy comfort him who is now lying sick in this 
 house, and cheer him in all his trouble, with the full 
 conviction of Thine infinite goodness in Jesus Christ. 
 Enable him to support his pain, and fill him with 
 all peace and joy in believing. In Thine hands are 
 the issues of life and death, into Thy hands would we 
 commit him body and soul, humbly beseeching Thee 
 to restore him to health and strength, if so Thou 
 knowest it to be good for him. Render us all around 
 him patient and tender and loving in all our services, 
 and enable him and us to say with perfect truth, Thy 
 will be done, through Jesus Christ. 
 
 i 
 
64 
 
 JOURNEY. 
 
 Lord God ! all-merciful and almighty, whose unfailing 
 providence ever rules all the chances and changes of 
 this world, into Thy care would we now solemnly 
 commit our friends during their absence from home. 
 Let them go out in Thy faith and fear, and come in 
 under Thy blessing. Let them perform diligently what 
 their hands find to do, and return home thankfully. 
 Let us remember one another during our separation 
 in our daily prayers. Let not any evil befal our persons, 
 any plague come nigh our dwellings. Let us live in 
 peace, and strive earnestly to put our whole trust and 
 confidence in Thee, through Jesus Christ. 
 
 Note. — It is presumed that the Book of Common 
 Prayer will be used six mornings in the week, and the 
 safe return of friends, or any other special mercies, be 
 specially mentioned in the General Thanksgiving. 
 
65 
 
 DEATH. 
 
 Almighty God ! Thou hast been pleased to take away 
 from among us one member of this family, for the sake 
 of Thy dear Son sanctify this affliction to us who are 
 yet surviving ! Enable us to submit ourselves entirely 
 to Thy will. Teach us to feel how frail and uncertain 
 is our own condition, and so to number our days, that 
 we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. O Father of 
 Him who is the resurrection and the life, we meekly 
 beseech Thee to forgive us all our sins, to break the 
 bondage of our iniquities, and to raise us from the death 
 of sin unto the life of righteousness, that we may live 
 and die in Jesus Christ. Comfort us with the fulness 
 of hope for Him who has now passed away from our 
 sight ! and of Thy tender mercy grant that with Him, 
 and with all Thy saints, departed this life in Thy faith 
 and fear, each of us, when we all meet again, may be 
 made partakers of Thine everlasting glory, through 
 Jesus Christ, who died for us on the cross, and rose 
 again for our justification, and will assuredly raise us 
 from the grave, our Saviour and our Judge, to whom 
 with Thee and the Holy Ghost be all honour and 
 glory, world without end. Amen. 
 
66 
 
 FKOM THE 
 
 PIOUS COUNTEY PARISHIONEE, 
 
 EDIT. 1824, P. 189. 
 
 TO BE READ BEFORE MORNING PRAYER. 
 
 The Lord hath brought us safe to the beginning of this 
 day, let us therefore give Him thanks for this and for 
 all His mercies. Let us pray that we may live in the 
 fear of God, and continue in love and charity with 
 our neighbours, that the Lord may bless our honest 
 endeavours, and make us content with what His pro- 
 vidence shall order for us. And that we may continue 
 His faithful servants unto our lives' end. For all which 
 blessings let us devoutly pray. 
 
 TO BE READ BEFORE EVENING PRAYER. 
 
 By the favour of God, we are come to the evening of 
 this day, and we are so much nearer to our latter end. 
 Let us seriously consider this, and pray God to fit us 
 for the hour of death. Let us with penitent hearts 
 beseech Him to pardon our sins ; and to deliver us 
 from the evils which we have justly deserved. Let 
 us resolve to amend where we have done amiss, and 
 pray God that His grace may ever be with us. And 
 that we may be safe under His protection, Who alone 
 can defend us from all dangers, as well ghostly as 
 bodily ; for all which blessings let us devoutly pray. 
 
 THE END. 
 
HYMNS 
 
 AND OTHER 
 
 POEMS. 
 
 ALL THY WORKS SHALL PRAISE THEE, O LORD; 
 AND THY SAINTS SHALL BLESS THEE. 
 THEY SHALL SPEAK OF THE GLORY OP THY KINGDOM, 
 AND TALK OF THY POWER. PS. CXLV. 
 
 'YMN02 E2IIEPIN02. 
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 Xpiore' e\66vres enc tov t^Aiou Svcnv, iSovres <^>ws ianepivbv, Vjuvoujuev LTaTepa, Kai 
 Ylbv, /cat dyiov HveiSfxa ®eov. "Alios el eV 77-acrt Kaipois vp.veicrQcu (jxovous ocuat?, 
 Yte ©eov, fwrji/ 6 chSovs' Sib 6 /cocrjaos ere Sofacjet. 
 
 Mouth. Bel. Sac, vol. iii., p. 299. 
 
 i 2 
 
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TE DEUM LAUDAMUS. 
 
 Before Thee, Lord of all, we bow, 
 The Father everlasting Thou ! 
 To Thee the Heavens, all powers therein, 
 The Cherubin and Seraphin 
 
 Oh ! Holy, Holy, Holy Lord ! 
 Heaven, earth, all foil of Thee, record 
 The glorious Apostles stand 
 The Prophets there, a goodly band, 
 
 We praise Thee as our God ! 
 Earth worships Thee aloud ! 
 All angels throned on high, 
 Continually do cry. 
 
 God of all hosts above ! 
 Thy glory and Thy love ! 
 Before Thee full of praise! 
 To Thee their anthem raise ! 
 
 Thee Martyrs without number bless, Marshalled in robes of white ! 
 
 The Church rejoices to confess Throughout the world Thy might! 
 
 The King of glory ! on Thy brow The crown which thou hast won ! 
 
 Of the Almighty Father, Thou The everlasting Son ! 
 
 Fashioned like us to save our race, 
 Xor shudder at our dwelling-place, 
 When Thou hadst overcome the sting 
 To all believers Thou, their King, 
 
 In the Father's glory Thou dost reign, 
 We know that Thou shalt come again 
 Oh ! help Thy servants Thou didst buy 
 Number them with Thy saints on high, 
 
 Bless Thou Thine heritage, O Lord ! 
 Govern them by Thy gracious word ! 
 Each day Thy love our hearts shall fill ; 
 And after ages honour still 
 
 Vouchsafe, O Saviour ! on this day, 
 On us have mercy, Lord ! we pray, 
 Shelter us underneath Thy wing, 
 Thou art our hope ! O never bring 
 
 Our flesh Thou didst not scorn, 
 Of a virgin mother born : 
 Of death, the grave hadst riven, 
 Didst open Thine own heaven. 
 
 Sitting at God's right hand ! 
 To judge earth's gathering band; 
 With thine own precious blood, 
 A glorious brotherhood. 
 
 Let not Thy people droop, 
 For ever lift them up. 
 Our hymns to Thee ascend, 
 Thy name world without end. 
 
 To keep us without sin, 
 Let us Thy pardon win. 
 Our trust is in Thy name, 
 Thy suppliants to shame. 
 
 DOXOLOGT. 
 
 To Thee, the Father, on Thy throne Of boundless majesty ; 
 
 The Son whom ransomed sinners own And bless on bended knee; 
 
 The Holy Ghost, the Comforter, The Spirit of truth, to Thee 
 
 One only God, shall praise and prayer, And worship ever be. 
 
70 
 
 THE SON. 
 
 God marks our rising up and lying down, 
 Our frequent sins, our pride, and fleshly will, 
 
 A holy God has traced each smile and frown, 
 And seen how every thought was evil still, 
 And every deed : O Lord, in this deep thrill 
 Of fear, how thankful were our souls to know 
 
 Thy great salvation ! now for us fulfil 
 The promise of Thy Spirit ! let our woe, 
 For Christ's sake, at the foot of His cross lay us low. 
 
 There let us learn the promise of Thy grace, 
 There silence Thou the tempter ! let no thought 
 
 Of self, no sense of judgment on our race 
 Beyond the voice of mercy, sadly caught 
 From conscience, lure us from what Christ has wrought 
 To dwell on what we might ourselves have done. 
 
 Let hope, with fear, and meek repentance fraught, 
 And love, tell out on earth the victory won 
 For sinners on the cross of Thine Incarnate Son. 
 
 Tell how He conquered in that fearful strife, 
 How sin grew powerless, Satan fell dismayed. 
 
 Almighty Spirit ! kindle Thou true life 
 Within our hearts ! for His dear sake persuade 
 Our souls to cleave to Him whom Thou hast made 
 Our righteousness, and emptied of all pride 
 
 And passion evermore to seek Thine aid 
 Where evil else prevailed, and the strong tide 
 Of reason swept us far from Jesus crucified. 
 
 Lord ! Thou didst feel for us, and on the cross 
 Wert hanging while creation shuddered all, 
 Man, only man, excepted. Thee the loss 
 Of life, the grave, and hell might not appal, 
 For Thou didst know our ignoVance and thrall, 
 Our doom if unredeem'd : Thine is the might, 
 
 The will to save us ! let Thy loving call 
 Soften each heart in every land ! O bright 
 Blaze the standard of Thy cross on every sinner's sight ! 
 
71 
 
 THE FATHEK, 
 
 Great God ! that in the heavens, Thy dwelling-place, 
 Hearest all prayer through our Redeemer's name, 
 
 For His dear sake be this an hour of grace ; 
 O now deliver us from sin and shame, 
 And turn us from the paths of death : reclaim 
 Each wanderer, fix the wavering, stablish Thou 
 
 The lowly on their way, through Him who came 
 On earth, bore scornful thorns upon His brow, 
 Enthron'd with Thee, and crown'd with power and glory now. 
 
 Save us from that delusion of deep sin 
 Whereby we trust in future penitence, 
 
 And close our eyes on light that will break in, 
 Startling the dulness of our blunted sense. 
 Thy promise is not always to dispense 
 Such gifted rays, be striving evermore 
 With conscious sin and wilful negligence ; 
 Creator ! Father ! Teach us to adore 
 Thy truth and love ere yet our day of grace be o'er. 
 
 Who made thus open to all sound the ear ? 
 The touch, so exquisitely sensitive ? 
 
 The eye to sweep the landscape far and near ? 
 The delicate nostril every smell perceive ? 
 The mouth to own the food by which we live ? 
 Who kindles life within us, who can bind 
 
 With nerves and sinews our strong frame., and give 
 Within that frame what yet man may not find, 
 The imperishable throne where reigns the Sovereign mind ? 
 
 All praise unto Jehovah, the great God 
 Who now puts forth for us His saving hand, 
 
 Who parts the fathomless waters with His rod, 
 Who gives us access to the promised land ; 
 Justice and mercy meet at His command. 
 Lord God Almighty ! let us onward move 
 
 According to Thy leading ; nor withstand 
 Thy grace, but born of Thy free Spirit, prove 
 How true Thy Gospel reigns, how constant is Thy love. 
 
72 
 
 THE HOLY SPIRIT. 
 
 Thou, who from heaven Thy dwelling-place descendest 
 To hallow mortal hearts for Jesus' sake, 
 
 Pure Spirit, Thou, yet powerfully blendest 
 Thyself with earthly spirits, and they take 
 A new existence, come ! and gently break 
 The dangerous sleep that wraps our every sense. 
 
 Oh ! for the love of our Redeemer, make 
 Thy suppliants own Thy gracious influence 
 Pervading every thought, working deep penitence. 
 
 Awaken us to walk as in the day, 
 The Sun of Righteousness careering high 
 
 In the vaulted heaven, underneath His ray, 
 The brightness and the piercing of His eye, 
 Comfort us with His great humility, 
 And cheer us with His boundless love. He came 
 
 From full communion with Thee, to die 
 On earth the death of sinners, to proclaim 
 Glad tidings of great joy, salvation in His name. 
 
 Almighty Spirit ! work our hearts within, 
 And turn them in Thy holiness away 
 
 From Satan's service, from the wiles of sin. 
 Oh ! pardoning human frailty show Thy sway 
 In our meek purposes, while day by day 
 Our works and words attest what Thou hast done, 
 
 Within our spirits : let not hope betray, 
 Or pride delude us in the race we run. 
 Obedience prove our faith in Jesus Christ begun. 
 
 Nor yet our life alone ; but let each tongue 
 Also be telling evermore of Thee, 
 
 Spirit of power and glory ! still be sung 
 Thy goodness and Thy truth, Thy majesty, 
 Thy revelation of the mystery, 
 Whereby a spotless Saviour would atone 
 For all mankind ! let us now thankfully 
 Thy love and all-pervading presence own, 
 And with aransom'd world bow down before Thy throne. 
 
73 
 HYMNS 
 
 IN ALPHABETICAL OEDEE. 
 
 I. 
 
 Abba ! Father ! unto Thee 
 Must our Hallelujahs be, 
 Honour to Thine only Son 
 Like as unto Thee be done. 
 Holy Spirit ! Thine the praise 
 Eansomed sinners gladly raise, 
 Take each heart's best offerings, 
 Lord of lords and King of kings. 
 
 Thee we worship, God alone, 
 High on Thine eternal throne, 
 Thee on earth our gentle guide, 
 Thee the scorn'd, the crucified, 
 Thee the source of prophecy, 
 Of life and hope and liberty, 
 All Thy goodness earth records, 
 King of kings and Lord of lords. 
 
 II. 
 
 A Father Thou ! Thy words reveal, 
 Our fear and hope, our woe and weal ; 
 Our terror, when we else should sin ; 
 Our hope, when all is peace within ! 
 
 If to our conscience and Thy will 
 We find ourselves obedient still, 
 Through Christ, to Thee, Father of Heaven 
 All honour, thanks, and praise be given ! 
 
 The Saviour ! to atone for sin ; 
 The Spirit ! every heart to win ; 
 The Father ! Thou, to hear our call : 
 Thy love, O God, is over all ! 
 
74 HYMNS. 
 
 III. 
 
 Almighty Spirit ! God of all ! 
 
 In Thee we would confide : 
 "We bless Thee for Thy loving call 
 
 In Him the crucified. 
 
 He died for sinners, that so we 
 Might turn from sin and live. 
 
 In Him unbounded all and free, 
 The hope Thy prophets give. 
 
 Thy love and truth with one accord 
 
 We gather to proclaim, 
 To sing Thy praises, gracious Lord, 
 
 To celebrate Thy name. 
 
 IV. 
 
 Amid our woes we bless Thy Word, 
 Thou art a Father, gracious Lord ! 
 
 To all that own Thy Son. 
 Saviour of all whom .Thou hast made, 
 Rule Thou our hearts, vouchsafe Thine aid, 
 
 Thy holy will be done. 
 
 The troubles that disturb our faith, 
 The trials that beset our path, 
 
 The daily toils we bear, 
 In the bright sunshine of Thy love 
 May take a glorious change and prove 
 
 Thy kindness and Thy care. 
 
 'Mid troubles, trials, toils, we raise 
 With thankful lips our songs of praise 
 
 To Thee, our heavenly King ! 
 The Saviour, Thou ! the God of all ! 
 The Comforter to hear our call, 
 
 And soothe our suffering. 
 
HYMNS. 75 
 
 Day by day our God imparts 
 Life to us, and thankful hearts ; 
 Day by day to God we raise 
 Prayer, thanksgiving, hymns of praise. 
 
 Unto Thee, through Thy dear Son, 
 Father, be all honour done ; 
 Praise and power to Thee be given, 
 Maker Thou of earth and heaven ! 
 
 We, Thy creatures, fell away 
 From Thy loving, gentle sway : 
 Jesus Christ on earth was sent, 
 And Thou badest us repent : 
 
 And the Mighty Spirit came, 
 To win us from our deeds of shame. 
 God all-merciful, to Thee 
 Glory, praise, and honour be ! 
 
 VI. 
 
 Dispel, O God, the sin and night 
 Our hearts from Thee estranging ! 
 
 On all who love or hate Thy light 
 Their doom will pass unchanging. 
 
 Before Thy throne of truth and might, 
 
 Lord, on Thy left hand or Thy right 
 Soon must we all be ranging. 
 
 VII. 
 
 Eternal and Almighty God, 
 
 Be with us still ; 
 The paths of danger we have trod, 
 
 Save us from ill. 
 Father ! Lord of all creation, 
 Jesus, author of salvation, 
 Holy Spirit ! bring our nation, 
 
 Under Thy will. 
 
 K 
 
76 HYMNS. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 Eternal King of kings ! 
 The cross of Jesus brings 
 
 All men to Thee ; 
 O'er every heathen land 
 Stretch out Thy gracious hand ! 
 Where'er Thy preachers stand, 
 
 Thy Spirit be ! 
 
 May all our brethren share 
 Our heavenly Father's care, 
 
 Worship our God. 
 Set forth Thy glorious name ; 
 Life, hope, and peace proclaim, 
 Where'er now sin and shame 
 
 Hold their abode ! 
 
 Let Britain on her throne 
 Thou plantest, Thou alone, 
 
 Amid the seas, 
 Own Thy great love, and guide 
 Thy heralds far and wide 
 O'er every rolling tide, 
 
 On every breeze ! 
 
 Let every distant shore 
 Hail our ships, and adore 
 
 Thy gracious call. 
 Our life be theirs, O Lord ! 
 Our hope in all be stirr'd, 
 Our peace spread with Thy Word, 
 
 Father of all ! 
 
 IX. 
 
 Father of all, who love Thy Son, 
 
 Would tread the path He trod, 
 We bless the victory He has won, 
 
 We worship Him as God. 
 We bless Thee that we seek His face, 
 
 Would love Him fervently, 
 Draw us, we pray, of Thy free grace, 
 
 Nearer to Him and Thee. 
 
HYMXS. 77 
 
 Thine all our senses, feeling, Thine 
 
 Our vigour, mind, and frame ; 
 Let body, soul, and spirit, join 
 
 To praise Thy holy name. 
 O God ! we are most fearfully 
 
 Most wonderfully made, 
 And truly would we live to Thee, 
 
 So Thou vouchsafe Thine aid. 
 
 Our tongues the love of Jesus tell, 
 
 Our hearts confess Him near, 
 We praise Thee that we know so well 
 
 Thy work we must do here. 
 Work in us ! then Thy work is done, 
 
 We shall learn to obey, 
 Work in us ! we shall love Thy Son, 
 
 And follow in His way. 
 
 X. 
 
 For all the love Thy cross records, 
 The comfort, which Thy Spirit brings, 
 The fear, which from Thy mercy springs, 
 
 We bless Thy name, O Lord of lords, 
 We praise Thy glory, King of kings. 
 
 With loving praise from lips sincere, 
 Let all our Churches echo still, 
 And show the hopes that guide and fill 
 
 All hearts to which their Lord is dear, 
 All hands that try to do His will. 
 
 XL 
 
 For Thy great goodness, Lord ! 
 Shown to us from our birth, 
 For all Thy blessings freely shower'd 
 Over all the tribes of earth, 
 
 Hallelujah ! Praise to God ! 
 
 God feeds each hungry soul ; 
 God gives us daily bread ; 
 May we, O Lord, own Thy control, 
 And to Thy fold be led ! 
 Hallelujah ! Praise to God ! 
 k 2 
 
78 HYMNS. 
 
 Forth are Thy prophets sent, 
 To cry to souls athirst, 
 To bid the meek and penitent 
 Love Him who loved them first. 
 
 Hallelujah ! Praise to God ! 
 
 For sinners else undone, 
 For wanderers else all lost, 
 Salvation is in Christ the Son, 
 
 Strength through the Holy Ghost. 
 Hallelujah ! Praise to God ! 
 
 May we have ears to hear 
 These tidings of delight, 
 The Saviour's name to us be dear, 
 The Spirit be our might ! 
 Hallelujah ! Praise to God ! 
 
 Each heart that loves the Lord, 
 In this His holy place, 
 That teaches or that learns His Word, 
 Praise Him for His free grace. 
 Hallelujah ! Praise our God ! 
 
 May all whose strength or wealth 
 Is spent to do His will, 
 To spread abroad His saving health, 
 His purposes fulfil. 
 Hallelujah ! Praise our God ! 
 
 XII. 
 
 From sin and death set free, 
 For life in us begun, 
 To the Spirit would we bend each knee, 
 And glorify the Son. 
 The victory He hath won ! 
 Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! 
 Unto God in Christ we cling, 
 Christ our Saviour, Christ our King. 
 
HYMNS. 79 
 
 We bless Thee for the path 
 On earth the Saviour trod ; 
 The hope, which now each sinner hath 
 Streaming from His abode, 
 The glowing throne of God. 
 Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! 
 Thine the grace we would implore, 
 Thine the love we would adore. 
 
 For that dread throne above, 
 For Thy great glory there, 
 On earth for Thy surpassing love, 
 And changeless will to spare 
 The children of Thy care, 
 Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! 
 
 We praise Thy name on bended knee, 
 Heaven and earth are full of Thee. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 Giver of every perfect gift, 
 
 To Thee we bend each knee, 
 To Thee our hearts and voices lift, 
 
 And sing our thanks to Thee. 
 Before Thy people we appear, 
 
 And worship Thee in heaven ; 
 To us the cup of blessing, here, 
 
 The bread of life is given. 
 
 To Jesus would we raise our hymn : 
 
 Our hearts within us burn, 
 For all His love would make to Him 
 
 On earth some glad return. 
 But one return can sinners make 
 
 To flee from every sin, 
 To live to Him, to let Him take 
 
 The souls He died to win. 
 k 3 
 
80 BYKNS 
 
 For all, O God ! which Thou hast done 
 
 For us we bless Thy grace, 
 Through Him Thy dear, Thine only Son, 
 
 The Saviour of our race. 
 Before Thy Majesty we bow, 
 
 And chant our solemn lay, 
 We praise, we glorify Thee, Thou 
 
 That takest sin away. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 Glory be to Thee, O God ! 
 Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ! 
 
 Ours the path Thyself hast trod, 
 Thou hast watched upon our post, 
 Thou hast felt like us ! and we 
 Have a changeless Friend in Thee ! 
 So, may we be faithful found, 
 Follow Thee ! maintain our ground ! 
 
 - 
 
 Glory be to Thee, O God ! 
 For in Thee we may be bold ! 
 
 March along the roughest road ! 
 The most dangerous station hold ! 
 Sin and sorrow cannot reign, 
 Over those Thou wilt sustain. 
 Toil and danger cannot harm 
 Those who trust in Thy right arm ! 
 
 Glory be to Thee, O God ! 
 Pilgrims we, Thou wilt not scorn ! 
 
 So our feet be duly shod, 
 All our armour fitly worn ! 
 All our danger is from sin ! 
 Our worst evil from within ! 
 Thou to constant prayer wilt give, 
 Truth and faith by which we live ! 
 
HYMNS. 81 
 
 XV. 
 
 God of love ! for Thy salvation, 
 
 For Thy victory nobly won, 
 For Thy glorious revelation, 
 For the coming of Thy Son. 
 For Thy mercy all our days, 
 Unto Thee our hearts we raise, 
 Unto Thee our thanks and praise. 
 
 For the courage Thou art lending, 
 
 When each pilgrim else were faint, 
 For the Spirit Thou art sending, 
 To the comfort of each saint. 
 For Thy pity all our days, 
 Unto Thee our hearts we raise, 
 Unto Thee our thanks and praise. 
 
 For the record of Thy story, 
 
 For each old prophetic sign, 
 For the undying hope of glory, 
 For the purpose to be Thine. 
 For Thy goodness all our days, 
 Unto Thee our hearts we raise, 
 Unto Thee our thanks and praise. 
 
 For the truth already breaking 
 
 O'er the tomb in growing light, 
 For the faith that heralds waking 
 On a day that has no night. 
 For Thy mercy all our days, 
 Unto Thee our hearts we raise, 
 Unto Thee our thanks and praise. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 Great God ! by all the hosts of heav'n 
 Thy Holy will is gladly done ; 
 
 So unto us like grace be given 
 On earth through Thine Almighty Son. 
 
82 HYMNS. 
 
 As the untroubled sea gives back 
 All stars that traverse the blue sky, 
 
 May earth set forth the daily track 
 Of living Christians to Thine eye. 
 
 As heav'n and earth, and sky and sea, 
 Are telling with one voice Thy praise, 
 
 Their song, O Father, unto Thee 
 Would all Thy ransom'd children raise. 
 
 We seek to do Thy will, O Lord, 
 Rule Thou our hearts and eyes and hands 
 
 May we add nothing to Thy Word, 
 Take nothing from what it commands. 
 
 XVII. 
 
 How blessed they, whose minds are taught, 
 
 To dwell aright upon God's Word, 
 To read the great salvation wrought 
 For them, while to their hearts is brought 
 The knowledge of their gracious Lord ! 
 
 Morning and night they read each page, 
 And learn the privilege of prayer ; 
 
 Whatever work their hands engage, 
 
 In every station, every age, 
 
 They feel their God is with them there. 
 
 The morning lesson they have read 
 Makes the day's labour glad and light : 
 
 And when, at eve, they seek their bed, 
 
 Their evening sacrifice has shed 
 
 Hope, peace, and comfort o'er the night. 
 
 May we still live with such as them, 
 
 O Lord ! and learn to live as they ; 
 To buy, at any cost, the gem 
 Of price, and own o'er Bethlehem 
 The Star to guide us on our way ! 
 
HYMNS. 83 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 How can a sinner turn to Thee, 
 Thou just and holy God ! 
 
 Feel his own sin, make himself free, 
 And tread the heavenward road ? 
 
 let Thy Spirit go before, 
 
 And gently lead us on, 
 Set forth with hope and truth and power, 
 
 Thine own incarnate Son. 
 
 The just and holy God is then 
 
 All mercy, grace, and love, 
 On earth, the Saviour of men, 
 
 Their Advocate above. 
 
 Through Him that died upon the cross, 
 
 Thy Spirit rule us now ! 
 Direct our path, make up our loss, 
 
 Strengthen each humble vow. 
 
 To Him, to Thee, Father of all ! 
 
 We raise our penitent cry ; 
 Almighty Spirit ! hear our call ! 
 
 Work in us or we die. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 How excellent, Lord, is Thy name ! 
 
 How winning Thy merciful call ! 
 Thou art for ever the same, 
 
 Thou art the Saviour of all ; 
 Thou art the Spirit to cheer, 
 
 And comfort the weary and weak ; 
 Our shield from the death which we fear, 
 
 Our hope in the life which we seek. 
 
84 HYMNS. 
 
 O Jesus ! with awe and delight 
 
 We utter Thy glorious name ; 
 We worship Thy truth and Thy might, 
 
 Confessing our falsehood and shame. 
 In our hearts let Immanuel dwell ; 
 
 By our lips let His praises be sung ! 
 Let the name of our Saviour swell 
 
 In gladness on every tongue ! 
 
 XX. 
 
 How fearful, Lord, it is to know 
 
 What snares beset our daily path, 
 What strong temptations here below, 
 The world and Satan round us throw, 
 What passions lure us from the faith ! 
 
 Yet, vain shall each temptation be, 
 
 To all who know the Saviour's name, 
 And seek His holiness, and see 
 His cross before them constantly, 
 And love the promises they claim. 
 
 From us, O be not far away ! 
 
 Guide us, and guard us on Thy road ! 
 Be Thou our hope, our shield, our stay, 
 Our present help ! Be Thou, this day, 
 
 Our strength, our Saviour, and our God ! 
 
 XXL 
 
 How long, O Lord, holy and just and good, 
 Must we remain the wretched slaves of sin 
 
 Day after day we do not what we would, 
 Yet do what our whole souls abhor within. 
 
 O when shall we, frcm evil trammels free, 
 
 Honestly seek our happiness in Thee ! 
 
HYMNS. 85 
 
 Too conscious of the evils we have done, 
 
 Unclean, yet half unwilling to repent, 
 O Father ! pity us for Thy clear Son, 
 
 And let the Spirit unto us be sent : 
 Unholy now, so may we be restored, 
 And with our minds obey Thy law, Lord ! 
 
 Our trembling steps approach Thy table now, 
 
 The guests whom Thou hast summoned Thou hast clad. 
 
 Cast us not forth ! O soothe each burning brow ! 
 The faithful in Thy presence, all, are glad ! 
 
 We look on earth, and on ourselves, to know 
 
 Thy cross reveals our only hope below. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 How soon the name of Jesus parts, 
 Even in prayer, from off each tongue ! 
 
 And yet how fondly should all hearts 
 Upon that name have ever hung ! 
 
 Spirit of power ! that winnest still 
 On souls, stubborn and hard as ours, 
 
 Turn us to learn the Saviour's will, 
 
 And worship Him with all our powers ! 
 
 Turn us to love Him, and to scan 
 What Saviour and Salvation mean, 
 
 How came the boon of life to man, 
 And what the second death had been ! 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 In Thy Church, O Lord, are sounding 
 Words of praise on every tongue, 
 
 May our spirits be abounding 
 In the love our lips have sung. 
 Halleluiah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah ! 
 To Thy Word our hearts have clung. 
 
86 HYMNS. 
 
 In our flesh wert Thou once dwelling 
 Here among the sons of men. 
 
 Soon the trumpet shall be swelling, 
 Thou to earth shall come again ; 
 Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! 
 May our hearts breathe out Amen. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 It is not here our only task, 
 
 Within Thy temple, Lord, 
 To take our humble place, and ask 
 
 The knowledge of Thy Word, 
 To own the evil we have done, 
 And seek forgiveness in Thy Son : 
 
 Our harder task were done, so Thou 
 But form and speed our prayer ; 
 
 And all our lives should tell each vow 
 Sprung from an earnest care, 
 
 When sprinkled With a Saviour's blood, 
 
 To shun all evil, seek all good. 
 
 Such were the life which Jesus taught 
 On earth, such the good fight : 
 
 His Word should fashion every thought, 
 And call forth all our might, 
 
 That, day by day, His name we bless, 
 
 In Whom we perfect holiness. 
 
 XXV. 
 
 It is Thy Son, O Lord, the mystery 
 Of that deep conflict which on earth He had, 
 
 His mortal suffering on the blood-stained tree 
 That triumphs over sin, and makes us glad. 
 
 On all Thy servants be such gladness shed, 
 Enriched by Holy Writ, and prayer and hymn ; 
 
 Our life by our Redeemer's guidance led, 
 Ours be the solemn hope of death in Him. 
 
HYMNS. 87 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 Jehovah reigns ! All gladly sing 
 
 Hosanna to our Heavenly King ! 
 
 He created this fair earth, 
 
 And herein has given us birth ; 
 
 He supports us day by day, 
 
 Our glorious hope, our faithful stay. 
 
 The things of God no eyes behold 
 Are yet in all creation told : 
 The changing seasons, full of Thee, 
 The plains and hills, the rolling sea, 
 The sun and moon and stars, proclaim 
 Our God, in all His works the same. 
 
 Lord of all honour, glory, might ! 
 Parent of Truth ! Giver of light ! 
 God, high and holy ! perfect Thou 
 Thy praises, and work in us now, 
 That so our lips and lives attest 
 The faith inspiring every breast. 
 
 Fill Thou our lips with solemn praise, 
 For unto Thee our hearts we raise. 
 To Thee our highest gifts belong, 
 To Thee we bring our noblest song ; 
 Let all we say and do declare 
 Our grateful love, Thy constant care. 
 
 xxvn. 
 
 Jehovah reigns ! let us adore Him 
 High on His eternal throne. 
 
 Idols all sink down before Him, 
 Altars He no more will own. 
 
 Unto Christ, o'er death victorious, 
 Reigning in the highest heaven, 
 
 Once like us, but now all glorious, 
 Power and praise be ever given. 
 
 L 
 
88 HYMNS. 
 
 Holy Spirit ! great Thy blessing 
 'Mid the ills that round us lurk, 
 
 Lead us onward, still repressing 
 Every sinful thought and work. 
 
 Day departs and night is falling : 
 God of boundless Majesty, 
 
 Keep us true in our high calling, 
 To the cross on Calvary. 
 
 XXVIII. 
 
 Jehovah ! we bless Thee, we worship Thy name ! 
 Through Jesus, our Saviour, Thy glory proclaim ! 
 
 Let not the mighty man trust in his might, 
 The wise in his wisdom, the rich in his gold. 
 
 If darkness come on, be Thy Gospel our light, 
 If idols distract us, to Thee let us hold. 
 
 They who serve Thee, Lord, alone can be free, 
 Let all the myriads of earth honor Thee. 
 
 Glad in our hearts would we worship Thy name, 
 With our best offering kneel at Thy throne : 
 
 In Christ bless Thy goodness, Thy glory proclaim ! 
 All majesty, honor, and praise, are Thine own. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 Lest our whole heart grow hard within, 
 
 Lest each of us be cast away, 
 Lest the deceitfulness of sin 
 
 Prevail, and lure us from Thy way ; 
 Creator ! Saviour ! be Thou 
 
 Our Sanctifier, day by day; 
 And let our lips and lives avow 
 
 The holy help for which we pray ! 
 
HYMNS. 89 
 
 The still small voice of conscience be 
 
 To us a rule of life, as clear 
 As erst the Law, when every knee 
 
 Round Sinai's base was bent in fear ! 
 The mercies of the Gospel dwell 
 
 As full on each obedient ear, 
 As peal'd the Law o'er Israel ! 
 
 Jehovah, Thou art still as near ! 
 
 XXX. 
 
 Let the sinners here confessing 
 All the evil of their ways, 
 
 Gain from Thee, O Lord, a blessing, 
 And to Thee their anthem raise. 
 God of mercy ! earth before Thee 
 
 Kneels, rejoices, and obeys ; 
 Countless hosts in heaven adore Thee, 
 All creation tells Thy praise. 
 
 From all sin, despair, and trembling, 
 Self-deceiving misery, 
 
 Unbelief, and all dissembling, 
 God of pity ! set us free ! 
 Saviour ! we would bow before Thee, 
 
 Gladly sing our Jubilee ; 
 Countless hosts in heaven adore Thee, 
 All creation praises Thee. 
 
 Unto Thee, Almighty Father, 
 Would we for our refuge fly, 
 
 And within Thy temple gather, 
 Knowing that our God is nigh. 
 We have felt the wondrous story 
 Of salvation wrought on high ; 
 We give Thee thanks for Thy great glory, 
 Bless Thy power and majesty. 
 l 2 
 
90 HYMNS. 
 
 Promised from the world's beginning, 
 Thou, the Christ, we know Thee well, 
 
 Thou, the Spirit, ever winning 
 Hearts that else would all rebel. 
 Father, when we kneel before Thee 
 
 And our hymn has ceased to swell, 
 Work in us to love, adore Thee, 
 Make us of Thine Israel. 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 Let us deal truly with our God ! 
 
 This is a solemn place ; 
 His justice warns us of His rod, 
 
 His mercy proffers grace ; 
 Each beating heart works here apart 
 
 From all in its deep cell : 
 Our God is greater than each heart, 
 
 And knows its secret well. 
 
 In the great name of Christ, our Lord, 
 
 To whom all power is given, 
 O God ! we meet with one accord 
 
 Before Thy throne in heaven. 
 Thy mercies raise our prayer and praise 
 
 Through Him who shares Thy throne ; 
 Thy justice in bright glory plays 
 
 Round Thine incarnate Son. 
 
 XXXII. 
 
 Like one of us our Lord became, 
 He shrunk not from a mortal birth ; 
 
 The Son of man, He bore our name, 
 And spread glad tidings o'er our earth. 
 
 The Son of God, we feel His care ; 
 His Spirit calls us from above 
 
 To be the sons of God, and share 
 His Father's heritage and love. 
 
HYMNS. 91 
 
 O Lord ! an everlasting race 
 Shall call Thee Father, worship Thee ! 
 
 And we, the creatures of Thy grace, 
 In this our season bend our knee ; 
 
 And for Thy passing glory bring 
 To Thee our blessing and our lays, 
 
 To Thee our highest offering, 
 To Thee our thanksgiving and praise. 
 
 XXXIII. 
 
 « 
 
 Look not to us, O God ! 
 But look to Thy dear Son ! 
 We own the justice of Thy rod, 
 And plead His cross alone. 
 
 He hath the words of life : 
 The Spirit make them ours ! 
 Be Christ our refuge from the strife, 
 The tempest, while it lowers ! 
 
 We cannot shun, or bear 
 This whelming hurricane ! 
 Within are treachery and fear ; 
 Without are scorn and pain. 
 
 In this, our day of woe, 
 Remember not our sin ! 
 Spare us, good Lord ! and let us know 
 Pardon and peace within ! 
 
 XXXIV. 
 
 Look to Jesus ! Every sorrow, 
 
 Every sin must own His cross ; 
 Thence may every mourner borrow 
 
 Hope and comfort for His loss. 
 Shall not God, who so befriended 
 
 Sinners, 'stablish all His Word ? 
 Shall not, when this life is ended, 
 
 The same Jesus be our Lord ? 
 l 3 
 
92 HYMNS. 
 
 Yea, His cross such love revealing, 
 
 Brings His great salvation nigh ; 
 So the brazen serpent's healing 
 
 Brighten'd every sufferer's eye : 
 Wounded once, the one upraising 
 
 Of that eye saved him from death 
 In our woe, may we be gazing 
 
 On the Author of our faith ! 
 
 May we fear the evil flowing 
 
 In each heart's unholy tide ! 
 May we feel what we are owing 
 
 Unto Him, the Crucified ! 
 May we stand in truth before Him ! 
 
 May we seek the Spirit's power ! 
 May we love, obey, adore Him ! 
 
 Live in Him each passing hour ! 
 
 XXXV. 
 
 Lord God ! to Thee we pray ! 
 Save our Queen ! bless her sway 
 
 Over our land. 
 Guard Thou her Royalty, 
 Keep us, her people, free, 
 True to her, true to Thee, 
 
 In heart and hand. 
 
 To Albert grant Thy grace, 
 To all her Royal race, 
 
 At home, abroad. 
 May she upon her throne, 
 Queen, wife, and mother, own 
 For her trust Thee alone, 
 
 Thee for her God. 
 
 Bless Thou her realm with health, 
 With plenty, power, and wealth ; 
 
 Let troubles cease. 
 Strike off each slave his chain, 
 Bid Thy pure Gospel reign, 
 And spread through her domain 
 
 Knowledge and peace. 
 
HYMNS. 93 
 
 Govern her counsels, Lord ! 
 Trace her path ! wield her sword, 
 
 If foes be seen ! 
 So shall her warfare be, 
 Justice and victory. 
 Loud ring o'er land and sea, 
 
 God save our Queen ! 
 
 XXXYI. 
 
 Lord ! let Thy constant presence prove 
 "What we should dread, what we should love 
 Our hope, when all is peace within, 
 Our terror, when we else should sin. 
 
 If to our conscience and Thy "Word 
 We find ourselves obedient, Lord ! 
 To Thee, by us as by all heaven, 
 Thanks, honour, worship, praise be given. 
 
 The Saviour, to atone for sin ! 
 The Spirit, each meek heart to win ! 
 The Father, Thou, to hear our call ! 
 Thy love, God, is over all. 
 
 XXXVII. 
 
 Lord ! let Thy work be done, 
 Thy light pour forth its rays ; 
 Through every land Thy Gospel run, 
 Over all earth Thy praise ! 
 With us Thy Spirit be, 
 And warm each selfish heart, 
 To give all power and praise to Thee, 
 Each in our humble part ! 
 
94 HYMNS. 
 
 To honour those, whom Thou 
 Hast chosen for Thine own, 
 And, bound by many a solemn vow, 
 To make Thy glory known ! 
 
 To bid them with glad voice 
 On their good errand speed ; 
 To soothe their labours, and rejoice 
 To help them in their need ! 
 
 Pastor and people, here, 
 In our appointed ground, 
 May we, O God ! each in our sphere, 
 Faithful and true be found ! 
 
 All hands and hearts unite, 
 And every effort strain, 
 To do Thy work, make known Thy light, 
 And let the Saviour reisrn ! 
 
 XXXVIII. 
 
 Lord, let us read with tearful eyes 
 Thy Gospel story from Thy birth : 
 The Spirit make our spirits prize 
 The lessons thence that make us wise 
 Unto salvation here on earth. 
 
 From us should fellow-sinners know 
 How Thy great love made up our loss ; 
 Thy days of toil to crush our foe, 
 Thy nights of fasting, prayer, and woe, 
 Thy death 'mid scorners on the cross. 
 
 Help us, O Lord ! to gather round 
 
 That cross in love unwavering, 
 To be among the faithful found, 
 To choose the path o'er holy ground, 
 
 Follow the footsteps of our King. 
 
 Let us endeavour, day by day, 
 To deem our neighbours' wants our own, 
 And ever speed as best we may 
 The Gospel herald on his way, 
 To make Thy love and mercy known. 
 
HYMNS. 95 
 
 O Lord ! amid our praise and prayer, 
 Grant us all liberal hearts and hands ! 
 Let poor and hungry spirits share 
 The wealth and food Thy preachers bear 
 Beneath Thy cross to heathen lands. 
 
 XXXIX. 
 
 Lord ! to Thee, for death is near us, 
 Would we pour our suppliant cry ; 
 Chant we also hymns that cheer us 
 With our Saviour's victory. 
 Over darkness, over error, 
 
 Over conscience, over strife, 
 Over sin and wrath and terror, 
 Raise our souls and grant us life. 
 
 Be our worship humbler, meeter, 
 
 Be our strength in Thee renewed, 
 May our hymns to Thee ring sweeter, 
 Hearts feel holier gratitude. 
 Over darkness, over error, 
 
 Over conscience, over strife. 
 Over sin and wrath and terror, 
 Raise our souls and grant us life. 
 
 XL. 
 
 Maker of earth and heaven ! we meet 
 Within Thy temple, at Thy feet, 
 To sue for pardon through Thy Son, 
 And grace, that so Thy will be done ! 
 
 If coldly, Lord ! or carelessly, 
 Hither we came, or here we be, 
 The Spirit make our souls to learn 
 Thy presence, and our hearts to burn ! 
 
 Rule Thou Thy Ministers, O Lord ! 
 And all Thy people, to Thy Word ; 
 That all may teach, and all may hear, 
 What all should love, what all should fear ! 
 
96 HYMNS. 
 
 From all of us, from every clime, 
 From every tribe, in Thine own time, 
 Perfect Thy praise, that all may bless, 
 O God ! Thy love and holiness. 
 
 XLI. 
 
 May we share the Saviour's blessing, 
 And the Father's mercy prove ! 
 
 Be the Holy Ghost possessing 
 Every heart, in peace and love ! 
 
 May we live, O God ; before Thee, 
 In true fellowship combined ! 
 
 May we love Thee and adore Thee, 
 Heart and body, soul and mind ! 
 
 XLII. 
 
 Mercy triumphs, Christ is born, 
 Angels welcome this glad morn ; 
 Echo loud their solemn cry, 
 Glory be to God on high. 
 Praise to God, and peace on earth, 
 Are the glad tidings of His birth ; 
 Him we worship, Him we bless, 
 Prince of peace and righteousness. 
 
 Promised branch of Jesse's stem, 
 Christ is born at Bethlehem. 
 We have pardon, we have peace, 
 Darkness, guilt, and terror cease. 
 Light and mercy cheer the tomb, 
 Hallelujah ! Christ is come. 
 Let all earth's redeemed cry, 
 Glory be to God on high ! 
 
HT3IXS. 97 
 
 Son of man ! He murmured not, 
 Bore with us, and shared our lot. 
 Son of God i we know Him well, 
 By each sign our prophets tell : 
 His the love to feel our woe, 
 His the might to quell our foe. 
 Unto Him in earth and heaven 
 Be all praise and honour given. 
 
 XLIII. 
 
 No more, O Lord, the tongues of cloven fire 
 Rush from Thy throne and burn on mortal heads. 
 
 "What though the symbol may not visibly spire, 
 It- influence still on us Thy goodness sheds. 
 
 be it now, for our Redeemer's sake, 
 Upon us till the veil of sin be riven, 
 
 And struggling with the powers of darkness, break 
 The clouds, with which we else had vainly striven. 
 
 Let us now deeply feel we cannot leave 
 Thy temple, such as late we entered in. 
 
 This service past makes more closely cleave 
 To Thee, or leaves us more exposed to sin. 
 
 XLIV. 
 
 Now praise ye the Lord, acknowledge His name, 
 Let earth worship Him and His glory proclaim ; 
 The heavens are telling His goodness and love, 
 Bright angels are swelling His praises above. 
 
 Father of heaven ! we worship Thee now, 
 The Spirit of truth ! the Comforter ! Thou, 
 The King of all glory ! to Thee is our cry, 
 We bow down before Thee, we bless Thee on high. 
 
HTMXS. 
 
 XLV. 
 
 Father ! let the coming day 
 
 The tenor of our life a: 
 And image, ere it pas? away. 
 
 Our youth and manhood, age and r 
 
 Let thankfulness and earnest pra 
 
 And quiet study, bring it in. 
 And every word and thought prepare. 
 
 Against we meet a world of sin ! 
 
 Thy Spirit sanctify our pow 
 
 ile in their exercise we live ; 
 And through noons soli me hours 
 
 The wa: vation g: 
 
 Let golden clouds and balmy 
 
 nd the setting of our sun ; 
 
 compose our fears and car - 
 Thy kingdom come ! Thy will be done ! 
 
 A night shall come, a dreamless night, 
 On which yon sun shall never break ; 
 
 From the rent grave may we to light. 
 The unchanging light of God awa"-: 
 
 XLVL 
 
 it Father Thou, of heaven, 
 Chee Thy children cry, 
 To us the promised Son is given, 
 
 To oa Thy Word is nigh : 
 For pardon and for faith in Thee 
 
 We bow before Thy throne : 
 On us the Almighty Spirit 
 And make us yet Thine own. 
 
HYMNS. 99 
 
 When we were lost and perishing, 
 
 Thy arm subdued our foe, 
 From death was taken all its sting, 
 
 From life its deepest woe. 
 For all the hope Thy gracious Word 
 
 To penitence imparts, 
 May prayer be on our lips, Lord ! 
 
 Praise gladden all our hearts. 
 
 Teach us to know the gentle voice 
 
 That calls us to repent, 
 In Thee> God ! would we rejoice, 
 
 To Thee our sins lament. 
 To Thee in reverent thankfulness 
 
 Our deep hosannas raise, 
 And Thee for all Thy goodness bless, 
 
 For all Thy glory praise. 
 
 XL VII. 
 
 Holy, Holy, Holy Lord ! 
 Now unto Thee our hearts we raise, 
 
 And taught by Thine own gracious Word, 
 Here unto Thee we offer praise, 
 
 Through Him, in whom Thy love is shown, 
 To those who needed it the most, 
 
 We give Thee thanks on Thy dread throne, 
 O Father, Son, and Holy Ghost ! Hallelujah ! 
 
 Ere yet, O God, upon the air 
 Our Hallelujahs sink and die, 
 
 The voice of praise be changed to prayer, 
 In mercy hear our suppliant cry ! 
 
 Praises and prayers and thanksgivings, 
 Rise to Thy throne in mingled strain ; 
 
 Make our hearts love Thee, King of kings, 
 Bring us within Thy peaceful reign. Hallelujah ! 
 M 
 
100 HYMNS. 
 
 XLYIIL 
 
 Once He came, how meek and lowly, 
 Kind, and full of love for men ; 
 
 Soon our Judge, unerring, holy, 
 Will He come to earth again. 
 Hailelujah: Hallelujah: Hallelujah! 
 His the throne and empire then. 
 
 Be the terrors and the blessing 
 Of that day before us now, 
 
 Every thankful heart possessing, 
 
 Cheering every thoughtful brow. 
 
 Hallelujah: Hallelujah ! Hallelujah! 
 
 Over death the conqueror Thou ! 
 
 Thankful that in form and feeling 
 
 One of us to earth He came ; 
 
 Thoughtful, for He died revealing 
 All our danger, all our shame. 
 Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! 
 Truth and mercy crown His name. 
 
 May the Saviour here have known us 
 Heedful of His words and way ; 
 
 Thou, the Almighty Judge, wilt own us, 
 On the last and dreadful dav. 
 Hallelujah! Hallelujah ! Hallelujah! 
 Boundless, endless, be Thy sway. 
 
 XLIX. 
 
 praise the Lord in every land, 
 All people, in His presence stand ; 
 Sing to our God with cheerful voice, 
 Come ye before Him, and rejoice. 
 
 The Lord our God is God alone, 
 He made us, and we are His own ; 
 The people that He loved of old, 
 Sheep of His pasture and His fold. 
 
HYMNS. 101 
 
 Enter His gates with thanks, and raise 
 Within His courts your songs of praise : 
 Your blessings, and your God proclaim, 
 And speak ye good of His high name. 
 
 For He is gracious, He is good, 
 His mercy has for ever stood. 
 His truth all ages shall endure, 
 Unchanging still, for ever sure. 
 
 For ever, Thou the Saviour, be 
 All glory, power, and praise to Thee. 
 To God, our God, the Father, Son, 
 And Spirit, be all honour done. 
 
 O Thou that madest earth and sky, 
 
 Great God ! within whose mighty hand 
 
 The breadth and depth of ocean lie, 
 Prosper our Queen by sea and land ! 
 
 From their own bright and circling waves. 
 
 Let Britons never shrink as slaves ! 
 
 By the one name of power, O keep 
 
 Our hosts obedient to Thy will ! 
 When storms and lightning round them sweep, 
 
 Or in the battle, keep them still 
 Strong in Thy strength, in loyalty, 
 Prepared to conquer or to die. 
 
 Lord God of Hosts ! be on their side 
 
 In every conflict faithful found ; 
 And let our fearless navy ride 
 
 Triumphant still the wide sea round ! 
 Whilst here we watch our country's cause, 
 Protect their homes, maintain their laws. 
 m 2 
 
102 HYMNS. 
 
 Grant us on land a grateful heart, 
 To love our seamen, and to know 
 
 How well in Thee they do the part 
 England expects them still to do ; 
 
 The living bulwark of her shore, 
 
 Her shield at once and arm of power. 
 
 LI. 
 
 Thou, the woman's promised seed ! 
 
 The branch from Jesse's rod, 
 The angel of the covenant, 
 
 The spotless Lamb of God, 
 The Wonderful, the Prince of peace. 
 Bid Thou our sin and sorrow cease. 
 
 High on the everlasting throne 
 
 In glory dwellest Thou, 
 Yet deignest there to plead for those 
 
 Who call upon Thee now. 
 break our bondage, set us free, 
 To serve our Saviour constantly ! 
 
 LII. 
 
 O Thou who from Thy lofty throne 
 
 Beholdest all earth's multitude, 
 Of Thy great mercy keep Thine own, 
 
 The souls Thy Spirit hath renewed. 
 
 It is not earth-born wisdom now 
 
 That rules each tongue and warms each heart 
 We call on Thee through Christ, and Thou 
 
 Art teaching us this better part. 
 
 Work in us and work with us, Lord, 
 That day by day we grow in grace, 
 
 And praise Thy name and bless Thy Word, 
 And run with patience each our race. 
 
HYMNS. 103 
 
 Lin. 
 
 Our hearts worship Thee, Lord, our voices proclaim 
 The light of Thy dwelling, the might of Thy name. 
 
 The city where dwelleth the Ancient of days 
 Hath in it no secret, nor sorrow, nor strife ; 
 
 Its walls are salvation, its portals are praise, 
 By its broad river blossoms the rich tree of life. 
 
 Fair are its gardens, its palaces fair, 
 
 Its throne is all glorious, Jehovah is there. 
 
 There the rich dews of mercy and charity fall, 
 Eternal its fruits are, unfading its flowers ; 
 
 The hand of our Lord is stretched over its wall, 
 The Spirit of God over-shadows its towers. 
 
 "We bless Thee, Father, we honour Thy "Word ! 
 Let our thanks rise before Thee, our praises be heard. 
 
 There truth, love, and happiness, make their abode, 
 And peace o'er its gathering myriads dwells: 
 
 O may we rest there with the Israel of God, 
 Breathe its glad air, and drink deep at its wells ! 
 
 LIV. 
 
 Our sins are heavy on us, and each heart 
 Is playing against Thee a treacherous part. 
 Let self and Satan yield, O Lord, to Thee, 
 And from his dark dominion set us free. 
 
 Ours be the Almighty Spirit which conveys 
 Life through each kindling form of prayer and praise 
 Ours the new heart, the new and holy name, 
 The birth to Christ, the death to sin and shame. 
 
 They may be ours ! wherefore by every tongue 
 Thy grace, God, in Jesus Christ be sung. 
 Thy Word is sure ! Thy name be ever blessed ! 
 Thy promise clear ! on Thee, O Lord, we rest ! 
 M 3 
 
104 HYMNS. 
 
 LV. 
 
 Over earth and over ocean 
 
 Thou hast sped our conquering band, 
 Dauntless, fraught with deep devotion, 
 
 To their God and mother land ; 
 With prayer and praise we bow before Thee, 
 
 God of battles ? Lord of Hosts ! 
 Let every heart and voice adore Thee 
 
 In the wide sweep of our coasts. 
 
 To Thee, O Lord, by whom our nation, 
 
 Amid a changing world, is still 
 Upheld in peerless fame and station, 
 
 Our joy and strength in good and ill; 
 To Thee the triumphs of our story 
 
 Be ascribed ! to Thee alone 
 Be all empire, might, and glory, 
 
 Praise and honour, through Thy Son ! 
 
 LVI. 
 
 Pour, gracious Lord ! Thy blessing 
 
 On each else unyielding heart ; 
 Raise the weight each mind oppressing, 
 Bid all evil thoughts depart. 
 
 Make us yield to Thy command, 
 Unto us stretch forth Thy hand, 
 We would in Thy presence stand. 
 
 Cleave we then to Christ, adore Him, 
 
 Seek through Him the help we want. 
 Once a suppliant knelt before Him, 
 Jesus loved that suppliant ; 
 
 He turned back, would not obey, 
 Jesus did not bid him stay, 
 Jesus did not change His way. 
 
HYMNS. 105 
 
 Gracious Spirit ! make us lowly, 
 
 Make us be what we have seemed, 
 Lest our hearts remain unholy 
 And be left us unredeem'd. 
 Be our idols known, abhorr'd ! 
 Let us not deny Thy Word ! 
 Make us own Thy call, O Lord ! 
 
 LVII. 
 
 Praise God ! for He is good and great, 
 Praise Him within His high abode, 
 
 For His surpassing power and state, 
 For all His mighty acts, praise God. 
 
 On high the thrilling trumpets raise, 
 Let harp and timbrel sweetly ring, 
 
 Psaltery and pealing organ praise 
 
 In solemn pomp, our Heavenly King. 
 
 The clashing cymbal's measured chime 
 Sound high, with every tuneful chord, 
 
 Let all that breathe swell the full hymn, 
 Praise ye Jehovah, praise the Lord. 
 
 LVIII. 
 
 Raise up some warning voice, O Lord, 
 To ring throughout a sinful land, 
 
 And bid us flee in time the sword 
 That glitters in the Avenger's hand ! 
 
 Let us not learn what heavy woes 
 On sin and godless feuds may come, 
 
 From pestilence or foreign foes, 
 
 Or worse and deadlier wars at home. 
 
 For Christ's sake humble us to fast 
 In spirit, truly cleave to Thee. 
 
 Ere yet our day of grace be passed, 
 Oh, pardon our iniquity. 
 
106 HYMNS. 
 
 Yea, let Thy prophet's cheering voice 
 Tell how Thy pity we may prove, 
 
 And we as penitents rejoice 
 
 That heavenly justice yields to love. 
 
 LIX. 
 
 Rise duly, Lord, to Thee some gentle hymn, 
 Swell on our hearts and lips, and rise each day ! 
 
 Meek thoughts and lowly words, offered through Him 
 Who taught us, while on earth, to sing and pray. 
 
 Morning and evening rise some holy strain, 
 That so we know Thee, gracious as Thou art, 
 
 And own the winning music, not in vain 
 Shedding its melodies o'er each full heart. 
 
 So, all the pride of worship be abased, 
 
 And all the hardness of our hearts be gone ; 
 
 And zeal become affection, surely placed, 
 
 Stern thoughts abate, and holy love come on ! 
 
 Thine, too, such solemn mood ! on bended knees 
 We give Thee thanks for Thy great glory, Lord ; 
 
 And deeply pray through Christ that Thou wilt please 
 To keep us meek, and win us to Thy Word ! 
 
 LX. 
 
 Seek Him not among the dead ; Hal. 
 
 He hath bruised the serpent's head ; Hal. 
 
 Christ our Passover was slain ; Hal. 
 
 Christ our Lord has risen again. Hal. 
 
 Peace be with us ! doubt away ! Hal. 
 
 Jesus Christ has risen to-day ; Hal. 
 
 Death and Hell have vainly striven ; Hal. 
 
 Jesus reigns in earth and Heaven. Hal. 
 
 He hath risen, the strong to save, Hal. 
 
 Yanquish'd sin, and spoil'd the grave ; Hal. 
 
 With His own right-hand alone Hal. 
 
 Hath our King the victory won. Hal. 
 
HYMNS. 107 
 
 LXI. 
 
 Son of God ! we kneel before Thee, 
 All our hope in Thee begins. 
 
 Helpless else, we now implore Thee, 
 To redeem us from our sins. 
 
 Thine almighty arm regain us, 
 For the sinner's help art Thou, 
 
 Saviour ! let Thy love constrain us, 
 To believe Thy mercy now. 
 
 Soothe the fears of conscience in us, 
 Thine the table we would share ; 
 
 Thine the Spirit that must win us, 
 Thine the white robe we would wear. 
 
 Be this heavenly food a token, 
 How for us Thy blood was shed, 
 
 How for us Thy body broken, 
 
 Thou, too, numbered with the dead. 
 
 By the grace which Thou art giving, 
 By this record of Thy love, 
 
 Here to Thee may we be living, 
 Hope with Thee to dwell above. 
 
 Lxn. 
 
 Speak. Lord ! yet ere Thou speakest, 
 Touch our hearts with hope and fear ! 
 
 Speak, Lord, and with the meekest 
 Of Thy servants let us hear ! 
 
 Thine the Spirit that were winning 
 Hopeless sinners to repent. 
 
 Promised ere the world's beginning, 
 Let it to our hearts be sent. 
 
] 08 HYMNS. 
 
 Pity spirits meek and broken, 
 Pardon, Lord, our want of faith. 
 
 Let us all, ere Thou hast spoken, 
 Be prepared to choose Thy path ; 
 
 May we feel Thy Word impeaching 
 All the evils we have done, 
 
 May we feel the Spirit teaching 
 The atonement of Thy Son. 
 
 LXIII. 
 
 Spirit of mercy ! dwell 
 With us, Thy servants, here, 
 And let each bosom deeply swell 
 With love and holy fear. 
 
 Ours be the fear that heeds 
 A Saviour's warning tone, 
 Ours be the love that ever speeds 
 A Father's will to own. 
 
 Bear witness with each heart, 
 Spirit of Holiness ! 
 That we would be Thine own ! Impart 
 To us pardon and peace. 
 
 And touch our lips, for we 
 Our hymn to Thee would raise ; 
 Would pray to Thee unceasingly, 
 Utter unceasing praise. 
 
 LXIV. 
 
 The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended, 
 
 Recorded every thought and deed ; 
 May He, Who to Thy throne ascended, 
 
 Now for our pardon intercede ! 
 The day is past with joy or sorrow, 
 
 Charging life's uncertain length ; 
 May Thy Spirit, for the morrow, 
 
 Teach us hope, and give us strength ! 
 
HYMNS. 109 
 
 Not to vague, though powerful feeling, 
 
 Not to false, though visioned trance, 
 Not to words, the substance stealing 
 
 From the purpose they advance, 
 Be that coming strength devoted, 
 
 But to works of daily good, 
 Our brethren or ourselves promoted 
 
 Homeward, on the narrow road ! 
 
 LXV. 
 
 The eye of the Lord is in every place, 
 Resistless His power, and unbounded His grace ; 
 He is not a stranger to aught that we love, 
 Nor is there a danger He could not remove. 
 
 Have mercy, O God ! be our Father on high ! 
 And teach us to live as under Thine eye ; 
 To pray for Thy blessing, in Jesus our Lord, 
 And walk as possessing Thy help and Thy Word ! 
 
 Work in us to love and obey Thy command, 
 To cherish Thy Spirit, to cling to Thy hand ; 
 Nor let us be shaken by dangers we see ! 
 The path we have taken is leading to Thee. 
 
 O may we be saved from quitting that path, 
 And be kept on its course in meekness and faith ! 
 No pleasure betray us ! no passion mislead ! 
 No folly delay us ! on let us proceed ! 
 
 It is not our wisdom, the might of our arm, 
 Can guide us to Zion, or shield us from harm ; 
 Thine is each endeavour, each holy design ! 
 The glory for ever, Jehovah, be Thine ! 
 
110 HYMNS. 
 
 LXVI. 
 
 The feast is prepared by our King, 
 Thou, Lord, biddest all to come in ; 
 
 To Thee must the penitent cling, 
 Thou only canst cover our sin ; 
 
 Not one would our Saviour cast out, 
 The white robes of welcome are here ; 
 
 His mercy will scatter all doubt, 
 His love will redeem us from fear. 
 
 The feast is prepared by our King, 
 His messengers summon each guest, 
 
 How glad are the tidings they bring, 
 How welcome the pledge of our rest. 
 
 We show forth His death till He come 
 Come again in His glory to reign, 
 
 And take His redeemed to the home 
 His Gospel proclaims they shall gain. 
 
 The feast is prepared by our King, 
 The feast which He only can give, 
 
 From Him must our hope ever spring, 
 In Him must the perishing live. 
 
 We show forth His death, till again 
 He come through the radiant sky, 
 
 And welcome the children of men 
 To the realm they have chosen on high. 
 
 LXVII. 
 
 The Lord our God has left His throne, 
 
 And visited our earth ; 
 And chosen to share our sufferings, 
 
 The weakness of our birth. 
 He laid His power and glory down, 
 
 The God whom we adore, 
 And came as one of us, that we 
 
 Might know and love Him more. 
 
HYMNS. Ill 
 
 Glory to God, who reconciles 
 
 His justice with His grace ; 
 Who sent His own dear Son on earth, 
 
 In pity for our race ; 
 Who died upon the Cross, for those 
 
 Whom He alone could save ; 
 Who cometh down to give us hearts 
 
 For life beyond the grave ! 
 
 Glory to God ! all glory, power, 
 
 All blessing, honour, praise ! 
 Our hymns to God, our God, may we 
 
 Through Christ our Saviour raise ! 
 For us He died ! and still from heaven 
 
 The Holy Ghost is sent, 
 That sinners may be saved from sin, 
 
 And quickened to repent ! 
 
 LXVIII. 
 
 " The man who was crowned with thorns," 
 
 " Whom sinners agreed to deride," 
 " The man who bore scourges and scorns," 
 
 " The man who on Calvary died," 
 Has broken the bars of the grave, 
 
 Has risen in power from the dead, 
 Again He comes mighty to save 
 
 The sinners for whom He hath bled. 
 
 The days of Thy suffering are past ! 
 
 Thy work of redemption is sure ! 
 For ever Thy mercy shall last, 
 
 The throne of Thy kingdom endure. 
 Thou dwellest in glory and light, 
 
 The Son who wrought out our release, 
 The Father of infinite might, 
 
 The Spirit of comfort and peace. 
 N 
 
112 HYMNS. 
 
 LXIX. 
 
 The proffer'd peace we were not spurning ; 
 
 It was not ours the sin of war : 
 welcome, to His home returning, 
 
 Most welcome now each warrior ! 
 
 We thank Thee, Lord, for these Thou bringest, 
 From foreign climes, to their own ground ; 
 
 The peaceful Isle, that still Thou ringest 
 With the unconquer'd ocean round ! 
 
 Nor foe, nor hoof, nor shell has broken 
 
 Its quiet down, its verdant lea : 
 Long, Lord of Hosts, be this a token 
 
 That we in truth would worship Thee ! 
 
 LXX. 
 
 The river, Lord, that Thou hast bless'd 
 
 To wash our leprosy away, 
 Is that to which in fear and hope 
 
 We would draw near this holy day. 
 
 No Abana, no Pharphar, now 
 Betray a want of faith or love, 
 
 Let meek obedience rule each heart, 
 That so Thy truth and grace we prove. 
 
 The blood of Christ, and that alone, 
 
 May cleanse our sin and make us whole ; 
 
 Be it now sprinkled, Lord of Life, 
 In this Thy house, on every soul. 
 
 And may we still remember Thee 
 In weal or want, in joy or woe, 
 
 How Thou didst die upon the cross, 
 That we misrht live to Thee below. 
 
HYMNS. 113 
 
 LXXL 
 
 The Saviour lives ! for ever lives ! 
 
 Though number'd with the viewless dead 
 Bright is the hope His victory gives : 
 
 The Christ is risen, as He said. 
 
 Now all His gentle words of love, 
 Now every gift for which He bled, 
 
 Are sealed, and perfected above ; 
 For He is risen, as He said. 
 
 Now let each drooping arm be raised ! 
 
 Cheer'd be each fainting heart and head ! 
 By sinners let His name be praised ! 
 
 For He is risen, as He said. 
 
 He sends the Spirit, bursts our chains ; 
 
 His warfare is accomplished : 
 O Hallelujah ! Jesus reigns ! 
 
 The Christ is risen, as He said. 
 
 In Him the Father's love is shown, 
 The Spirit's holy influence shed ; 
 
 Unto the everlasting throne 
 The Christ is risen, as He said. 
 
 LXXII. 
 
 The Star has risen ! the glorious Star ! 
 And call'd the Gentiles from afar : 
 The Sages saw, and worshipp'd Him, 
 Whose glory now no clouds may dim : 
 Let us, too, worship, Father of All, 
 And own Thy love, Thy promised call ! 
 n 2 
 
114 HYMNS. 
 
 Turn us all now to seek, like them, 
 
 The unclouded Star of Bethlehem ! 
 
 In the bright morn, the dewy eve 
 
 Of life, let us its light believe ; 
 
 And through the feverish noon, the strife 
 
 Of manhood, bless the Guide of life ! 
 
 At its bright rising o'er each heart, 
 Summon each pilgrim to his part ! 
 Our own obedience wins not heaven ; 
 In Jesus Christ our hope is given : 
 In Jesus Christ Thy grace is free : 
 In Him we travel all to Thee. 
 
 LXXIII. 
 
 The trembling tribes of Israel saw 
 Proud Pharaoh's unrelenting host 
 
 Hound them its iron crescent draw, 
 
 And heard its fierce and vengeful boast, 
 And sunk upon the Red Sea coast. 
 
 But Israel saw the cloud that night, 
 From front to rear, at God's command, 
 
 Pass, pouring forth its cheering light ; 
 While the rent billows open stand 
 For them, like walls, on either hand. 
 
 That cloud was darkness to the foe, 
 And troubled him with sore dismay ; 
 
 While bright its burning volumes glow 
 O'er Israel's tribes, o'er Israel's way, 
 And on the heaving ramparts play. 
 
 May we, O God of Israel, hence 
 
 Discern Thy mercies and Thy wrath ! 
 
 May we be taught obedience ! 
 Amid all perils, own Thy path ; 
 And follow it, in hope and faith ! 
 
HYMNS. 115 
 
 LXXIV. 
 
 The voice of the Lord bade Noah to build 
 An ark ; for the days of His wrath were fulfill'd : 
 And Noah was guided by the God, whom he knew ; 
 But scorners derided his work, as it grew. 
 
 He gave them no proof, but he bow'd down his head ; 
 And, " Keep thou my heart, Almighty ! " he said : 
 From ocean's deep fountain, from heaven's torn clouds, 
 Plain and high mountain one wild wave shrouds. 
 
 The cry of despair was quench'd in the grave, 
 But the prayer of the few prevail'd on the wave : 
 Alas ! the dread story of the world pass'd away : 
 Thy mercy, Thy glory, O Lord, be our stay ! 
 
 LXXV. 
 
 The wisdom of the wisest without Thee, 
 Spirit of life and truth ! is foolishness ; 
 
 The valour of the young and strong and free, 
 Without Thine aid, is weak and weaponless. 
 
 Wisdom and power are Thine alone, O Lord ! 
 
 But Thou dost give them to Thy servants here ; 
 Teach us to serve Thee by Thy holy Word, 
 
 To serve Thee without doubt and without fear. 
 
 We seek Thine honour, animate our powers, 
 
 Cheer our dull hearts, and be our constant guide. 
 
 We need not doubt if Jesus Christ be ours, 
 We need not fear if Thou be on our side. 
 
 LXXVI. 
 
 The words that from each heart 
 Have trembled into prayer, 
 Should grow still fuller, and impart 
 A deeper wish to share 
 Thy love and watchful care. 
 Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! 
 Saviour ! we have prayed to Thee ! 
 Let us pray more earnestly. 
 n 3 
 
116 HYMNS. 
 
 The words that we would sing 
 In honour of Thy name 
 Should gratefully confess our King, 
 Thy mercy still proclaim, 
 Thy glory and our shame. 
 Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! 
 Hymns that we have sung to Thee 
 Let us sing more thankfully. 
 
 We live not as we ought, 
 We live not as we pray, 
 Be Thou, O Lord, in every thought, 
 In all we do or say, 
 In darkness or by clay. 
 Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! 
 We have tried to live to Thee, 
 Let us try more zealously. 
 
 LXXYII. 
 
 This day He bore a mortal birth, 
 He left His throne on high ; 
 
 This day Christ Jesus came on earth, 
 For us to live and die. 
 
 With soften'd hearts, in lowly strain, 
 
 On this, Thy holy day, 
 We bless Thee, Saviour of men, 
 
 Our life, our truth, our way ! 
 
 Thou art the Spirit, to prepare 
 
 Our hearts for Thy abode : 
 Thou the Anointed, to declare 
 
 The God of love, our God. 
 
 The Son of the Most High lays down 
 The joys and power of heaven ; 
 
 To earth the Son of Man comes down ; 
 To us the Christ is given ! 
 
 We hail Thy tidings of great joy ; 
 
 We seek Thy righteousness. 
 Glory to God, our God, on high ! 
 
 On earth good-will and peace ! 
 
HYMNS. 11 ' 
 
 LXXYIII. 
 
 This is the house of God, a name 
 That has a deep and solemn meaning ; 
 
 To seek our God hither we came, 
 Here, now, on what arm are we leaning ? 
 
 The Son of God bids us rejoice 
 To seek His presence, bids us hither ; 
 
 The Son of God, at whose glad voice 
 All hopes should flourish, fears all wither. 
 
 Most Holy Spirit ! touch each heart, 
 That thankfully we kneel before Thee ; 
 
 Here let Thy servants choose their part, 
 And praise and worship and adore Thee. 
 
 LXXIX. 
 
 This is Thy sacrifice, Almighty ! this 
 The high memorial ordained by Thee ! 
 
 And peace and love on earth, and heavenly bliss 
 Are theirs who rightly own the mystery ; 
 Have mercy upon us, who gathering here, 
 Approach Thy table, Lord, not without fear. 
 
 Have mercy upon us ! and soothe our fear ! 
 Humble us ! make us deeply penitent ! 
 
 That unto Thee we now in faith draw near, 
 And to our comfort take Thy sacrament. 
 Let us in spirit share the flesh and blood 
 Of Christ, and hail Thee holy, just, and good. 
 
 Beneath Thine influence let our hearts discern 
 The wondrous love these solemn rites reveal, 
 Kindle in prayer, and then stedfastly burn 
 With reverent purposes and heaven-fed zeal 
 And gratitude, and hope under Thine eye 
 To live obedient, and in Christ to die. 
 
118 HYMNS. 
 
 LXXX. 
 
 Though aliens, O God ! were we, 
 
 Thou didst not scorn us, or refuse 
 To graft us on Thy olive-tree, 
 
 And bid us share Thy fostering dews. 
 Ere yet Thy people fell, and Thou 
 
 Didst graft us in, it flourish'd fair : 
 What will it be, so stately now, 
 
 When Judah, too, shall nourish there ? 
 
 We would not be high-minded, Lord, 
 
 But love Thy grace, Thy justice own, 
 And pray, according to Thy Word, 
 
 That the Deliverer be known. 
 Thou, out of Zion, come for all ! 
 
 From Jacob turn ungodliness ! 
 May Jews and Gentiles humbly call 
 
 On Thee, and their Redeemer bless ! 
 
 LXXXI. 
 
 Through the abundance of Thy grace, 
 
 By Thy sustaining hand, 
 We hitherto have run our race, 
 And now before Thee stand, 
 For praise and prayer in Christ's own words, 
 King of kings ! and Lord of lords ! 
 
 In His own words, His holy name, 
 
 Hear us, Thy suppliants, now ! 
 The Spirit raise, correct, and frame 
 Our every thought and vow ! 
 O keep us from all hurtful things, 
 Lord of lords ! and King of kings ! 
 
 Creator Thou ! we know Thy power, 
 
 We praise Thy constant love, 
 Our hearts, here, in this solemn hour, 
 Would join Thy hosts above 
 To hymn the God Whom we adore, 
 To bless Jehovah evermore. 
 
HYMNS. 119 
 
 LXXXIL 
 
 To God, all earth and heaven 
 With varied praise have rung, 
 To God be thanks and glory given, 
 His name be gladly sung 
 By every heart and tongue. 
 Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! 
 May our feet pursue His path, 
 May our lives attest our faith. 
 
 To God ! all glory be, 
 All honour to His name, 
 Through Him that died on Calvary 
 His mercy to proclaim, 
 And save us from our shame. 
 Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! 
 Truth and love to God belong, 
 Unto Him we raise our song. 
 
 To Christ let sinners give 
 All honour, glory, might, 
 To Christ by whom all sinners live, 
 Turn from the works of night, 
 And hail the growing light. 
 Hallelujah! Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! 
 Unto Christ we bend each knee, 
 Prayer and praise to Him shall be. 
 
 Most Holy Spirit ! Thine 
 The comfort on us shed ; 
 let our hearts become Thy shrine, 
 And weary wanderers tread 
 The path where Jesus led. 
 Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! Hallelujah ! 
 Unto God for ever raise 
 Cheerful thanks and hymns of praise. 
 
120 HYMNS. 
 
 LXXXIII. 
 
 To the Author of all good, 
 The Universal King, 
 Whose power and truth have ever stood 
 Firm and unwavering ; 
 
 To Him, the Lord of lords, 
 To God, our hearts we raise, 
 And w r ould pour forth in solemn words, 
 Our thanksgivings and praise ! 
 
 On Him, who made us all, 
 The Saviour of our race, 
 On the Holy Spirit would we call, 
 And bless His boundless grace ! 
 
 He broke the power of sin ; 
 He scatters all our night ; 
 He bids the reign of faith begin ; 
 He gives us life and light ! 
 
 LXXXIV. 
 
 To the God of all creation 
 
 Let us sing, with cheerful voice, 
 In the Rock of our Salvation 
 
 Let us heartily rejoice ! 
 Before His presence let us gather, 
 
 With glad hearts and thankful lays ; 
 In our God, our Heavenly Father, 
 
 Show our joy with psalms and praise ! 
 
 The Lord is King over all nations, 
 
 A God above all gods is He ; 
 In His hand are earth's foundations, 
 
 The strong hills and rolling sea : 
 He made the land, He made the ocean, 
 
 He clothes in beauty the dry sod ; 
 Let us kneel down in deep devotion, 
 
 Worship our Maker and our God ! 
 
HYMNS. 
 
 LXXXY. 
 
 121 
 
 Turn Thou, Almighty Spirit, turn 
 
 Our hearts from folly, wrath, and strife, 
 And let our erring spirits learn 
 
 In Christ the wisdom of our life. 
 For His dear sake in whom alone 
 
 Begins, continues, and must end 
 Thv work of grace, to us make known 
 
 His cross, on us Thy power descend ! 
 
 The sinners Thou dost call to Thee, 
 
 The sinners whom He died to save, 
 Redeem us from ourselves, and free 
 
 Our souls from bondage and the grave : 
 Make our ears hear, our eyes discern 
 
 Thy truth, all our reluctance cease, 
 turn, Almighty Spirit, turn, 
 
 Our hearts to wisdom and to peace. 
 
 LXXXYI. 
 
 Unto our God let us be reconciled ! 
 Jesus has shed for us His precious blood ! 
 
 Like as a Father pities his own child, 
 He pities us all ignorant of good. 
 
 Unto our God let us confess our sin, 
 And praise Him for the hope confession bring; 
 
 Hath He not wished to gather us within 
 The comfortable shelter of His wings ? 
 
 He saves from sin and gladdens all our race, 
 Bids us to live and not to perish here. 
 
 O listen to the call of love and grace ! 
 The Saviour now will soon as Judge appear. 
 
122 HYMNS. 
 
 LXXXVII. 
 
 Unto our Queen grant Thou Thy grace, 
 
 O Lord, and bless her Royal race : 
 
 Let Albert every blessing share, 
 
 And fill their home with praise and prayer. 
 
 Stretch o'er our Queen Thy guiding hand 
 And root Thy Gospel in her land, 
 Let her defend the faith, and we 
 Hold our allegiance true to Thee. 
 
 We meddle not with them who range 
 Through novel schemes in idle change, 
 But pray her realm may still find place 
 For fruits of faith, for growth in grace. 
 
 Yea, let Thy Gospel have free course 
 Through her wide empire tell its source, 
 And heathen nations taste and prove 
 The priceless waters of Thy love. 
 
 May Queen and subjects ever raise 
 To Thee their hearts in ceaseless praise, 
 Thy mercy and Thy might proclaim, 
 Extol Thy truth and bless Thy name. 
 
 LXXXVIII. 
 
 Unto Thy hand, O God, Thy care, 
 
 Our daily life is owing ; 
 And all we have, and all we are, 
 
 Is from Thy bounty flowing. 
 The service Thou through Christ wilt own, 
 The praise and prayer that reach Thy throne, 
 
 Our lives and lips be showing ! 
 
HYMNS. 123 
 
 Thy grace upon our cold hearts win, 
 Like spring on winter pressing ; 
 
 Break up the long hard frost of sin, 
 Pour down on us Thy blessing ! 
 
 Let freshest verdure, sunny flowers, 
 
 And timely fruits, show forth, as ours, 
 The faith we are professing. 
 
 LXXXIX. 
 
 We bless, O Lord, Thy holy name, 
 In Jesus Christ we worship Thee, 
 The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, 
 The same one God eternally ! 
 
 Thus hast Thou shown Thyself to us, 
 And made Thy boundless mercy known ; 
 And thus, in the one name of power, 
 We praise Thee on Thy glorious throne. 
 
 No mortal eye may bear Thy form, 
 Save in the image of Thy Son ; 
 Save in the Spirit of Thy love, 
 
 Thy presence must we dread and shun. 
 
 O when we pass the clouded stream 
 Of death, and see Thee as Thou art, 
 New songs of praise, new thoughts of love, 
 Shall rise and fill each tongue and heart. 
 
 XC. 
 
 We bless Thee, Jehovah ! we worship Thy name, 
 Through Him who redeems us from darkness and death ; 
 
 We thank Thee that conquering our pride and our shame, 
 Thy Spirit now tells us of pardon and faith. 
 
 Within us, O Lord, be the Spirit prevailing, 
 To strengthen our hope and to quicken belief; 
 
 To supply us with food ere our nature be failing, 
 To govern our gladness and sanctify grief. 
 
 Each blessing we utter, each hymn we can frame, 
 All hearts and all voices Thy glory declare, 
 
 We bless Thee, Jehovah, we worship Thy name, 
 Through Him who redeems us from sin and despair. 
 
 O 
 
124 HYMNS. 
 
 XCL 
 
 We come before Thee, Lord of all, 
 Before Thy presence humbly kneel, 
 
 And on Thy boundless mercy call 
 For pardon of the guilt we feel ! 
 
 Hear us, for our Redeemer's sake ! 
 
 Save us from darkness and the night ! 
 O let us from our sleep awake, 
 
 Rise from our sins, and own Thy light. 
 
 We come in His high name, through whom 
 Are hope and life to sinners given, 
 
 Whose resurrection from the tomb 
 Is earnest of His power in heaven ! 
 
 Again we thank Thee for Thy grace, 
 For all Thy love, for all Thy care : 
 
 Again would we, a sinful race, 
 
 Thy name adore, Thy blessing share. 
 
 XCIL 
 
 We have heard the solemn story 
 
 Of Messiah's sufferings here, 
 We shall meet Him in His glory 
 
 When again He shall appear. 
 Every grave shall burst asunder, 
 
 Lightnings crest the billow'd ground ; 
 Loud above the echoing thunder, 
 
 All must own the trumpet's sound. 
 
 We shall hear His angels raising 
 
 Hallelujahs by His side; 
 We shall see His dread sign blazing, 
 
 Through the bright heavens, far and wide. 
 Mid the myriads there assembling, 
 
 Each of us must take our place : 
 Flee His wrath in fear and trembling, 
 
 Or adore Him for His grace ! 
 
HYMNS. 125 
 
 XCIII. 
 
 We know our sins, O God ! we know 
 The trials that await us here : 
 
 Thy Spirit soften all our woe, 
 And soothe and chasten all our fear. 
 
 The darkest night will yield to day, 
 Thou makest friends and kindred dear, 
 
 The voice that summons them away 
 May bring our Saviour still more near. 
 
 Let not our yearning hearts be made 
 To us a danger and a snare, 
 
 The deeper feelings that have played 
 Within us, call for deeper prayer. 
 
 The dead in Christ shall meet above ! 
 The love we one another bear 
 
 Should shadow forth our Father's love, 
 And make us bless that Father's care. 
 
 XCIV. 
 
 We know the Spirit's will, 
 To guide us on our road ; 
 To strengthen us, that we fulfil 
 The bidding of our God. 
 
 Lord, day by day renew 
 Within us a right mind ! 
 The flesh is strong, and they are few 
 Who Thy salvation find. 
 
 Alas ! how few are they ! 
 Yet number us, O Lord, 
 With those that meekly would obey 
 Thy call, and love Thy Word ! 
 
 We hear it, yet endure 
 With fainting hearts our war : 
 Almighty ! make our calling sure, 
 In Christ the Conqueror ! 
 o 2 
 
126 HYMNS. 
 
 xcv. 
 
 We place ourselves before the Lord, 
 How solemn is the thought ! 
 
 We say His prayer and hear His Word, 
 With grace and warning fraught. 
 
 We would, Lord, our sins forsake, 
 Cleave to Thine outstretch'd hand, 
 
 The cup of blessing we would take, 
 And keep Thy clear command. 
 
 Of Thy great goodness in Thy Son, 
 Cleanse Thou each struggling heart 
 
 To say, O God, Thy will be done, 
 Holy and good Thou art. 
 
 And Thou art holy, Thou art good, 
 Willing to save and bless, 
 
 All those who own the Saviour's blood, 
 And love Thy holiness. 
 
 XCVI. 
 
 We praise Thee, Lord, who sendest to our race 
 Heralds of truth and harbingers of grace, 
 To tell us the salvation we require, 
 To set forth Christ, the Saviour we desire. 
 
 We bless Thy name, that Thou hast surely given 
 Knowledge of Him by whom our chains are riv'n, 
 That rolling centuries spared the holy book, 
 Teaching what path Thy people ever took. 
 
 We glorify Thee for each stirring page 
 Whereon recorded pass through every age, 
 The prophecies and miracles that prove 
 How great our need, how passing great Thy love. 
 
 We give Thee thanks, O Lord ! that for us men 
 And our salvation has each gifted pen 
 Been filled with Thine own Spirit, to attest 
 Thy power, and kindle love in every breast. 
 
HYMNS. 12* 
 
 Father ! upon our knees with solemn awe 
 "Would we still read the terrors of Thy law, 
 With tears, and hearts from all misgivings won, 
 Cleave to the record of Thy bleeding Son. 
 
 XCVII. 
 
 We trust not in ourselves, Lord ! 
 How could we then endure Thine eye ? 
 
 Through Jesus would we look to Thee, 
 And to Thy table so draw nigh. 
 
 In spirit would we now partake 
 Thy flesh and blood on bended knee, 
 
 According to Thy clear command, 
 Christ, in memory of Thee. 
 
 So only may we know Thy life 
 Through our cold spirits is conveyed, 
 
 So only seek in peace the grave 
 In which our flesh must soon be laid. 
 
 XCVIII. 
 
 We would call Thee, Abba, Father ! 
 
 But our conscious hearts within, 
 Deeply troubled, bid us rather 
 
 Bow before the Judge of sin. 
 
 God of love ! Thy gentlest healing 
 Soothe our wounded spirits now ! 
 
 Let Thy grace, its source revealing, 
 Freshen every burning brow ! 
 
 Veil, veil, Thine awful splendor ; 
 
 Raise not in Thy wrath the rod ! 
 Merciful, in judgment tender, 
 
 Of long-suffering is our God. 
 o 3 
 
128 HYMNS. 
 
 XCIX. 
 
 Who takes the fainting sinner's part ? 
 
 Who turns the just award ? 
 Who tips each tongue and warms each heart ? 
 
 Sing to our God with one accord ! 
 With beating hearts, though measur'd phrase, 
 In this long-pealing depth of praise, 
 To Thee our thankful song we raise, 
 
 For Thy great glory, Lord ! 
 
 Nor earth, nor sin's all idle strife, 
 
 Nor Satan's vain endeavour, 
 Shall from the Enthron'd, the Lamb of Life, 
 
 His ransom'd children sever. 
 Worship in holiest hymn and rite ; 
 Thanksgiving, empire, wisdom, height, 
 All blessing, honour, glory, might, 
 
 Be to our God for ever ! 
 
 C. 
 
 With fear and trembling, pure and holy Lord ! 
 All conscience-smitten must we read Thy Word, 
 Without Thy holiness we may not see 
 Our God, never be brought nigh to Thee ! 
 
 *o 
 
 Thy Son is holy ! let Him clothe our shame ! 
 Thy Son is pure ! we kneel under His name ; 
 Thy Son is sinless ! on Thy sapphire throne 
 Pleading for us ! Father, that pleading own ! 
 
 We would believe Thy threatenings, God ! 
 Soften our pride beneath Thy gentlest rod ! 
 Believe the promises Thy Word imparts, 
 Take away all the hardness of our hearts. 
 
HYMNS. 129 
 
 Thine only Son, O God ! Thou hast not spared, 
 Grant Him the sinners for His reign prepared ! 
 Thou hast delivered Him to die for all, 
 Through Him on Thee for faith and hope we call ! 
 
 Of Thy great goodness, Lord, or win or break 
 Our spirits to Thy Word for His dear sake : 
 In Thee would we rejoice, in Thee lament ; 
 On our cold hearts the Holy Ghost be sent ! 
 
 CI.— Psalm XLVIL 
 
 With heart and with hand let all people rejoice, 
 Raise unto God in triumph each voice ; 
 We praise our Creator, Jehovah we sing, 
 Upon all the wide earth He reigns the great King. 
 
 All the nations before us He drove to retreat, 
 All the Gentiles His power has put under our feet. 
 How rich from His hand hath the heritage proved, 
 That Jacob is glad of, the Jacob He loved. 
 
 Mid pomp and loud triumph the ark has gone past, 
 Jehovah goes up to the trumpet's keen blast. 
 Let our praise track the path to the temple they trod, 
 Incense, timbrel, and harp, the march of our God. 
 
 Upon all the wide earth He reigns the great King, 
 For Him our hearts swell, our anthems must ring, 
 Yea, over the heathen, God reigneth alone ; 
 And holiness, justice, and truth are His throne. 
 
 There the Gentiles, their warriors and kings will be 
 
 found, 
 There the children of Abraham gather around : 
 On our God the defenders of Israel call, 
 He is greatly exalted, is God over all. 
 
 The Israel of God from all bondage released, 
 Through Jesus our Prophet, our King, and our Priest, 
 To the God whom we worship, in whom we would live, 
 All thanks and all honour, all glory we give. 
 
130 HYMNS. 
 
 CIL 
 
 Ye that would worship the Lord, 
 Come ye before Him ! rejoice ! 
 
 Praise Him with organ and chord, 
 Trumpet and cymbal, and voice ! 
 Praise ye the Lord ! for His mercies are sure ; 
 His goodness, His glory, for ever endure. 
 
 Thy glory for ever shall lend 
 Light to the world Thou hast made ; 
 
 Thy goodness for ever shall send 
 Thy servants effectual aid ! 
 Thy name be our glory, Thy law our delight, 
 Thy mercies our gladness, Thy promise our might ! 
 
 We hallow Thy name ! Oh ! loud, 
 Thankful, and glad, be our tone ! 
 
 Thy courts and Thy temple we crowd, 
 And joyously look to Thy throne. 
 Christ be our Saviour ! We lift up our hands, 
 Through the King of all glory, the Hope of all lands. 
 
 We bless Thee, Jehovah ! to Thee 
 Dominion and honour be given ! 
 
 We worship the Christ ! it is He 
 Who reigns over earth, over heaven ! 
 Spirit Almighty ! Thy mercies are sure ; 
 Thy glory, Thy goodness, for ever endure. 
 
 THE WATERFALL GLEN. 
 
 Through the rent crag rushes the headlong stream, 
 And down its rock-strewn channel falls away, 
 Around, the colours of the rainbow gleam, 
 As breaks the sun upon the flashing spray 
 In fitful glory : brightening clouds betray 
 The unimpeded tenor of his course, 
 
 The high commandment which he must obey, 
 Though mist or storm o'er earth baffle his force, 
 And shroud from men his splendor in its burning source. 
 
THE WATERFALL GLEN. 131 
 
 II. 
 
 On every ledge, where'er the time-worn stone 
 Has shiver'd, moss or flower, or shrub or tree, 
 
 Takes root, and all irregularly thrown 
 Athwart the chasm, the ash hangs droopingly 
 Where scarcely might of old the lichen be. 
 Thou that art gazing on this wooded dale, 
 
 Once a bare mass of crags, rejoice to see [gale, 
 
 That o'er hard breasts may breathe heaven's quickening 
 Over the coldest spirit the love of Christ prevail. 
 
 in. 
 Scorn not the thoughts that on thine own sad heart 
 May light, fasten, bloom in unbroken rest, 
 
 And perish all unheeded : they impart 
 To the rock some clothing, in decay arrest 
 The sunbeam, keep the rain-drops on their breast, 
 And gain for hardiest mosses gradual hold : 
 They dying in their turn, ere long invest, 
 Through changeful years, the mind with deeper mould, 
 So blooms it and bears fruit, no more barren and cold. 
 
 IV. 
 Even so for generous youth, for earnest men, 
 For reverent age, full many a noble thought 
 
 Has sprung, like verdure in this quiet glen, 
 And forth each flower, each winged seed has brought, 
 Its purpose answered, and its lesson taught, 
 Then perished without leaving other trace 
 
 Of its existence, than a bosom fraught 
 With deeper truth, a richer, happier space 
 To own the Word of God, and show His constant grace. 
 
 v. 
 
 Should the deep beauties of this outer world 
 Seem all denied thee, should thy feet be led 
 
 O'er rough crags wildly thus around thee hurl'd, 
 No path before thee, no star overhead, — 
 Thy course shall be made clear, light will be shed 
 On thee, Faith will within thy heart increase : 
 
 Christ knows His cross, He liveth, yet was dead, 
 He bids thy fear abate, thy trouble cease : 
 To keep our God's commands on earth is love and peace. 
 
132 THE WATERFALL GLEh. 
 
 VI. 
 
 Cherish each lightest warning that has blended 
 Hope with repentance, joy with tears and pain : 
 
 It is this narrow glen that far extended, 
 Spreads widely where yon city crowns the plain ; 
 It is this brook that swells the mighty main 
 Beneath yon track of light, rolling its tide 
 
 Over the blue horizon : early gain 
 The truth ! in that alone thou canst confide ; 
 Earth passes into heaven, we waken as we died. 
 
 VII. 
 
 How long, O God! holy, and just, and true, 
 Shall time prevail over eternity ! 
 
 How long earth's interests bar from our view 
 The city of Thy presence ? Slowly we 
 Are now descending life's steep heights, and see 
 Our path lies on through death's dark valley : high 
 
 The western beams glance o'er us ! Unto Thee 
 
 We look, wearied and faint : Thou drawest nigh ! 
 
 We call, athirst and hungry : Thou nearest our cry ! 
 
 VIII. 
 
 Seek we the home where Thou wilt hold Thy reign 
 When man has changed, and earth has passed away, 
 
 The home, where ransomed sinners all may gain 
 Mansions prepared for them, who in their day 
 Have shared Thy grace and loved on earth Thy way ; 
 There see Thee as Thou art ! the promise came 
 By Thee, and Thine in heaven almighty sway. 
 Thou wast on earth, wast fashioned in our frame ! 
 Our hope is in Thy cross ! our trust is in Thy name ! 
 
 IX. 
 
 To see Thee as Thou art ! day of glory ! 
 See Thy great triumph ! and the while we gaze, 
 
 Become as Thou art ! All earth's wondrous story 
 Be known, and fill us with new songs of praise, 
 While all in earth and heaven and ocean raise 
 Their hymn, each white-robed elder from his brow 
 Before Thee casts his crown ; Ancient of Days ! 
 Creator, Saviour, Sanctifier, Thou ! 
 This hope vouchsafe us here ! from sin O save us now ! 
 
133 
 
 BOOK OF COMMON PRAYEE. 
 
 We love the Prayers, in which our fathers breath'd 
 
 Their solemn aspirations after God ; 
 We love the Forms, by them to us bequeathe, 
 
 To guide us on the narrow path they trod. 
 
 Full many a century has roll'd away, 
 
 Since piety recorded each sound form : 
 We now have wants the same as erst had they ; 
 
 With the same feeling may our hearts be warm ! 
 
 They knew one Saviour of us all, and sought 
 
 Thro' hallowed forms to breathe one common mind : 
 
 They felt one fellowship and gathering brought 
 Hearts glad to own one Spirit, in them shrined ; 
 
 And where they gather'd, there received they grace ; 
 
 In snow-clad forest, burning wilderness, 
 In temple, city, lowly dwelling-place, 
 
 In joyous gratitude, in deep distress. 
 
 Their thoughtful prayers yield free and steady course 
 To every hope or fear they would advance, 
 
 To feelings that so told a common source, 
 So gained a safe and constant utterance. 
 
 Of old, mind, understanding, heart and soul, 
 
 Went, in those meetings, with each solemn word : 
 
 How could the saints forego them, or control, 
 At man's command, the blessing of the Lord ? 
 
 In prisons they poured forth their well-known cry, 
 In catacombs their prayer and praise uprose ; 
 
 In crowded theatres brought forth to die, 
 
 They uttered holy words that blessed their foes. 
 
 May such time-honored prayers for ages fill 
 
 The fainting host of Christ with hope and strength, 
 
 In such assemblages the Spirit still 
 
 Comfort our spirits through life's changeful length. 
 
131 BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. 
 
 A thousand years have roll'd away, and now 
 
 The Martyr's trial is no longer ours : 
 Yet is there danger still, lest down we bow 
 
 And burn our incense to some Idol powers. 
 
 A thousand storied years to us have given 
 
 These Prayers, that hallow our own Book of Prayer : 
 
 They warn us how our forefathers have striven, 
 And what the arms and armour we should bear : 
 
 They stand between the living and the dead ; 
 
 They tell us our communion cannot die ; 
 They make us one in Christ, and, duly said, 
 
 Connect our world with that so long gone by : 
 
 They help to make us hopeful, humble, meek ; 
 
 They prove the Blessing with the Promise sent ; 
 Of Jesus and the Comforter they speak 
 
 In strongest words, yet grave and reverent. 
 
 Oh ! we must love our ancient Prayers, as we 
 Love the old Church in which our fathers sleep, 
 
 The well-known tomb, and venerable tree 
 That shaded them ere we had learnt to weep. 
 
 Eternal God ! to whom a thousand years 
 Are as one day ! Thy will be ever done ! 
 
 May our affections, reason, hopes, and fears, 
 
 All cling to Thee, through Thine Incarnate Son ! 
 
 Spirit of Power ! let each regenerate heart 
 Seek fellowship with all Thy saints on high ! 
 
 There shall they gather, all, no more to part, 
 From every land and age, no more to die. 
 
 Father and mother, children, husband, wife, 
 
 Brethren and friends, dear as our own heart's blood, 
 
 Shall there, in Christ, receive eternal life, 
 And bless His reign, one holy brotherhood. 
 
135 
 
 THE ATHANASIAN CKEED. 
 
 In earnest prayer and utter reckless love 
 The impassion'd sculptor wooed the ivory mould 
 He wrought to full perfection, and could move 
 The idol queen of Cyprus, as of old 
 The legend ran. The image fair and cold 
 Grew fairer still and warm ; the lovely frame 
 
 Soften'd and glow'd ; and thro' its channels roll'd 
 The stream of life, and light and glory came 
 Over the peerless beauty, blushing for very shame. 
 
 n. 
 The fable well rewards the sculptor's art : 
 Instinct with being, animate with fire, 
 
 His statue lived, and gave him back a heart 
 True and affectionate : but we desire 
 To quench the heaven-born life of faith, require 
 The hand of death to touch her, and to dim 
 
 Her bright blue eyes, and wrapp'd in self, admire 
 Each changing feature and each stiffening limb, 
 Forget her worth, and raise a mad sepulchral hymn. 
 
 in. 
 Can we best love death's rigid countenance ? 
 Is it in nature they who would not own 
 
 The living child of Heaven, while her kind glance 
 Wins on the conscious sinner, should bow down 
 Before the cold and lifeless skeleton ? 
 Let us with timely wisdom now deplore 
 
 Past error, seek forgiveness, and put on 
 Meekness of mind, and our great God adore, 
 As He reveal'd Himself that we might love Him more. 
 
 IV. 
 
 Let Faith retain its life and heav'nly form ! 
 Each creed is but the dry anatomy 
 
 Of what God showeth us, living and warm, 
 Of faultless mould and loveliest hue, to be 
 In such glad guise what we might touch and see, 
 Our daily guest, our own familiar friend ; 
 
 So we may put on immortality, 
 And learn by due degrees to comprehend 
 What blessings to His faithful servants God will send. 
 
136 THE ATHANASIAN CREED. 
 
 V. 
 
 The words of man, though faultless all and true, 
 Cannot with Heaven's high excellence be fraught ; 
 
 Cannot set forth to man's importunate view 
 Glories and truths too great for every thought 
 Himself can shape within his breast, though caught 
 In happiest moment : they who see aright 
 
 All earth by the sun's beam, must yet be taught 
 If e'er they gaze e'en on created light 
 To screen with prudent lore their else forfeited sight. 
 
 VI. 
 
 The Sun seems meant, while daily it may rise, 
 Eather to give Earth beauty, warmth, and light, 
 
 Than to be gazed upon by curious eyes : 
 God's being, truth, and substance were too bright. 
 Taken as in Himself He is, for sight 
 Like ours ; yet when reflected from the field 
 
 Of nature yield a deep and calm delight : 
 The mind is hurt, the eye in darkness sealed, 
 That seeks to know of God more than He has revealed. 
 
 VII. 
 
 Creeds have their proper use : let us not turn 
 Their strength to mischief by too bold a gaze, 
 
 But pray that every bosom inly burn, 
 And thankful to the indwelling Spirit, raise 
 With tearful joy and earnest heartfelt praise 
 Our eyes to Jesus and the cross, to Him 
 
 Who so for weak and erring men displays 
 The love that all revealed would haply dim, 
 The keen affectionate glance of the bright Seraphim. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 Utter not curses on your brother man 
 For lacking knowledge, God is working still 
 To fit us for His Heaven by His own plan. 
 If heresies arose, a hapless skill 
 Mistook their cure, bade stricter worship fill 
 Creed, articles, and prayers, yet touched not so 
 
 The real cause, the teeming root of ill, 
 Though most exact, and laboured wisdom show 
 In choicest phrase the truth and power of all we know. 
 
THE ATHAXASIAX CREED. 137 
 
 IX. 
 
 The world, the flesh, the devil, one or all, 
 Shape every deadly error : war with sin 
 
 In its stronghold, and heresies will fall : 
 So praver be made in holy forms that win 
 From the free Spirit their high origin, 
 And uttered in the name of Jesus, plead 
 
 His death and God's great love for us : within 
 The burning light of Heaven our God will heed, 
 The Father, Son, and Spirit soothe our hour of need. 
 
 x. 
 
 True, active, holy Faith has not its birth 
 In strength of intellect, it owns not here 
 
 The wisdom and the power that are of earth 
 As giving it existence ; a meek fear 
 Of God precedes it, and the gentle tear 
 Of lowly penitence, and when its reign 
 
 Begins, the seeing eye, the hearing ear, 
 All powers of mind and body swell its train, 
 And in the cross of Christ their excellence attain. 
 
 XI. 
 
 The glorious Sun, rejoicing in his force, 
 Pours down from heaven his light and influence : 
 So faith sheds hope and joy along our course ; 
 Light, that in definite outline will dispense 
 To all it shines upon, unless our sense 
 Be all diseased, exact reality ; 
 An influence such that earth will recompense 
 The kindly rays in season, if it be 
 Cultur'd and sown, and left to Heaven's due blessing free. 
 
 XII. 
 
 So will the Word of God teach mortal hearts 
 "What God is towards us : and the true zeal 
 Such teaching to the lowly mind imparts, 
 The warm and softening thoughts we gladly feel 
 Over our cold, obdurate bosoms steal, 
 Bear witness of the Spirit whence they move. 
 
 God knew what was in man, and would reveal 
 For their salvation what to them would prove 
 At once their Maker's, Saviour's, Sanctifier's love. 
 p 2 
 
138 THE ATHAXASIAN CREED. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 Whatever be our strength, whatever be 
 Our range of understanding, it remains 
 
 Untouch'd by miracle, and springs, as free 
 As bodily stature, to the power it gains 
 By natural growth and the appointed pains 
 Of toil : Faith in the will and heart must rise : 
 
 Through Christ the Spirit gives it : and sustains 
 Its growth alike for all w T ho duly prize 
 Such gift, the weak or strong, the unletter'd or the wise. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 It cannot be that what is difficult 
 Alone can shield us all from future ill ; 
 That our salvation should be a result 
 Dependent on our learning, on our skill 
 To tell when history does not fulfil 
 Conditions of belief, what words avail 
 
 A sinner best to syllable God's will, 
 His being and His substance — all must fail : 
 The servants He inspired attempt not such a tale ! 
 
 xv. 
 
 Prophets, Apostles, and Evangelists 
 Set forth no labor'd learning, formal creeds ; 
 
 Their faith shines bright above all earthly mists ; 
 Plain is their vision, he may run that reads ; 
 Their solemn cry is changeless, he that needs 
 Salvation, he that feels his sin and shame 
 
 Finds Jesus save him from his evil deeds, 
 The Spirit daily prompt and speed his aim, 
 The Father on His throne all mercy : and by name 
 
 XVI. 
 
 Calls Him his God, no longer veils the gladness 
 Which God, as his God, pours upon his soul : 
 
 His God, while faith conquers the tearful sadness 
 That bids him read and own the awful scroll, 
 Impeaching him of sins whose deep control 
 He felt himself, yet hopes others evaded. 
 
 For they might not have drained the sensual bowl 
 Of pleasure as himself had, or degraded 
 The promise of their path ere yet its flowers had faded. 
 
THE ATHAXASIAN CREED. 139 
 
 XVII. 
 
 His God, noble faith ! the mighty God 
 "Who for Himself will vindicate His sway, 
 
 Who yet will deign with no unkindly rod 
 To chasten sinners, point them out their way 
 Of pleasantness and peace, will yet display 
 His goodness to one sinner such as he, 
 The lowest among all who go astray ; 
 He knows against himself iniquity, 
 From which his conscience cries they cannot but be free. 
 
 XVIII. 
 
 Wherefore his God, again, and yet again, 
 His God is dear to him beyond compare : 
 
 And when he feels that all the sons of men 
 The like forgiveness, the like mercy share, 
 His creed exults, and breaks into full prayer, 
 For Jesus scorns not him, that all may know 
 
 His Saviour and his God, whose generous care 
 Speaks joy to all, whose blessings ever flow 
 In ceaseless stream, for all who love Him here below. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 Ho ! every one that thirsteth, freely come, 
 Come without money, without price, and drink ; 
 
 Ye need no victims more, no heavy sum 
 Of gold, no toil to reach the river's brink, 
 It flows hard by, kneel down, no longer think 
 To earn salvation for thyself: that needs 
 
 More than all earth could pay, no longer shrink 
 Into thyself. Lo ! there thy Saviour bleeds ! 
 Thou wert lost, and art found : who runs such mercy reads. 
 
 xx. 
 
 Deceive not your own selves, ye who believe 
 That curses upon error such as mar 
 
 The form of words which now ye would receive 
 As God's own truth, can do aught else but jar 
 Upon all Christian feelings : from afar 
 These fabled words have come, and long belied 
 The man whose name and character would bar 
 Research while learning was all laid aside, 
 But may not sanction falsehood, indolence, or pride. 
 p 3 
 
140 THE ATHANASIAN CREED. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 Let quietness, such is the Spirit's word, 
 And holy confidence through every breast 
 
 Be reigning, the same Spirit has conferr'd 
 On Christians the privilege to rest 
 On Christ alone : so faithfully they test 
 All teachers : may each watchman take his round 
 
 Armed at all points, of every power possessed 
 To win all foes and shelter friends, while sound 
 And duteous wisdom bids him keep the appointed ground. 
 
 xxn. 
 Be it kept sacred ! we, who would repair 
 For shelter to the Church that o'er our isle 
 
 Stretches her wing, should love her, and take care 
 To keep her true to holy writ the while 
 We change whatever might the weak beguile, 
 Whatever fail the wanderer to restore. 
 
 Alas ! for those whose wayward hearts revile 
 Her grave solemnities, and still deplore 
 Her ancient rites, and scorn her Apostolic lore. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 The triple prayer to the Almighty said, 
 The triple plunge of old beneath the stream, 
 
 The triple blessing on the sainted head 
 Have all one promise and one purpose, seem 
 Hallowed by Christ, and sanctioned by the beam 
 And voice of mercy, breaking from on high, 
 
 To quicken the else lifeless, to redeem 
 The slaves of sin, and form one family 
 Of love, by faith in full and strong activity. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 When worldly pomp and royal favour made 
 The Faith a crown, Christian a name of pride, 
 Then was deep, haughty reasoning displayed 
 To prove how wearing such a crown implied 
 A merit in the wearer, to divide 
 The Saviour, and detract from His high name ; 
 The Faith brought honor : and the Crucified 
 Was made a stone of stumbling, proud ones came, 
 Denied His cross, and told what pride and virtue claim. 
 
THE ATHANASIAN CREED. 141 
 
 XXV. 
 
 They would not bear the weight of gratitude, 
 Nor seek the height of faith : they would not bow 
 
 To God, as humbler souls : they would elude 
 The searching word they dare not alter now, 
 Yet love not Thee, O God. We would avow, 
 Father and Son and Spirit ! in our days 
 We too would worship Thee ! worthy art Thou, 
 Son of God ! at all time of all praise ; 
 Wherefore to Thee its constant hymn the world shall raise. 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 Even now, O Lord ! as in Thy Church of old 
 Prophets and martyrs sang it, we unite 
 
 In their full hymn : Thy lofty name be told, 
 Giver of life ! Jesus ! the cheering light 
 Of the Eternal Father, holy and bright, 
 And bless'd in heavenly glory ! while we gaze 
 
 On the glad ray that cheers each fall of night : 
 Son of God ! Thee still we love to praise, 
 To Thee its constant hymn the ransom'd world should raise. 
 
 This is the evening hymn literally translated from the 
 Greek prose : " Cheerful light of the holy glory of 
 " the deathless Father, who is of heaven, holy blessed. 
 " Oh ! Jesus Christ ! having come to the setting of the 
 " Sun, having seen the evening light, we hymn Father 
 " and Son and Holy Spirit of God. Worthy art Thou 
 " at all times to be hymned with sacred voices, Oh ! Son 
 " of God, who art giving life ! Wherefore the world 
 " glorifies Thee ! "—Bouth, 3, 299. 
 
142 
 
 THE OLD RECTOR'S VISIT 
 TO THE NOTICE, 
 
 THE SOLE SURVIVOR OF A LARGE FAMILY, 
 
 IN HER CASTLE, 
 
 LATELY ALTERED INTO A NUNNERY. 
 
 This tyrannous creed, unfitted all 
 
 For Christian hopes and fears, 
 Has it then, Lady, made a thrall 
 
 Of thee in thy warm years ? 
 Ere love has played his thoughtful part, 
 
 Or woe bedecked thy grave, 
 Ere earth have palled upon thy heart, 
 
 Art thou a willing slave ? 
 
 A viewless chain is all around 
 
 Thy gentle person wrought, 
 And links that give no warning sound, 
 
 Encumber every thought. 
 Such deeper bondage break it now ! 
 
 By thine own tearful eye, 
 By the meek censure on thy brow, 
 
 From these thy fetters fly ! 
 
 The iron fetters, that should bind 
 
 The body in this land, 
 May not be forged : O let thy mind 
 
 Its privilege demand ! 
 Thy features give their mild rebuke, 
 
 To one who shocks thy faith : 
 I cannot, may not own that look, 
 
 Oh ! turn thee from thy path. 
 
 My heart is full, and would pour forth, 
 
 A hope to touch thy soul, 
 Though cold the strain, and nothing worth, 
 
 How can I here control 
 The kindly feelings that oppress 
 
 That heart, while thus I see 
 Thine innocent youth and loveliness, 
 
 Thine earth-born slavery ? 
 
THE NOVICE. 143 
 
 Yet fear not that my harp forget 
 
 Its deep respectful tone, 
 To heavenly love its strings were set, 
 
 We are not here alone. 
 In this thy cold and cheerless cell, 
 
 Our God is witness here ; 
 His Spirit on our spirits dwell ! 
 
 Fill us with holy fear ! 
 
 As o'er yon upland sweeps His wind, 
 
 And wave the sounding trees, 
 So His free Spirit, undefined, 
 
 Waken its melodies 
 On harp so poor and weak as mine, 
 
 Seeking His power to praise ; 
 On soul, so much abused as thine, 
 
 Seeking His holy ways. 
 
 Through this deep arch, though scantly seen, 
 
 The rolling clouds, the hill, 
 The cultured ridge, the forest green, 
 
 Proclaim their Maker still : 
 But from yon turret's lofty head, 
 
 One wide sweep fills the eye, 
 And praises to our God are said 
 
 Far more exultingly. 
 
 So is thy bounded faith, and mine 
 
 Thy priests, and holy writ : 
 They shape their God, their heaven and thine, 
 
 Darken and narrow it. 
 We take our world, as the great God 
 
 Has made it, round and free, 
 And shape us in our glad abode, 
 
 To its flowing canopy. 
 
 Yon glorious sun hath its eclipse — 
 
 Be then that descant hushed ! 
 Yet no harsh words were on my lips : 
 
 Kindness alone had flushed 
 My cheek, and in my spirit moved 
 
 Zeal without wrath or guile : 
 Rome must not pass all unreproved 
 
 Within this altered pile. 
 
144 THE NOVICE. 
 
 The rich enthusiasm of thy youth, 
 
 Against itself was turned 
 By reasoning, wherein much of truth 
 
 Thy single eye discerned : 
 Then high convictions of thy God, 
 
 And thine own lowliness, 
 Made thee misdeem this cold abode 
 
 One He would chiefly bless. 
 
 But human souls must be supplied 
 
 With their proper aliment, 
 Though for a time by earthly pride 
 
 A seeming strength be lent ; 
 Daily thy hands supply the cup, 
 
 Or where were else the glow 
 Of that rich lamp that iighteth up 
 
 The virgin's sainted woe ? 
 
 As thine own ministering hands are there 
 
 To feed the constant light, 
 And round it ever Heaven's own air 
 
 Must rush, to keep it bright": 
 So earth must minister to thy soul, 
 
 Its odorous oils pour on, 
 And grace from Heaven around thee roll, 
 
 Or the brief blaze is gone. 
 
 The bread we eat, the wine we drink, 
 
 Have nought in them of life ; 
 Yet without them we may not think 
 
 To wage our daily strife : 
 Without the accidents of earth, 
 
 Its stirring charities, 
 Its useful wants, its grief and mirth, 
 
 The soul sickens and dies. 
 
 Angels and Archangels adore 
 
 Our glorious God on high ; 
 Bless Him and thank Him evermore, 
 
 With clear continual cry : 
 Such prayer and praise may never fill 
 
 His courts from sinful breath ! 
 We cannot bear such a deep thrill, 
 
 Lady, we change in death. 
 
THE NOVICE. 145 
 
 Till then our God biddeth us here 
 
 Improve the talents given, 
 And by our active lives appear, 
 
 To seek His rest in heaven. 
 This hope each kindling bosom warms : 
 
 Nor soul nor body bear 
 Days, frittered into spiritless forms ; 
 
 Nights, broken with cold prayer. 
 
 To steady lore and Christian love 
 
 Devote each fleeting day, 
 And food, and freshening slumbers prove, 
 
 The morrow's gifted stay : 
 "With prayer and praise break the control 
 
 Of error : choose thy part ! 
 Believe thy disappointed soul ! 
 
 Yield to thy craving heart ! 
 
 I hold to thee no treacherous lure, 
 
 Yet what will be thy vow ? 
 Know thou to all is marriage pure 
 
 And honourable now. 
 In this, at Rome, the will of man 
 
 Denies God's will and Word : 
 Search it thyself, and daily scan 
 
 The goodness of thy Lord. 
 
 Call up thy mother's loving care 
 
 Each night, while on the ground, 
 Or climbing up her knee or chair, 
 
 Her children cluster'd round ; 
 And heard her thankful accents own 
 
 What true Apostles say 
 In holy writ of Him, alone 
 
 The life, the truth, the way. 
 
 From erring man wilt thou receive 
 
 Commands God has not given, 
 From sinners ask a written leave 
 
 To learn the will of heav'n ? 
 Still make the Word of God thy guide, 
 
 What it requires well heeded, 
 What it requires not, set aside 
 
 As what cannot be needed. 
 
146 THE NOVICE. 
 
 Wilt thou on Romish idols call ? 
 
 Wilt thou to masses go ? 
 Tell priests in their confessional 
 
 What God alone should know ? 
 No British maid should ever stain 
 
 Her conscience in their hands, 
 No British matron ever deign 
 
 To answer their demands. 
 
 The blessed among womankind, 
 
 The mother of our Lord, 
 Is not an idol richly shrined 
 
 For prayer, as priests record : 
 She bids not slaves of sin to seek 
 
 Freedom where none is near ; 
 She prompts not sufferers to speak 
 
 Prayers God will never hear. 
 
 His truth alone can make us free ! 
 
 Christ's blood alone make clean ! 
 Can Purgatory profit thee ? 
 
 Can penance, alms, heal sin ? 
 Is pardon huckster'd ? mercy sold ? 
 
 Heaven barr'd for paltry tolls ? 
 Thou canst not measure sin by gold, 
 
 Or trafnck in men's souls. 
 
 Can saints on earth be over good ? 
 
 Live here so over well, 
 That they need not a Saviour's blood, 
 
 That their good doings tell 
 To wash another's guilt away, 
 
 To form another's claim, 
 Arrest from death and hell their prey, 
 
 And give him the new name ? 
 
 For thee, the veil that Rome has cast 
 
 O'er self-inflicted pain, 
 Procession, pomp, each idle fast, 
 
 Proud vigil, is in vain. 
 Alike Rome's curses, blessings, break 
 
 O'er thee — condemn'd, or shriv'n, 
 Thou canst not let her Pontiffs take 
 
 The throne of Christ in heav'n. 
 
SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 147 
 
 The glorious promises of grace 
 
 Through Christ were once thine own, 
 Thy youth has sought thy Saviour's face, 
 
 Knelt only at His throne : 
 My life, O Lady, wanes apace, 
 
 I call thee to God's way, 
 I must beseech thee to retrace 
 
 Thy steps this very day. 
 
 Rome hath no promises of peace, 
 
 Rome hath no power from heav'n, 
 To Rome no key that yields release 
 
 Or closes hope is giv'n : 
 Rome holds a system of deceit, 
 
 By falsehood hushes strife, 
 Rome gives our nature poison'd meat, 
 
 Withholds the cup of life. 
 
 Wherefore within this narrow cell, 
 
 Before the heavenly host, 
 Despite the banded powers of hell, 
 
 Under the Holy Ghost 
 I pray thee seek thy Father's home 
 
 By the path which Jesus trod, 
 I warn thee, listen not to Rome, 
 
 Listen, my child, to God. 
 
 SKETCHES 
 
 FROM THE LIFE OF 
 
 ST. PAUL. 
 
 SAUL LEAVES JERUSALEM FOR DAMASCUS. 
 
 The holy band, that in Jerusalem 
 Had worshipped Christ, was broken : and the few 
 
 That scap'd the torrent, which they might not stem, 
 In midnight sorrow mourn'd o'er him, who slew 
 Their brethren, told how soon he should pursue, 
 In distant lands, the remnant of their race ; 
 
 And dim the star, that heralded morning, grew, 
 As hard by Kedron, in their secret place, 
 They raised their earnest prayer unto the throne of grace. 
 
 Q 
 
143 SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 
 
 U. 
 
 Nor had the sun risen o'er Olivet, 
 When forth the young high-minded Pharisee 
 
 Rode, with his zealous band ; each heart was set 
 To cleanse the earth of this idolatry, 
 This hated faith in Him of Galilee : 
 And well the stillness, and the growing light 
 
 Of that full hour, told what his day should be 
 To Saul, a work of cloudless glory, bright 
 As the brightest upon earth, just in his Maker's sight. 
 
 in. 
 With his own hope, mingling each prophet's word, 
 He passed the brook, and up the wooded steep, 
 
 Nor saw the sad assembly there, nor heard 
 How their meek prayers prevailed over his deep 
 And vengeful purposes : his dreamy sleep 
 Had all been broken by the same proud thought 
 
 Of service done to God, then free to sweep 
 O'er his full heart, which in its strength had fraught 
 His youth with age, and all his soul's enthusiasm caught. 
 
 IY. 
 
 On ! for thine honour ride thou on ! and bear 
 The message of the covenant ! Who shall stand 
 When thou appearest ? what bold foe may dare 
 Thy onset, and endure thy gifted hand ? 
 Who may abide thy coming ? All the land 
 Shall soon be cleansed ! such Jehovah's will. 
 
 Sword of the Lord ! hast thou not now command, 
 Appointed against sin ? thy charge fulfil ! 
 Forth from thy scabbard now, thou canst not now be still. 
 
 Y. 
 
 The breast-plate he puts on is righteousness ; 
 The helmet of salvation on his head ; 
 
 His arm is power ; his heart is eagerness ; 
 And all his garments are of vengeance, red 
 With recompense of the many foes, that bled 
 According to their deeds ; he will repay 
 Wrath to his enemies, and fiercely shed 
 His fury on the traitors ; so display 
 The terrors of the Lord to nations far away. 
 
SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 149 
 
 II. THE CHRISTIANS ASSEMBLED IN MORNING PRAYER 
 AS SAUL WENT FORTH. 
 
 Thou, before Whom earth's myriads all must bow, 
 Messiah Thou, Redeemer of us all ! 
 
 Have mercy on the zealous foe, that now 
 Rages against Thee, let him hear Thy call ! 
 And let Thy love upon his bosom fall, 
 As dews on Hermon : this, his zeal, shall then 
 
 For Thee be clothed in knowledge, and his thrall 
 Changed for Thy gentle yoke : such from that glen 
 The prayer, that one had breathed, while all uttered, Amen. 
 
 VI. 
 
 More might not then young Amariah say : 
 For there was James, the Apostle, who had known 
 
 The Lord of life on earth : now far away 
 Saul and his band. The hill that erst had shewn, 
 Now veiled, their tossing plumes ; and all alone 
 The Christians stood within their green recess ; 
 And one mild voice prayed in deep solemn tone, 
 For grace to put away all bitterness, 
 Then rose their Psalm to Him Who comforts all distress. 
 
 psalm cxxi. 
 Unto the hills I lift mine eye, 
 
 Whence all my help is given : 
 For help, unto the Lord I cry, 
 
 Who made the Earth and Heaven. 
 
 Thy foot shall all securely dwell, 
 Whom God vouchsafes to keep : 
 
 The Lord, who keepeth Israel, 
 Nor slumbers, nor will sleep. 
 
 As erst that pillar, cloud, and light, 
 The Lord shall guide them still : 
 
 Nor sun by day, nor moon by night, 
 Shall work His people ill. 
 
 The Lord shall keep thy heart from sin, 
 
 The Lord for ever guard 
 Thy going out and coming in, 
 
 And be thy great reward. 
 Q 2 
 
150 SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 
 
 To God on high all praise and power 
 
 Through Him, the crucified, 
 Who liveth still, our Rock, our Tower, 
 
 Our Light, our daily Guide. 
 
 in. 
 Then parted they, the brethren of the faith : 
 And down the valley of Jehoshaphat, 
 
 The just Apostle took his lonely path : 
 Much musing when the Lord would raise the state 
 Of His deep suffering Church, and vindicate 
 His love and truth, slowly he wandered on, 
 
 Through that fair scene, how soon to consecrate, 
 "With Zachariah, and with Simeon, 
 That green hill-side his tomb, the palm of glory won. 
 
 rv. 
 
 Gethsemane, Bethesda, in that land 
 How rich the storied feeling that endears 
 
 Each spot. Lo ! James within the temple stand 
 On Mount Moriah's bloodless steep : his fears 
 Were soothed, w r hile through the mist of coming years, 
 He saw the triumph of the Lamb that bled, 
 
 As now the priest in idle pomp appears, 
 Forth to the altar was the victim led, 
 Its import all fulfill'd, its hope and glory fled. 
 
 III. SAUL ON HIS JOURNEY, AND NEAR APPROACH 
 TO DAMASCUS. 
 
 By stream, and tower, and dark embattled wall, 
 Through plains, and cities, known in prophecy, 
 
 Day after day, his constant journey Saul 
 Held ever : with him rode a company 
 Of zealous Israelites, their purpose high, 
 Their holy zeal and resolute courage, keep 
 
 Each heart : and every form, and every eye, 
 Tells rooted confidence, as up the steep 
 Of rugged Hermon now by Jordan's bank they sweep. 
 
SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 15 1 
 
 II. 
 
 And Satan watched with joy their noble chief, 
 And filled him with deep thought, and seeming light 
 
 In strong delusion : who might yield relief 
 To Saul the Persecutor ? cleanse his sight ? 
 And on Saul rode, strong in the conscious might 
 Of his own honesty, and faith, and call 
 
 In Abraham the faithful: clear and bright 
 The visions, that would oft his heart enthrall, 
 And clothed in Scripture bode the enemy's speedy fall. 
 
 ni. 
 
 The vauntings of the foe my bosom pierce ! 
 His word was in my heart, a burning fire, 
 
 Shut up within my bones, restless and fierce : 
 I wearied of forbearance, from my desire 
 How could I stay ? Wilt Thou not, Lord, require 
 This people at our hands ? Forth have they gone 
 
 To death, and to the sword, to famine dire, 
 And long captivity ; were He their own, 
 Messiah, where were now the imperishable throne ? 
 
 IV. 
 
 Ere yet the years draw nigh, when I shall say, 
 I have no pleasure in them, ere the sun 
 
 And moon be dark, and clouds pass not away, 
 Though the rude storm have poured its torrent down, 
 Would I now serve the Lord, and his renown 
 Establish o'er this people : great their sin, 
 
 With iron pen, with diamond point, writ down 
 Upon their altar horns, their heart within ; 
 His chosen from our God how could they think to win ! 
 
 v. 
 Their children see their altars, hail their groves, 
 Upon the lofty hills, 'mid the green trees ; 
 And every Gentile wanderer, that roves 
 Near their idolatrous service, gladly sees, 
 That, as to foul and nameless images 
 He sets up for will-worship, wood and stone, 
 
 To our great God, unconsecrated knees 
 Are bent in temples, which He will not own : 
 New altars, a new law, another God made known. 
 Q 3 
 
152 SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 
 
 VI. 
 
 The great Creator ! the Eternal One ! 
 Can they, the children of His promise, leave 
 His temple ! they forget what He has done 
 For their rebellious sires ! they not perceive 
 How wanting now the signs, that shall bereave 
 The faithless of salvation ! they discern 
 
 The Christ, reft of all glory, and believe 
 This hapless Sufferer on the cross, can earn 
 The kingdom, and all earth's established thrones o'erturn ! 
 
 VII. 
 
 The City of the hills, in her short hour, 
 Triumphs o'er Him : the Roman sentinel 
 
 Pierced Him, and now the Roman emperor 
 Wears his red crown, unharnessed ! Who may tell 
 His secret sins ! never let me rebel 
 Against our God, and His anointed Son ! 
 Vain all your struggling, foes of Israel ! 
 Egypt, the desert, Canaan proudly won, 
 Attest His arm is strong, His will for ever done. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 The sentence stern fringing Saul's daily robe, 
 The changeless threat, crowning his thoughtful brow, 
 
 Bore terrible witness to his heart's deep throb, 
 As now the Eastern Garden wide below 
 Was stretching ; Pharphar, Abana, brightly flow 
 Towards Benhadad's rich and royal abode, 
 The city of praise, the ignorant of woe : 
 Grasping the warrior's sword, the prophet's rod, 
 In burning silence, Saul holds commune with His God. 
 
 AND HIS ENTRY. 
 
 A thousand eager eyes were turned, to where 
 Saul should have been advancing, on that day, 
 
 From off Damascus' wall : and earnest prayer 
 Filled, and from many a heart, burst loud away, 
 " To prosper the avenger," " to array 
 " His coming Messenger in might : " sublime 
 From the crowded gate arose the solemn lay 
 Of prophecy. Timbrel and harp kept time 
 To the trumpet's piercing blast, the cymbal's regular chime. 
 
SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 153 
 
 ISALA.H LXHI. 
 
 Who cometh from Edom in the greatness of power ? 
 
 The Rock of the vintage what victor can brave ? 
 His garments all glorious, and crimsoned with gore, 
 
 I, the righteous Judge ! the mighty to save ! 
 
 Why red the apparel that round Thee is thrown ? 
 
 Deeply coloured, as his, who treads out the red wine ? 
 Alone, I have trodden the wine-press, alone, 
 
 And with me were none of the hosts, that are Mine. 
 
 In anger I trod them, and trampled them down 
 
 In fury : their blood o'er my raiment has streamed : 
 
 In my heart was the day of revenge, and renown 
 And come was the glad year of those, I redeemed. 
 
 I looked, and no mortal was nigh to bring aid ! 
 
 I wondered that no man was there to uphold ! 
 Mine arm brought salvation, it was not delayed, 
 
 My fury upheld Me, it was not controlled. 
 
 I have brought to the earth every perishing rank ! 
 
 In Mine anger I trampled them bleeding around ; 
 In My fury I gave them the cup, which they drank, 
 
 And were moved as with wine, and fell mad to the 
 ground. 
 
 n. 
 
 Then mingled many cries, " TTelcome such band 
 " Against these hateful Galileans sped, 
 
 " Their compact with all hell shall never stand, 
 " On the overflowing scourge their blood is red ; 
 " And soon, how soon, shall be abolished, 
 " Their covenant with death ! with power endued 
 
 " Saul comes ! " Away that crowd has swiftly fled : 
 He comes ! and, where the welcome loud and rude, 
 Led by one pitying hand, soiled, helmless, blind, subdued ! 
 
154 SKET >M THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 
 
 SAUL REVISITS TARSUS FROM JERUSALEM 
 
 acts ix. 30. and xi. 25, 26. 
 Age after ag - - away, repeating 
 
 n generation the same tale. 
 In manhood's prime what heart can star its beating 
 When fa - first the happy dale 
 
 Whose : Ding -'^am, bri_ and rushing gale 
 
 Delighted him in childhood, ere his mind 
 
 j.eart, nor might avail 
 X check the laugh that free and unconfined, 
 Burst from the simple joys within his being shrined? 
 
 ii. 
 rods f years had Cydnus brightly no* 
 1 b usands of years had echoed down the falL 
 
 And through the glen into the roc' ed 
 
 And broken plain, pathless, uncultured all, 
 
 ..its frowning wall 
 An - onward the river pressed, 
 
 T i soon to hear the Moslem's ringing call 
 Fr otn granger minarets: still on it- 
 Rene. -cone peaks of Taurus ever r 
 
 m. 
 Man in bis pride arid hardness stJO 
 
 T -ad race 
 
 Suffers alike : no aged hea: I 
 The glorious at early youth could trace 
 
 On its sunlit orb, ere it had yielded place 
 To Satan, and with conscious sin had striven, 
 
 Ruffled with storms, or clouded its bright face 
 With honour, wealth, or power, while back wa- given 
 From the bright mirror only what it drew from heaven. 
 
 IV. 
 
 In childhood Paul had in that quiet glen 
 Gathered the wild flowers by the river side, 
 
 to take his station among men 
 Within J .'it the guide 
 
 Of youth, and there with all his equals li 
 Throu?:. - .:" study at Gamaliel's feet 
 
 So i igbt the blood of Abraham, tn 
 Of self and sect with deepest learning m 
 And the stern champion stand in heart and arms col. 
 
SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 155 
 
 V. 
 
 One eve returning from that rocky fall 
 And through the glen and o'er the well-known plain, 
 
 Musing on his abode at Tarsus, Paul 
 Drew slowly near the city : then some train 
 Of thoughts and feelings he would not restrain, 
 Raised his high forehead, filled his thankful mien : 
 
 He gazed and lingered, tracing not in vain 
 
 What he, ere yet he left his home, had been. 
 
 He felt what now he was, revisiting that scene. 
 
 Athirst and hungry, three days without sight, 
 Submiss he waited 'till the Lord made known 
 
 The Gospel grace and promise : on him light 
 Was showered, on him the cleansing waters thrown, 
 And well might his regenerate spirit own 
 The symbol. Long, untaught of man, he dwelt 
 
 In the Arabian desert, still and lone : 
 There, praying for the Holy Spirit, felt 
 His heart that had been hard and fierce within him melt. 
 
 VII. 
 
 He needs must preach the Saviour, unto Whom 
 Gratitude bound him and a childlike love, 
 
 Needs warn all fellow-sinners of the doom 
 That rests on unbelievers : high above 
 The bright round stars in silent order move, 
 The pathless sands are stretching wide below, 
 
 Save where some ancient well, some palmy grove 
 Refreshes wanderers, as they come or go, 
 Fit school of thought for all who would their Maker know. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 He needs must preach his Saviour : nought might bar 
 That eloquent love, must needs make known the way, 
 
 The truth, the rising of the prophetic star 
 Of Bethlehem, the grave yielding its prey, 
 The gift at Pentecost : yet came the day 
 When at Jerusalem, the brethren feared 
 To own him. Then did Barnabas allay 
 Their natural fear, and bade them hold him dear 
 Whom Christ Himself had summoned to his bold career. 
 
156 SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 
 
 IX. 
 
 And all that Barnabas had been to him 
 Called up his warm affections and awoke 
 
 His mind to former scenes, that long had dim 
 Been lying : the clear call of Jesus broke 
 On his glad ear, his soul within him spoke, 
 As slowly turned he to the plashing wave ; 
 
 He loved the cross, he wore the gentle yoke 
 Of Him who for his sake endured the grave, 
 "Who now reigns on the throne of mercy strong to save. 
 
 x. 
 Since the deep trance that fell upon his heart 
 While praying in the temple, when he heard 
 
 His gracious Master bid him to depart, 
 For that the Jews would not receive his word, 
 The added promise had within him stirr'd 
 A hope that in God's own good time and place 
 
 And manner, upon him would be conferr'd, 
 As on a faithful messenger, the grace 
 To tell the Gentile world the Saviour of our race. 
 
 XI. 
 
 While Paul yet lingered, up the river side 
 Came Barnabas, and when they met he pray'd 
 That for the harvest God would still provide 
 Labourers whom danger could not make afraid, 
 Or toil or death ; and then to Paul he said, 
 Come thou with me to Syria, whither flock 
 
 Gentiles and Jews to seek our Saviour's aid, 
 Make our Lord their defender, Christ their rock. 
 And Paul with Barnabas set forth for Antioch. 
 
 PAUL AT AXTIOCH. 
 
 Near set of sun, by broad Orontes stood 
 The unwearied pilgrims, lingering for a while 
 
 To gaze over the broad and rapid flood, 
 Upon the bridge, the towers, the palaced isle, 
 The massive walls of Antioch, pile above pile, 
 Climbing the rocks whose far peaks gently lay 
 
 On the blue sky, as if to reconcile 
 Our earth with heaven. Barnabas led the way, 
 And from their home soon rose the hymn of parting day 
 
SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. L 
 
 II. 
 
 Splendid and stately city ! fitting seat 
 Of empire, who that would not mourn for Thee, 
 
 That mournest not Thyself? Along each street 
 All nations of the earth crowd busily, 
 At Daphne all that wealth and luxury 
 Can yield of this world's pleasure, might they share ; 
 
 Myrtle and cypress, hill and dale, supply 
 Shade and cool waters to each wanderer : 
 There Heathens sanction sin by sacrifice and prayer 
 
 hi. 
 To idols, owned in many a foreign tongue 
 And distant temple : yet long even here 
 
 At Antioch had the praise of God been sung, 
 The Word of Gcd been read forth strong and clear 
 In many synagogues : all Jews might hear 
 From those who saw and felt their hearts within, 
 
 The signs and wonders that in His career 
 Jesus, of Nazareth, had wrought to win 
 The proud from unbelief, the sinner from all sin. 
 
 IT. 
 
 No Prefect here, nor Archon dared to raise 
 The cry of persecution ; hither came 
 
 The Jews, the Greeks, the Nazarenes, to praise 
 The Roman law, its privilege to claim ; 
 The brethren of the way here gained the name, 
 The best, the noblest men to men accord, 
 
 The name of Christian in all lands the same 
 To all the servants of our common Lord, 
 The Christ, by all alike lov'd, honor'd, and ador'd. 
 
 v. 
 
 The Greeks had to unlearn their words of strife, 
 Their self-conceit, and own a master's sway. 
 
 The Gentiles had to learn the truth, the life 
 In God, God only : Judah to array 
 All that of old the law and prophets say 
 Of Him that was to come : God deeply wrought 
 
 On varying minds to seek the only way 
 To heaven above that can on earth be taught : 
 To aid His servants Paul had been to Antioch brought. 
 
158 SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 
 
 VI. 
 
 Then did a holy zeal within them burn ; 
 They were not wanting to their Saviour's call, 
 They bade their hearers from all idols turn : 
 In Singon chiefly did the Apostle Paul 
 Proclaim his solemn message unto all 
 Who sought the truth : the market-place hard by, 
 
 The Giant head crown'd in the rocky wall, 
 The proud Pantheon, all would testify 
 How selfish, thankless, cruel, is idolatry. 
 
 V1L 
 
 Day after day the mingled nations hear, 
 Day after day the gifted preachers tell 
 
 Of Christ on earth : they try not without fear 
 To image forth the home where Thou didst dwell 
 In light and glory inaccessible, 
 Eternal Saviour ! ere the Spirit began 
 
 To move upon the waters, and they fell 
 And rose in waves, ere forth Thy mandate ran, 
 And sun and sky were blessing the glad world of man. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 It was the truth of God, His mighty Word 
 That brooded o'er that heaving multitude, 
 
 Thy Spirit, irresistible, that stirr'd 
 Each deadened conscience, Saviour ! and subdued 
 Each struggling sin, and cloth'd in fortitude 
 Spirits that yielded up themselves a prey 
 
 To sensual fascination, and renew'd 
 Their minds to know, their strength to keep, the way, 
 Their hearts to bless the Lord they worship and obey. 
 
 IX. 
 
 There Jews that erst boasted themselves to be 
 Apart from Christ, what He should never bless, 
 
 There Gentiles from their treacherous bondage free, 
 Bow down before the Saviour, and confess 
 Their faith with gladness, and bid all men press 
 Into His kingdom : peace and love prevail 
 O'er sin and sorrow, for the righteousness 
 That Christ throws over sinners shall avail, 
 And He will keep His own when other help must fail. 
 
SKETCHES FROM TIIE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 159 
 ST. PAUL PREACHING AT ATHENS. 
 
 Well hast thou asked, would I could well record 
 The story of those days, when first I saw 
 
 That great and glorious servant of his Lord 
 In this our Athens : solemn was the law, 
 And bright the promise he was taught to draw, 
 As did his forefathers, from that dread scroll ; 
 
 Yet faith did win him, holy love did thaw 
 The hardness of his bosom, and control 
 By truth and hope the sterner working of his soul. 
 
 ii. 
 He came, mother ! of whom thy lips had spoken 
 With so much love and earnestness : he came, 
 
 The Apostle of the Gentiles, and has broken 
 My dark and rolling doubts. How strong to tame 
 The fiercest, to deliver pride from shame, 
 Win the distressed, persuasively to press 
 
 On aching hearts their great Redeemer's claim ! 
 Paul came to Athens ; I am here to bless 
 His coming, and make known his power and gentleness. 
 
 in. 
 Would thou hadst been here ! I will tell thee all 
 That memory stores of that most holy man. 
 
 True thou hast seen one holier far than Paul, 
 Than any other name that ever ran 
 An earthly course ; yet Paul would meekly fan 
 The smoking flax, strengthen the breaking reed : 
 
 And thou wilt gladly learn that Paul began 
 From God's own laws and prophecies to plead 
 That Jesus was the Christ, and did for sinners bleed. 
 
 rv. 
 How thankful we, scion of Judah's stem, 
 Dear mother ! that at Tarsus thou wert born : 
 
 More thankful still that at Jerusalem, 
 Beneath the holy temple, thy glad morn 
 Of life was spent in peace, ere thou wert torn 
 Away to Lystra ; yet that violence 
 
 That seemed to leave thee friendless and forlorn, 
 Brought thee within the love and reverence 
 Of our dear sire, who won thee to his Athens thence. 
 
160 SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 
 
 V. 
 
 From that glad hour that made thee first his wife, 
 Through all the years that since have glided by, 
 
 For each of all thy children, whether life 
 Seemed storm or sunshine in thy changeless eye, 
 The sacred volume of the law was nigh 
 Thy hand, and lip, and heart ; thy solemn care 
 
 Filled our rapt souls, and we were taught to cry 
 Unto Jehovah, that we all might share 
 His grace : unto our God, He listened to our prayer ! 
 
 VI. 
 
 O'er flood and forest, lake and sounding ocean, 
 O'er burning sands, and bright unmelting snows, 
 
 'Mid scenes of death, and terrible commotion, 
 Our father's duty led him : with thee goes 
 God's hallowed roll, and His own wisdom flows 
 Forth from that fountain day by day : our ears 
 Through thy long travels amid friends or foes 
 Drank thence a holy comfort for our fears, 
 So in thy children faith grew strong with growing years. 
 
 VII. 
 
 Well did the wondrous words of that meek man 
 Who led your fathers through the startled sea, 
 And, from the darkness and the fire that ran 
 In mingling masses round the majesty 
 Of God on Sinai, received tremblingly 
 The graven tables, well did lofty chant 
 
 Of prophet, warrior, priest, and king, set free 
 Our spirits for the grace that God would grant 
 In His due time, to every Gentile suppliant. 
 
 VIII. 
 
 How long it was ere yet that time arrived 
 For me, then like thyself a wanderer 
 
 Through the wide world ! the law itself deprived 
 My darkened eyes of power, and could not stir 
 Then my proud spirit, could not character 
 The legends that so long fitfully broke 
 
 On mine outward ear of Him the Harbinger 
 Of His own resurrection from the stroke 
 That else had seemed on Him to rivet the grave's yoke. 
 
SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 161 
 
 rx. 
 
 I did not read our holy law aright, 
 I did not trace the unwinding prophecy, 
 
 I could not through the cold unyielding night 
 Follow the star of Bethlehem ; descry 
 The Christ of God on rocking Calvary ; 
 On Him the spotless Lamb, the man of grief, 
 Paul fixed my aching heart, and tearful eye, 
 Told me the Spirit would give sure relief 
 To all who sought the truth, and fulness of belief. 
 
 x. 
 
 Through years spent here alone, I gathered more 
 Of all the wondrous scenes that Palestine 
 
 Beheld, in hope rumours that theretofore 
 Were scattered all and broken, would combine 
 Into one record, would fulfil each sign 
 Promised us by our law when rightly scanned, 
 And while I mused on every stirring line 
 Of Holy Writ, Paul came into our land, 
 And preached the glorious Gospel at his Lord's command. 
 
 XI. 
 
 Something of all that he had undergone 
 Had reached us, and the vision on his way, 
 
 His stedfast hope to tell through Macedon 
 The promise of salvation, that his stay 
 In the chief city there, had day by day 
 Been lengthened, until sudden tumults rose ; 
 That there, in prison, Paul the Apostle lay. 
 Then that he gained his freedom from his foes, 
 And had in Jason's house sought comfort and repose. 
 
 XH. 
 
 Weeks passed away, no tidings we could learn : 
 And as I watched by Conon's walls to hail 
 The earliest promise of thy glad return 
 Last night, and fancied that each lingering sail 
 That neared the shore was thine, would thoughts prevail 
 Of the night when on that same spot my breast 
 
 Swelled high, to hear beneath as soft a gale, 
 As bright a sunset, Paul himself had blessed 
 Our city, and within its ancient walls found rest. 
 R 2 
 
162 SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 
 
 XIII. 
 
 In awe and hope, and yearning prayer was spent 
 That night, and while within the vaulted sky 
 
 Were light and darkness gloriously blent, 
 I pressed towards the city, there to try 
 If Paul would make the voice of prophecy 
 Significant of Jesus, and commanding 
 
 The scales to fall from off my darkened eye, 
 Give me the hopes its narrow range expanding ; 
 At noon the Apostle stood where we are all now standing. 
 
 XIV. 
 
 If even we, while thus the cloudless sun 
 Burns full on the Acropolis, and lends 
 Such bright and glorious caparison 
 To land and sea, can love the hand that sends 
 His countless blessings, over foes and friends ; 
 What did Paul feel when the whole landscape round 
 
 His eye had swept from where this hill descends 
 By the Ilissus, to the grove, renowned 
 As where the first of Heathens paced his holy ground ? 
 
 xv. 
 
 For Silas and Timotheus he had sent 
 To aid him here at Athens, and the while 
 He waited, we sought every monument 
 Of former triumphs, every stately pile 
 Of storied marble, every sacred isle, 
 And templed cliff around our rocky coast : 
 
 He turned from statues able to beguile 
 The coldest heathen, here a countless host, 
 His pity, grief, and shame, the reckless city's boast. 
 
 XVI. 
 
 Unholy forms, motionless idols crowded 
 Each public place, and street, and colonnade ; 
 
 Yet most of all his tearful spirit clouded 
 On the Acropolis ; then pity swayed 
 His tongue to utter what his eye betrayed, 
 Within our synagogue his voice was heard, 
 
 And daily in the market he essayed 
 To win both Jew and Gentile by the word ; 
 And deeper, deeper still, his spirit in him stirred. 
 
SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 163 
 
 XVH. 
 
 Not far from Plato's grove, by Zeno's tomb, 
 'Mid varied records of the mighty dead, 
 
 Paul ever reasoned of a world to come, 
 Told how the grave to endless glory led, 
 How on the cross, the Son of Mary bled, 
 And rose again : to mouldering forms the breath 
 
 Was to return, and in his narrow bed 
 Each sleeper hear the trumpet call ; and death 
 Flee from his conqueror, Jesus of Nazareth. 
 
 xvin. 
 His words were living truth, and when he spoke, 
 The strong conviction in his bosom pent, 
 
 Sped rapidly like arrowy showers, and broke 
 On every heart : they won the glad assent 
 Of such as me to whom thy lessons lent 
 Hope of the Christ, who on the cross atoned 
 
 For sinners ; while Paul's voice rung eloquent, 
 One might have felt he had not all disowned 
 What Heathens must have felt when Pallas was dethroned. 
 
 XIX. 
 
 That thou hadst heard him, while his kindling heart 
 Burnt with true love for all our perishing race, 
 
 Heard him beseech us that we would not start 
 Aside from Jesus, by whom truth and grace 
 Came upon earth, and nobler hopes found place 
 Which sinners feel His Spirit ever frame : 
 
 I cannot give Paul's words, cannot but trace 
 How feebly what those words to me became, 
 How thence I learnt the truth, my glory, and my shame. 
 
 xx. 
 
 What boots it whether poverty or wealth, 
 Honour, dishonour, sorrow, joy, hope, fear, 
 
 Blithe freedom, galling chains, sickness or health, 
 Have been our lot on earth, so all things here 
 Have worked God's will, and every starting tear 
 Grow warm with gratitude, till we are taught 
 Life's real worth. Eternity is near. 
 On earth the heavenly likeness must be caught, 
 The Judge sees us, not only what our hands have wrought. 
 r 3 
 
164 SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 
 
 XXI. 
 
 The Holy Spirit can alone bestow 
 The hope of glory and meek confidence 
 In our Almighty Father, here below 
 Make life happy, whate'er its days dispense 
 Of seeming good or evil to our sense : 
 To Christians, this world, beautifully planned, 
 
 Is but a porch, though its magnificence, 
 Ere yet we gain the temple, must command 
 Our wakening hearts to bless the work of God's own hand. 
 
 XXII. 
 
 Oh ! when the waters compass us about, 
 The depths close round us, and the dank sea-weed 
 
 Winds round our heads, and far too strong for doubt 
 The bars of earth each struggling limb impede, 
 What comfort is there for the hour of need 
 Which Paul did not set forth in God's own Son ? 
 
 The stern rebuke that made each conscience bleed 
 Was healing too, such as it could not shun, 
 Enough to win the heart that wishes to be won. 
 
 XXIII. 
 
 His words were all so animate with truth, 
 His bearing in the strength of Christ so bold, 
 
 His tone so full of gentleness and ruth, 
 His spirit so resistless when he told 
 The hope of glory, how could Jews withhold 
 Their faith ! To him were granted powers to prove 
 
 His mission, the third heaven had been unrolled 
 To him : I felt in awe and wildering love, 
 To him the Crucified descended from above. 
 
 XXIV. 
 
 Within the synagogue his wondrous story 
 Was told : and gathered rays of prophecy 
 
 Threw round the crown of thorns its proper glory : 
 Within the busy market passers-by 
 Caught at the warning of eternity, 
 And stopped to listen : through the city spread 
 Rumours of his new doctrine, then came nigh 
 The noble Dionysius, and his head 
 Bent lowly down before the Lord that for him bled. 
 
SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 165 
 
 XXV. 
 
 I heard Paul warn the Jews what they should fear, 
 I heard him bid the Gentiles turn away 
 
 From temples and from idols, and revere 
 Their Maker, the true living God, whom they 
 Had faintly recognised : I heard him pray ; 
 I saw him with most courteous zeal, as best 
 
 He might, where'er he wandered day by day, 
 Share in the toils of those whom he addressed, 
 His willing hands still proved what his kind lips professed. 
 
 XXVI. 
 
 As the keen chisel from the marble mass 
 Brings out the shapely statue, so each thought 
 
 Won from our language words which far surpass 
 Other expression : ere the truth was brought 
 Before all Athens, messengers besought 
 The Apostle, that to Mars' hill he would come, 
 
 And show that dread tribunal all he taught 
 Of Him, whose death would save us from our doom, 
 And of unending life beyond the cold sad tomb. 
 
 XXVII. 
 
 So Damaris had told us it would be. 
 The rulers would require him there to tell 
 
 His meaning, and make known the mystery, 
 Which mortal wisdom might not else dispel, 
 Open to all men since the Spirit fell 
 In fire, on each Apostle's head, and gave 
 
 Fit utterance for the glorious truths that swell 
 Each bosom, and assurance that the grave 
 Was conquered when it gave back Jesus the strong to save. 
 
 XXVHL 
 
 High on Mars' hill the great Apostle stood 
 To tell glad tidings of great joy ; and there 
 Before him ranged a countless multitude, 
 Thither sage, warrior, statesman, bard, repair, 
 The Jews might cleave to Moses, and declare 
 Paul's words a stumbling-block before their eyes, 
 Wherefore his spirit breathed a fervent prayer ; 
 The Greeks might call them folly and despise 
 The power of God, the wisdom that alone makes wise. 
 
166 SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 
 
 XXIX. 
 
 Paul spake, a disciplined spirit his, and round 
 The storied scene he cast his thoughtful eye, 
 
 And his look settled where he late had found 
 The altar to the Unknown God. The sky- 
 Was bright and boundless as the eternity 
 Of the glad home their Maker offered them, 
 
 That gracious God whose prophets ever cry, 
 Why will ye perish ? Why will ye condemn 
 Yourselves ? Oh ! why refuse the peerless, priceless gem ? 
 
 XXX. 
 
 How dear and how familiar to us all 
 The words Paul spoke. Oh ! may they echo long 
 
 Over the perishing world, and ever fall 
 On fruitful ground, and may the arm too strong 
 For sin and Satan, keep from every wrong 
 Each hearer ! with them, Lord, if such Thy will ! 
 
 With Moses' history, and David's song 
 Be found what Paul to Corinth wrote, and still 
 Foretold a Judgment-day, a world that knows not ill. 
 
 XXXI. 
 
 Paul had declared the message of his God : 
 The footsteps of the Apostle died away 
 
 From Athens, far more hallowed that he trod 
 Her streets, than for aught else history can say 
 Even of her. Mother ! the parting day 
 Calls us to praise our gracious God, and bend 
 
 Our knees to Him. Let us devoutly pray 
 That it will please Him still on earth to send 
 His messengers to tell His praise, world without end. 
 
 ADESTE, FIDELES. 
 
 Oh ! God of boundless majesty, 
 Who madest heaven and earth and sea, 
 In every clime let all our race 
 For all Thy glory, all Thy grace, 
 Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, praise Thee. 
 
SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 167 
 
 II. 
 
 From every foul idolatry, 
 From wrath and folly set us free, 
 In all we do, in all we say, 
 We would each hour of every day 
 Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, praise Thee. 
 
 in. 
 For all the glorious company 
 Of Prophets and Apostles, we, 
 To whom Thou givest heart3 to prove 
 Thy mercy, goodness, truth, and love, 
 Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, praise Thee. 
 
 IV. 
 
 Our sun must set, and darkness be 
 Around us, now we bend our knee ; 
 A day will come when all shall meet, 
 May we before the Judgment-seat, 
 Through Jesus Christ, our Lord, praise Thee. 
 
 THE ENVOY. 
 
 Forth, little book ! yet seek a gentle reader 
 "Who kindly turns towards thy broken lay, 
 And in thy title finds a winning pleader 
 For gracious welcome ! and if be it may, 
 Find one who through some bright and glorious day 
 Where Paul was standing erst, himself has stood 
 
 Gazing on Athens in its deep decay 
 With keen eye, working mind, and fervent blood 
 In something of the Greek's imaginative mood. 
 
 ii. 
 Seek also him upon whose early youth 
 Greek records have been showering all their store, 
 
 In verse and numerous prose, fable and truth : 
 Upon each mind their legendary lore 
 Works out an useful influence, as of yore 
 The free and stately games were wisely plann'd, 
 
 Over their bodies grace and strength to pour, 
 As the glittering quarries of their native land 
 Served well the shaping thought, the life-bestowing hand. 
 
168 SKETCHES FROM THE LIFE OF ST. PAUL. 
 
 III. 
 
 Broken traditions of the truth of God 
 Haunted their minds, over their dazzled eyes 
 The loveliness of Greece waved high a rod 
 Of mighty magic : heavenly names disguise 
 Man's varying passions as they form and rise 
 Within each heart ; so Bacchus, Venus, gained 
 
 Honour in heaven ; Mars tenanted the skies, 
 So Neptune's trident, Pluto's throne, was feign'd, 
 And Jove was hailed supreme while dim fate o'er him reign'd. 
 
 IV. 
 
 So Oreads hurried by, as o'er the mountain 
 Swept light and shade alternately along ; 
 
 So Nymphs were sparkling in the rainbow fountain, 
 And Muses in the woodland pour'd their song, 
 Satyrs and Fauns crowded in shapeless throng 
 Wild forests all the day, deep caves the night. 
 
 Sad was the fond delusion ! Sad, yet strong ! 
 Have we no idols ? is it our delight 
 To trace in all God's works His providence and might ? 
 
 v. 
 May every evil passion's godless shroud, 
 And all the noisome mists of petulance, 
 
 Of folly, wrath, and pride, each earth-born cloud 
 Of sin, as in dark masses they advance 
 Upon our minds, yield to the piercing glance 
 Of sun-like truth and scatter ! Let us prove 
 
 Thy mercy in life's every change and chance ! 
 Let our hearts feel, Spirit of power and love, 
 On earth the passing glories of Thy realm above. 
 
169 
 
 POEMS 
 IN ALPHABETICAL OEDEK. 
 
 1 THESS. IV. 11. 
 
 Abandon'd o'er the world's wide waste, 
 Why should we roam in want and fear ? 
 
 Now from Destruction let us haste, 
 And set for Zion our career. 
 
 Through no proud dangers, floods, nor fires, 
 No stirring scenes, our course is bent ; 
 
 We struggle against low desires, 
 Bad passions, selfish discontent. 
 
 Let not the parables of life 
 
 Confuse the truth they should display ; 
 Trackless and humble is our strife, 
 
 Unseen by man our noiseless way ! 
 
 How shall we, sinners all, regret 
 
 That we have not great things to do ! 
 
 Oh ! may our hearts each day be set 
 To travel all its duties through ! 
 
 And Thou, the Saviour of our race ! 
 
 Be with us on our lowly path ; 
 That there we seek Thy promised grace, 
 
 And flee in earnest from Thy wrath ! 
 
170 POEMS. 
 
 ELIJAH. 
 A car of fire is on the air ; 
 Unearthly horses linger there ; 
 Its burning wheels a moment stay, 
 And car and prophet sweep away : 
 And on the mourner's dazzled eye 
 Floats but the mantle from on high. 
 
 Elijah knew not death : but we 
 
 Must all endure that agony. 
 
 That lone unutterable strife, 
 
 'Mid pain and sin, through death to life 
 
 The soul must quit its ruined home ; 
 
 The body moulder in the tomb. 
 
 No mortal can that parting bless, 
 Or break the spirit's loneliness : 
 No fiery chariot hovers near : 
 Yet One there is to soothe our fear ; 
 One that the bitterest death has died, 
 The Son of Man, the Crucified. 
 
 LUKE V. 32. 
 A Father calls ! and who are they 
 
 That may before Him stand ? 
 A Saviour comes ! to whom does He 
 Stretch forth His helpful hand ? 
 The Holy Ghost on earth is sent: 
 Whom would He render penitent ? 
 O God ! for us is all this care ? 
 
 For us the gracious boon ? 
 
 Yet, thankless sinners as we are, 
 
 Save us, for Thy dear Son ! 
 
 Thy mercy dwell our hearts within ! 
 
 We seek Thy help, would shun all sin. 
 
 UNBELIEF. 
 Alas for unbelievers ! Father of Him, 
 
 In whom alone have we the means of grace, 
 Alas then for ourselves ! our eyes are dim, 
 Our ears are deaf, our hearts evil and base, 
 Alas then for ourselves ! if for His sake 
 Thou cleanse them not, nor our dull senses wake. 
 
POEMS. 171 
 
 Let us not perish ; let Thy preachers not 
 
 Seem to us mockers, preach Thy truth in vain : 
 The blinded and the sensual turned from Lot, 
 And perished helpless in that fiery rain. 
 Dreadful their cry, when fierce and sudden came 
 L T pon them that intense devouring flame. 
 
 They maddened with the rich and ruinous cup 
 
 Of earthly joys. Oh, while we gaze the smoke 
 Of that wide wasted region bursting up, 
 Fix on our hearts Thy salutary yoke ! 
 False hopes afar, bring Thou Thy terrors near, 
 And work Thy purpose in our conduct here. 
 
 FOR THE FASHION OF THIS WORLD 
 PASSES AWAY. 
 
 Alas ! that to the world my heart 
 
 Should be so fondly given, 
 While coldly thus it seeks a part 
 
 In Jesus Christ and heaven. 
 First above all things should I seek 
 
 The kingdom of my God ; 
 Had I but faith ! now all too weak, 
 
 I shun the narrow road. 
 
 And strangely the deceitfulness 
 
 Of wealth works on my soul, 
 And thankless fears God will not bless, 
 
 My daily life control. 
 Falsehood pollutes my every thought, 
 
 Hovers near every prayer, 
 And in my heart are deeply wrought 
 
 Feelings I would not bear. 
 
 Fill me with faith in Thy dear Son, 
 
 With fears which He will bless : 
 Undo the work the world has done, 
 
 Pity my helplessness ! 
 Still Thou my soul that so I hear 
 
 His call to realms above, 
 Make me obey each holy fear, 
 
 That so I learn to love. 
 
172 POEMS. 
 
 Almighty Spirit ! for His sake 
 
 Who liveth and was dead, 
 Within my heart a dwelling make, 
 
 On me Thine influence shed ; 
 That with a better purpose then, 
 
 A life that is not mine, 
 Thy servant walk the paths of men, 
 
 In heart and body Thine. 
 
 LIVE TO DIE. 
 Alas ! the strongest effort I may make, 
 Seeking forgiveness for my Redeemer's sake, 
 Is broken by an aye-recurring sense 
 Of strange hypocrisy, whence mine offence 
 Draweth proud reasons that the rebel's part 
 In honesty more suited my lost heart : 
 Distracts the wavering projects of my life, 
 Eaises unholy thoughts and fearful strife. 
 Disciple blind of studious ignorance, 
 Slave of temptation, sport of circumstance ; 
 Wearied by sorrow, sickness, vague regret 
 And terror, how may I myself forget ! 
 Conscience sets bounds upon thy boundless grace, 
 And pictures wrath upon thy shrouded face, 
 While to my stricken pride, hard unbelief 
 Fiercely denies unmerited relief. 
 
 Teach me the wisdom of thy cross, O Lord ! 
 That now Thy Spirit will, such is Thy Word : 
 Aid him who strives to make his calling sure, 
 Freshen his hope, his purposes mature, 
 Join heaven to earth, as hangs the morrow's light 
 On the starry splendor of some breathless night. 
 No reason seeks, no heated fancy dreams, 
 No wild enthusiasm hopes, resistless beams 
 Of light shall flash conviction on the mind, 
 Not penitent, and yet wilfully blind, 
 'Till changeless love redemption's boon impart, 
 To seek Thee 'right, when the regenerate heart 
 Finds full contentment, e'en in its darkest hour 
 Faithfully clinging to Thy Word, Thy power. 
 Some brief foretaste, for I am fainting, give 
 Of the bread of life, which sinners eat and live. 
 
POEMS. 173 
 
 I faint, O Lord ! on earth are none to aid ! 
 
 I faint ! let not Thy succour be delayed ! 
 
 For I am worse than weak : keen discontent 
 
 And fiery passions mar each haughty intent 
 
 Of better life : I shrink before Thy rod, 
 
 And dare not ask Thy chastisements, O God ! 
 
 But if Thy mercy purpose them, vouchsafe, 
 
 As seems Thee best, Thine aid : Oh ! else I chafe 
 
 To perish sadly desolate : teach Thou me 
 
 To tarry, Lord, Thy leisure, humbly free 
 
 From harassing doubts, and strong only in Thee. 
 
 Let me not make an idol or a snare 
 
 Of my own resolution, my own prayer ! 
 
 Meekly before Thy footstool would I bow ! 
 
 My Father, Saviour, Comforter, be Thou ! 
 
 CHEISTMAS-DAY. 
 
 All earth was sunk in sin and woe, 
 No arm was found of power to save, 
 
 The Son of God came down below 
 To conquer death, to spoil the grave. 
 
 His mother was a lowly maid 
 Of David's lineage, undefiled ; 
 
 Her infant on her breast she laid, 
 In seeming, a meek helpless child. 
 
 An angel bade the shepherds bless 
 That holy child to us then giv'n ; 
 
 O'er Him the star hung motionless, 
 And might no longer traverse heav'n : 
 
 Soon with that angel heav'n's own host 
 Told earth their chant in bright array, 
 
 And by that star the Holy Ghost 
 Brought eastern sages where He lay. 
 
 The Scriptures all His suffering tell 
 How pitying man He bled, and broke 
 
 The chain of sin, the power of hell, 
 And called us to His easy yoke. 
 
 Let us not make of none effect 
 His love in heav'n, His woes on earth, 
 
 But bless with all through Him elect 
 The joyful tidings of His birth, 
 s 2 
 
174 POEMS. 
 
 Glad tidings of great joy ! this day 
 Christ came ! scattered the twilight dim ! 
 
 Came in the flesh ! it melts away, 
 The mist of ages ! Hear ye Him ! 
 
 The Son of Man ! let all our race 
 Cling to His hand ! become His own ! 
 
 The Son of God ! adore His grace, 
 He loves us still, high on His throne. 
 
 ST. JAMES I. 17. 
 
 Almighty Father ! it is hard 
 
 For those who in their youth 
 Would all Thy warnings disregard, 
 
 When old to do Thy truth ; 
 Yet hast Thou precious gifts which still 
 
 Set aged sinners free, 
 Which all who try to work Thy will 
 
 May ever hope from Thee. 
 
 How easy, Lord, in solemn phrase 
 
 And form to bless Thy Son, 
 To bring up stirring scenes and praise 
 
 What He has said and done, 
 To publish Him our light, our guide, 
 
 To show the path He trod, 
 To own the truth when undenied, 
 
 To call the Lord our God. 
 
 Oh ! may Thy Spirit grant us here 
 
 The heart of innocence, 
 An open temper, conscience clear, 
 
 And void of all offence, 
 Let all our thoughts and deeds avow 
 
 That Spirit's holy sway ; 
 Lord ! we are Thine by name ! be Thou 
 
 Our life, our truth, our way ; 
 
POEMS. 175 
 
 The yielding heart, the gentle tear, 
 
 The penitent design, 
 The seeing eye, the hearing ear, 
 
 The will that would be Thine, 
 The deep affectionate delight 
 
 As before Thee to live, 
 The faith that rests upon Thy might, 
 
 These all are Thine to give. 
 
 THE GOOD SAMARITAN. 
 
 Almighty Father ! unto whom 
 Each secret heart is all revealed, 
 
 Open our ears to know our doom, 
 Be not Thy book a volume sealed : 
 
 Oh ! keep us tremblingly alive 
 To the requirements of Thy law, 
 
 And make our lagging feet arrive 
 Whither Thy Gospel mercies draw. 
 
 Thy Spirit strengthen us to show 
 In conduct that we are made free, 
 
 To own Thy teaching here below, 
 To love our neighbour honestly ; 
 
 Thou art our God, and he who stands 
 In need of help we can supply, 
 
 Is he to whom Thy voice commands 
 That help, our neighbour in Thine eye. 
 
 THE YOUNG MOTHER. 
 
 A mother's task, O Lord, is light, 
 
 Where Thou hast giv'n a mother's heart, 
 And bless'd it with the full delight 
 
 A husband's love can here impart. 
 Strengthen me, lest in vain I heard 
 
 Thy solemn charge, and faithless prove ; 
 Oh ! bind together by Thy Word 
 
 The father's, children's, mother's love. 
 s 3 
 
176 POEMS. 
 
 Thine earthly blessings feed the flame 
 
 The Spirit on each breast lights up ; 
 Thy praises may each heart proclaim, 
 
 As from our rich o'erflowing cup 
 We pour to Thee its richest clews, 
 
 And strive to make our offering 
 Such as Thou wilt not, Lord, refuse, 
 
 For love of Him, our Priest and King. 
 
 No earth-lit fire burn in our breast, 
 
 And throw a false light o'er our sphere, 
 Parents and children all are bless'd, 
 
 So Thy clear Word but guide us here. 
 May nights of thankful rest succeed 
 
 The cheerful diligence of day, 
 And we with fervent spirit proceed, 
 
 Rejoicing on our busy way. 
 
 Rule Thou the yearnings of each soul, 
 
 That so we look from earth to heaven, 
 And to Thy purposes control 
 
 The warm affections Thou hast given. 
 May we to our dear children just 
 
 Show them the paths Thy followers trod ! 
 Their guileless hearts, their simple trust, 
 
 May bring us nearer to our God. 
 
 The " innocent brightness " of each face 
 
 Fill us with tenderest zeal for all ! 
 Their artless love find through Thy grace 
 
 That we unwearied heed Thy call ! 
 Let heart, and hand, and voice on earth 
 
 To work our darlings' weal combine ! 
 Thy Spirit grant them the new birth, 
 
 And make them soul and body Thine. 
 
 Dear children ! fond as is our love 
 
 For you, your Saviour loves you more ! 
 Look to His cross ! and daily prove 
 
 Your love for Him whom you adore ! 
 Your earthly parents may be dear, 
 
 But dearer still to you be given 
 The Spirit that shall bring you near 
 
 The Father whom you have in heaven. 
 
POEMS. 177 
 
 THE RAINBOW. 
 
 As on the glorious bow that cheered 
 Earth's second storm of rain, 
 
 Gazed Noah and his house, nor feared 
 The 'whelming hurricane. 
 
 So let us own the cross to feel 
 From the second death secure, 
 
 When sin and danger o'er us steal, 
 And all our world obscure. 
 
 Under Thy Spirit let us live, 
 O God, life's changeful length, 
 
 'Mid rocks and tempests Thou wilt give 
 Increase of hope and strength. 
 
 EXOD. XIII. 21. 
 
 As erst the pillar that our God 
 
 Appointed for His people's guide, 
 Was light to them along their road, 
 
 But darkness to King Pharaoh's pride ; 
 So now His Word is light to all 
 
 Who love to guide their course thereby ; 
 And darkness still to those who call 
 
 On idols, and the cross deny. 
 
 O Lord ! in mercy, for His sake 
 
 Who bore for us a mortal birth, 
 And died upon the cross, to make 
 
 Atonement for the tribes of earth, 
 Soon let His Word to all give light, 
 
 Thy Spirit set each bondsman free ! 
 Let none be lost in sin and night, 
 
 But all be turn'd in Christ to Thee. 
 
poems. 
 
 ECCLESlA-TICrS XXXvTL 14 
 
 : not a rhymer if he speak 
 - .-If or of some well-known brother, 
 I: his own thoughts and <; i ; ek 
 
 To tell, or personate another, 
 
 Perchance he could not answer Thee, 
 
 ■re he never would he willing : 
 'J '".. - .-t of his minstrelsy 
 In his own breast alone is thrilling. 
 
 He knows, as well as thou, that verse 
 Above himself should n 
 
 That else his character were wx 
 Than aught thy greatest fear pre- 2 
 
 Perhaps it hac sn thy lot 
 
 Among mankind to seem much better 
 
 Than com unctions: press him not, 
 
 Xor make more galling still Ids iV 
 
 Shouldst thou bell lowly rhym 
 
 Reflect some tale thy youth remembers, 
 If his heart burn with early ti.\ 
 him alone ! fan not the en. 
 If he prai thou canst no- 
 
 All that his conscience is bewailing, 
 
 Impute not thou h] 
 Think truth for that brief while prevailing. 
 
 I i him let no harsh words allude, 
 N - ;rn too truly point a £: _ 
 
 If holy words in solitude 
 Should on his harp all strangely linger : 
 
 He has but felt what he has lost, 
 And would in Christ be now regaining, 
 
 He seeks a refuge, ten. 
 
 sr theme than still complaining. 
 
POEMS. 1 79 
 
 NUMBERS IX. 17, AND X. 36. 
 
 At early morn we would not spread 
 Our standards to high heaven, 
 
 Nor o'er the rocky desert tread 
 Until God's sign is given. 
 
 Rise up, Lord ! and scatter Thou 
 
 Thine enemies abroad ; 
 And let all those that hate Thee, now 
 
 Flee from before our God. 
 
 We travel, 'till Thy sign attests 
 
 At eve Thy tender care : 
 The cloud, that tells Thy presence, rests, 
 
 And we are resting there. 
 
 The volumed clouds, our guide by day, 
 
 At night, constantly burn : 
 To Israel's thousands then we pray 
 
 That Thou, Lord, wilt return. 
 
 Christians ! to us the Word of God 
 
 Is guidance day and night. 
 We follow where the Saviour trod, 
 
 Follow by faith, not sight. 
 
 EPHES. VI. 11. 
 
 Brethren ! on earth is no repose 
 
 For him who would be conqueror ; 
 Put on the armour fit for those 
 Who must against the deadliest foes 
 Maintain the front and weight of war ! 
 
 Be strong in Jesus and His might, 
 
 That against Satan ye may stand ! 
 Not against flesh and blood we fight, 
 But against fiends, the Powers of night, 
 And all the world's unholy band. 
 
180 POEMS. 
 
 Be true ! no clinging doubts betray 
 Your comfort, or your course arrest. 
 
 Be strong ! for evil is the day. 
 
 Prepare your feet to brave your way, 
 
 And guard with righteousness your breast. 
 
 Believe in Christ ! and your fierce foe 
 Shall see His blazing darts rebound. 
 Hope ye in Christ, as blow by blow 
 Falls on your head and bows you low, 
 
 And else would strike you to the ground ! 
 
 And wield ye well, with might and main, 
 
 The while, God's keen and piercing sword ! 
 In prayer and vigilance maintain 
 The struggle ! and your King shall reign, 
 Your crown be won, your prayer be heard. 
 
 ECCLESIASTES XI. 4. 
 
 Comfort, ye people of the Lord, for He 
 Is gracious, good, and merciful, and kind ; 
 
 He will not judge us by ourselves, for we 
 Are unforgiving, haughty, stern, and blind. 
 
 Not as man judges in his own hard heart 
 "Will He, our Maker, judge a fallen race : 
 
 Comfort ye, whom the Lord hath set apart 
 For His own works the children of His grace. 
 
 Learn from the cross all that He would forgive. 
 His yoke is easy, and his burden light : 
 
 Let us be turned from sin and strive to live 
 Each hour as best we may, as in His sight. 
 
 God speeds each effort that is sped below ; 
 O'er pride and sloth deceitful scruples creep : 
 
 He that observes the winds, shall never sow, 
 He that regards the clouds, shall never reap. 
 
POEMS. 181 
 
 ST, MAKE XY. 13. 
 
 Crucify Him, the hope of faith, 
 
 The Christ, the Lord of life ! 
 Alas that cry ! that blind fierce wrath ! 
 
 That hour of guilt and strife ! 
 Crucify Him ! your Lord, your King ! 
 
 Oh ! hush that terrible cry ! 
 It is done, amid the scornful ring ; 
 
 Lo, Jesus, bleed and die ! 
 
 Art Thou then number'd with the dead 
 
 Hung on the accursed tree ? 
 Has then Thy gentle Spirit fled ? 
 
 We thought that Thou wert He 
 That should redeem all Israel, 
 
 And fill the Prophet's part : 
 Our tears must flow, our bosoms swell, 
 
 Pity the slow of heart ! 
 
 PHILIP. I. 21. 
 
 Eternal Spirit ! Thou that givest life ! 
 
 The weakest mortal might desire to die, 
 If Thou would'st deign to soothe his latest strife, 
 
 Comfort his soul, and bless his closing eye ; 
 If Thou would'st break and scatter the deep gloom 
 
 Hung round his heart, with dawn of endless day, 
 And through the opening portal of the tomb 
 
 The glorious city of our God display ! 
 
 Who would not die, if death were such to him ! 
 
 To be with Christ, to praise Him on His throne, 
 And feel, amid the countless Seraphim, 
 
 All hearts are open, all desires made known ; 
 To know the Father's love, the Saviour's grace, 
 
 The Spirit's power, love God without a fear ! 
 Such may our death be, such our dwelling-place ! 
 
 If now we live to God, be Christians here ! 
 
182 POEMS. 
 
 HEB. IV. 13. 
 
 Everywhere, always, God can see 
 The rich and poor, the old and young, 
 Can mark my choice, can follow me, 
 And watch my hand, and hear my tongue, 
 What boots it then if young or old, 
 
 Or rich or poor, thy servant be, 
 So that each passing hour have told 
 My soul, O God, is turned to Thee. 
 
 Grant me the fellowship of those 
 Who have within their hearts Thy fear, 
 
 Keep me from all who live Thy foes 
 In wrath or sloth, or riot here. 
 Conduct me, Saviour, on Thy way, 
 
 Each deed and word and thought dispose ; 
 Contented let me work all day, 
 
 Contented, bless each night's repose. 
 
 ST. MATT. VI. 18. 
 
 Father of all ! who from Thy throne 
 
 Art seeing all that each man does, 
 Make us in conscious gladness own 
 
 Thine eye is ever upon us ! 
 Let us delight to choose Thy way, 
 
 To keep our Saviour in our sight, 
 To walk as children of the day, 
 
 To take the armour of the light ! 
 
 "We feel a father's thoughtful eye, 
 
 A mother's fond and tearful heart : 
 Image Thy care, and well supply 
 
 Feelings of what to us Thou art ! 
 Grant us a childlike faith in Thee, 
 
 Bring us within our Father's love, 
 That on our journey glad and free, 
 
 We still may seek our home above ! 
 
POEMS. 133 
 
 ST. MATTHEW X. 8. 
 
 Father of Heaven ! on Thee we call 
 Through Christ, in hope we may be blessed ! 
 
 We seek Thy gifts ! and most of all 
 That gift most needed, dearest, best, 
 The Holy Spirit for our stay, 
 Our guide, our comfort, day by day. 
 
 "We seek what all may still possess 
 Alike from Thine unsparing store : 
 Here is no place for selfishness : 
 May we all love Thee more and more, 
 And act on what we learn to feel 
 For others' woes, for others' weal. 
 
 The lamp of reason, trimmed aright 
 By love and truth and exercise, 
 
 Becomes a burning, shining light 
 When, gathering all its rich supplies 
 From Holy Writ, it glows beneath 
 Heaven's constant, life-bestowing, breath. 
 
 So to yon high created Sun, 
 Whence genial warmth in glory streams, 
 
 The circling planets one by one 
 Give back his own diminish'd beams, 
 Each for the other making night 
 The while all eloquent and bright. 
 
 Spirit of life ! Thy kindly rays 
 Dwell warmer on each Christian heart, 
 
 That each may better tell Thy praise, 
 And better do his daily part ! 
 All glory be to God above, 
 And earth shall have goodwill and love. 
 
184 POEMS. 
 
 II COR. IT. 7. 
 For Christ's sake have mercy, Father ! and now 
 
 Pity our ignorance, quicken our prayers ! 
 And while in Thy temple we sanction the vow 
 
 Of our baptism, prepare us for life and its cares ! 
 Let our spirits believe that Thou wilt not forsake 
 
 Thy servants, but prosper the course they begin, 
 Thy cross tells the secret which only can take 
 
 From our purpose and efforts the burden of sin ! 
 
 O God, break our bondage ! O Father, in love, 
 
 From our cold unbelief set Thy suppliants free ! 
 Spirit most holy, descend from above, 
 
 Maintain in our hearts the light kindled by Thee ! 
 And while it burns brightly, and frail is the shrine, 
 
 And earthen the vessel in which it is held, 
 Let us feel that the brightness and glory are Thine, 
 
 Thine the mercy by which our dark fears are dispell'd. 
 
 FOUR WITNESSES STA1TD BETWEEN ADAM 
 
 AOT ABRAHAM. 
 For many a year had Enoch walked our earth 
 While Adam yet was living, and had hung 
 On the deep lamentations which his tongue 
 Poured forth for sin and suffering : from his birth 
 He felt their truth, and 'mid a faithless crowd 
 He walked a living proof of all his lips avowed. 
 
 Often when Adam, Eve, and Seth were by, 
 
 Enoch gave warning how the Lord should come, 
 Convict the godless, and pronounce their doom : 
 The youthful Lamech heard his prophecy, 
 Heard meekly, and with reverent heart believed 
 The truths which from his lips Noah and Shem received. 
 
 Shem told to Eber all the old world had known, 
 The wondrous ark, the terrors of the flood, 
 And how their God when once again they stood 
 On the dry land, had o'er the dark sky thrown 
 The rainbow of His promise : Abraham heard 
 From Eber what we read in God's own Holy Word. 
 
POEMS. 185 
 
 THE GOLDEN CHAIN OF GOD'S LOVE. 
 ROMANS VII. 25. 
 
 Gaze on the golden chain 
 Descending from above, 
 And let it raise in thee a strain 
 Of praise for God's great love. 
 
 At first, in fire and cloud 
 It issues from on high : 
 For mortal eye that rolling shroud 
 Burns all too brilliantly. 
 
 Nearer and nearer Earth 
 It falls, till we may gaze 
 On the golden links that had their birth 
 In yon unapproached blaze. 
 
 Christian ! kneel down, and see 
 The mercies of our God ! 
 Oh ! grasp that golden chain, and be 
 Drawn to His bright abode. 
 
 Ascend thereby ! but still 
 In meekness and in fear : 
 The links that lie near earth fulfil 
 Our Maker's purpose here. 
 
 Gaze on its golden links ! 
 Not on the light above ! 
 Its burning source is heaven, it sinks 
 On the darkened earth in love. 
 
 In that excess of light, 
 Own what thou mayest become ; 
 In that deep love image aright 
 The nature of thy home. 
 
 T 2 
 
186 POEMS. 
 
 ANCIENT HYMN. 
 
 Glad light of Him who cannot die, 
 Father of heaven, holy and high ! 
 Light of His holy glory, Thou, 
 Jesus, the Christ ! we bless Thee now. 
 
 Now that the sun has sunk in night, 
 Now that we see the evening light, 
 Now to the Father, to the Son, 
 And Spirit be all honour done. 
 
 Thou art worthy to be sung 
 Ever by every holy tongue ! 
 O Son of God ! the world doth give 
 Glory to Thee by whom we live. 
 
 1 THESS. IV. 14. 
 
 He came in weakness, comes in power ; 
 
 His glory yet hath its full hour, 
 
 When in the blue meridian 
 
 The sun shall fade, grow cold and wan ; 
 
 When brighter, keener lightnings play, 
 
 And blaze into the Judgment-day, 
 
 O King of Glory : thus again 
 
 Art Thou to come, the Judge of men. 
 
 Work in us now to seek Thy grace, 
 That then we shrink not from Thy face ! 
 Look on us now, that then we bless 
 Thy power, Thy glance of gentleness ! 
 From earthly passion, earthly aim, 
 From every secret thing of shame, 
 Cleanse us, 'till, on this darkling road, 
 Our hearts give back the light of God ! 
 
POEMS. 187 
 
 Be ours on earth, that we may know 
 Our refuge in that hour of woe, 
 And cling to Him, the strong to save, 
 When powerless all Death and the Grave ! 
 Spirit of Mercy ! as the flame 
 Of endless life sweeps through our frame, 
 Let us awake in hope that we 
 May have our being still in Thee ! 
 
 THE KIYEK, HEAD. 
 
 Here now this little shallow stream 
 
 Springs feebly from its source ! 
 But by and by its waters seem 
 
 To gather depth and force : 
 And rolling on, some few miles hence, 
 
 A river broad and free, 
 With a resistless violence 
 
 It breaks into the sea. 
 
 Such the deceitfulness of sin, 
 
 Its rise, and growth, and power, 
 The heart in early years to win, 
 
 And govern, hour by hour. 
 The faults at first seem little wrong, 
 
 Too trifling to control, 
 So grow to habits soon too strong, 
 
 And turn from Christ the soul. 
 
 If the child's heart unguarded lie, 
 
 Grow pettish, selfish, hard, 
 In vain the man will haply try 
 
 To gain its only guard. 
 Then let us seek the Spirit now, 
 
 And fan its lightest flame, 
 Lest soon, all shameless, we avow 
 
 The sins we now disclaim. 
 
 T 3 
 
188 POEMS. 
 
 THE DEATH OF MOSES. 
 His eye towards the promised land, 
 See him submiss and gentle stand, 
 
 Bent o'er his gifted rod. 
 Meek amid such magnificence 
 Of certain power, his heart intense 
 With faith and love and reverence, 
 
 He worshipped the true God. 
 
 That God had known him face to face, 
 Had showered upon his spirit grace, 
 
 Upon his features light ; 
 By him the Lord of hosts had wrought 
 His signs and wonders, while he brought 
 His people home, by Moses taught 
 
 His covenant, His might. 
 
 Hard by flowed Jordan ; Moses heard 
 In meekness, and obeyed God's word : 
 
 His thrilling chant rang high ; 
 And forth the camp, calm and content, 
 His eye not dim, his strength not spent, 
 From Moab's plain the prophet went 
 
 Up Nebo's steep, to die. 
 
 No mortal ear drank his last breath, 
 No mortal eye beheld his death, 
 
 He died on Abarim. 
 His grave no mortal mourners tend, 
 His God was with him as his Friend, 
 Was comforting his latter end, 
 
 Now ever blesses him. 
 
 CONFIRMATION. 
 How beautiful to those whom age 
 
 And past and present sins oppress, 
 Upon their downward pilgrimage, 
 
 The sight of early godliness ! 
 
POEMS. 189 
 
 The glowing hope, the kind free thought, 
 
 The rich enthusiasm of youth, 
 Blend with the spirit they have caught, 
 
 And bless their heavenly Father's truth. 
 
 These are Thy armies, gracious Lord, 
 The hosts Thou leadest forth to fight ; 
 
 Oh ! gird them with Thy gifted Word, 
 Spirit of truth, grant them Thy might. 
 
 By the broad banner of Thy love, 
 
 Under Thy faith's unsullied shield, 
 May each the Saviour's liegeman prove, 
 
 Upon the world's beleaguered field. 
 
 May each refuse on earth his rest, 
 
 And choose with Thee his better part ; 
 
 The red cross blazoned on his breast, 
 The red cross graven on his heart. 
 
 Our daily life is still a war, 
 
 Our home a field of woe or weal ; 
 Each here must be the conqueror 
 
 O'er all self bids the selfish feel. 
 
 Some sins we half forget, as now 
 
 They wane, and break not our repose, 
 
 Some passions, that scarce cloud the brow, 
 Or raise a wish, are dangerous foes. 
 
 The perfect Christian needs each day 
 
 Manifold gifts of growing grace ; 
 Wisdom to see his fitting way, 
 
 And ghostly strength to keep his place. 
 
 For wholesome fear we pray, O God ! 
 
 For knowledge, and true godliness ! 
 Thy Father's hand lead us the road, 
 
 Thy Word will teach, Thy Spirit bless. 
 
1 90 POEMS. 
 
 EVENING.— SEA SIDE. 
 
 Hoav bright the living line of ocean glows 
 On the rich clouds and quiet depth of even ! 
 
 The hills, and woods, and level waves repose 
 In silence under the round stars of heaven. 
 
 Earth tells its Maker ! peace might be our lot, 
 Yet strife and hatred mar our early day : 
 
 We live for this world — so enjoy it not : 
 
 Its flowers, ere yet we cull them, fade away. 
 
 How seldom does the sun of life go down 
 In glory, peace and blessings all around ! 
 
 We will not let the gentle Spirit crown 
 
 Christ's love, and make our pathway holy ground. 
 
 Increase our faith, O Lord ! that we believe 
 The greatness of the blessing we implore : 
 
 Grant us a heart to love Thee, to receive 
 
 Thy Word, and seek to love Thee more and more ! 
 
 Above all praise, health, knowledge, or delight ; 
 
 Above all pleasure, power, wealth, luxury ; 
 Above all forms of self, though dazzling bright, 
 
 In lying glory, raise our love to Thee. 
 
 Sincerely unto Thee be our desire ! 
 
 Let our hearts sue for all our lips have sued ! 
 Our hands burn on Thine altar holy fire ! 
 
 Full be our faith, and deep our gratitude. 
 
 Let our faith grow by due and timely shoot, 
 And regular increase, while we sojourn here; 
 
 As some broad oak strikes deeper its firm root, 
 And higher lifts its green head year by year. 
 
 The dews of heaven, the fatness of the earth, 
 
 The sun, the storms, its growth and strength mature : 
 
 In hearts renewed the Spirit may give birth 
 To quiet hope, and make their calling sure. 
 
 Oh ! may our spirits witness with Thy Word, 
 And with the Holy Spirit day by day, 
 
 That we are heirs with Him, our gracious Lord, 
 Of the glad home His promises display. 
 
POEMS. 191 
 
 So no deep sin retain its secret hold, 
 
 Love, peace, and joy, may bless this world of strife : 
 Our sun, 'mid purple clouds burning with gold, 
 
 Set, and the morrow bring immortal life. 
 
 ADAM AND EYE. 
 How could they doubt the goodness of the Lord, 
 
 How could they doubt His presence and His power ! 
 Then sadly gazed they on the flaming sword, 
 
 And on the Cherubim, in that full hour, 
 When through the world, that wide before them lay, 
 From Eden forth they took their lonely way. 
 
 Oh ! now, even now, that each of us could own 
 The power of God, His goodness, presence, here ! 
 
 From the ransomed world, look to His glorious throne, 
 And look through Jesus Christ, in holy fear, 
 
 For guidance, praying He would keep us still 
 
 Meek to perceive, wise to obey, His will. 
 
 CHRISTMAS, 1833. 
 
 How kindly do we think of those 
 
 We honour upon earth, 
 Of him our earliest wants have owned, 
 
 And her who gave us birth ; 
 Of wife, child, brother, sister, friend, 
 
 Around our home fire-side ; 
 Whether they live or far or near, 
 
 Or long ago have died. 
 
 And shall not one kind thought of Thee 
 
 Raise up our hearts above, 
 Thou ! more than father to our wants, 
 
 Than mother to our love ! 
 Dear wife, or child, or friend, may be, 
 
 Yet wert Thou still more dear, 
 The Saviour Thou ! if all our love 
 
 To others be sincere. 
 
192 POEMS. 
 
 There is no earthly friend would do 
 
 For us what Thou hast done, 
 Or love, as Thou, the race for whom 
 
 Thou gav'st Thine only Son ; 
 Yet we the while are thankless all ; 
 
 The souls that else were lost ! 
 Disown the Giver, slight the gift, 
 
 Neglect its fearful cost. 
 
 An enemy thus takes away 
 
 Out of our hearts Thy Word ; 
 Spirit of God ! our spirits be 
 
 Within us deeply stirr'd ! 
 That Word now let us hear and keep ! 
 
 Thou givest the increase ! 
 And bear, abundantly bear, fruit 
 
 In patience and in peace. 
 
 Spirit most holy ! touch our hearts, 
 
 And melt away our fears ! 
 That we may seek our gracious Lord 
 
 In tenderness and tears ! 
 May trace Him, fashioned like a man, 
 
 Along earth's daily path, 
 And image Him high on His throne, 
 
 With an unwavering faith. 
 
 Rise ! early rise ! to praise and prayer, 
 
 Ye ransomed sinners ! rise ! 
 This is the time the Christ was born. — 
 
 Praise Him above the skies ! 
 To us, to us, the Son is given ! 
 
 Our foes hath He subdued ! 
 Each eye be raised ! each tongue unloosed, 
 
 In awe and gratitude. 
 
 Oh ! could we reverently know, 
 
 Declare, and love our Lord, 
 How surely would each proud offence 
 
 Be seen, confessed, abhorred ! 
 How truly should we strive, and pray, 
 
 And search our hearts within, 
 To cleanse them, by His holy law, 
 
 From every secret sin. 
 
POEMS. 193 
 
 And as young hearts devotedly 
 
 To those they love will turn, 
 May we be turned and look to Christ, 
 
 And all His meekness learn. 
 What kindness and what gentleness, 
 
 What majesty and power, 
 Arrayed the Saviour from His birth 
 
 To His last dreadful hour. 
 
 The Son of Man ! for us He bore 
 
 Want, sorrow, scorn, and pain, 
 And death and darkness ! Let Him not 
 
 Have borne them all in vain. 
 Let His great mercy win our souls ! 
 
 Let Him our ransom prove ! 
 May we remember how He died, — 
 
 Give Him our life and love. 
 
 Unto the Saviour let each heart, 
 
 Each melting heart be won : 
 This is the time He came on earth, 
 
 God's own incarnate Son ! 
 Be this a time to turn to Him 
 
 In faith without delay, 
 To seek Him while He yet is near, — 
 
 The Life, the Truth, the Way. 
 
 On the unclouded sun no eye 
 
 May gaze at burning noon, 
 Yet all confess his glorious light, 
 
 Soft streaming from the moon : 
 So may we trace the Father's love, 
 
 In Jesus Christ's career, 
 Nor blinded be, but gaze on Him 
 
 Till love cast out all fear. 
 
 He laid them down, the majesty, 
 
 The might, that were His own ; 
 He quenched His sovereign diadem, — 
 
 He left His glorious throne ; 
 The great Creator shared on earth 
 
 The creature's want and woes, 
 That we might share with Him in heaven 
 
 The joy His love bestows. 
 
194 POEMS. 
 
 Now glory be to God, our God, 
 
 The Father of our Lord, 
 The Father, for His sake, of all 
 
 Who keep His holy Word. 
 Glory to God ! the Father, Son, 
 
 And Holy Ghcst, be given ! 
 And peace on earth, good-will to man, 
 
 The ransomed of heaven. 
 
 NIAGAKA. 
 
 How rolls man's life along, 
 How day speeds after day ; 
 We feel the current swift and strong, 
 We see the far-off spray, 
 
 We hear the cataract roar, 
 Yet louder still and louder, 
 Yet may our hearts be hardening more, 
 Our spirits growing prouder. 
 
 The forest waves on high, 
 The rock sinks steep and clear, 
 The changing scene wins not our eye, 
 The gathering wind our ear : 
 
 In vain we feel our bark 
 Along the surface quiver, 
 More smooth and hard, and fierce and dark, 
 Rolls on the mighty river. 
 
 To yon clouded line their way 
 Mortals must ever urge, 
 Rush over 'mid the volumed spray, 
 Sink in the raging surge. 
 
 Faith triumphs o'er the grave, 
 If here sin be forsaken, 
 The arm of Christ is strong to save 
 When the dread plunge is taken. 
 
POEMS. 195 
 
 THOUGHTS ON THE RECOVERY OF A FRIEND 
 FROM AN ALMOST FATAL SICKNESS. 
 
 How useful were each truth our God discloses 
 To the seeing eye that watches o'er the bed, 
 Whereon some much-lov'd invalid reposes 
 After some long and fierce disease has shed 
 The vial of its wrath upon his head. 
 And done its painful errand : told to him 
 Imperiously the truth for which it sped 
 Haply through every nerve and aching limb, 
 Blending together life and death in one strange dream. 
 
 Yet not to him, the sufferer, who stood 
 Upon the brink of that tremendous height, 
 And dizzily gazed upon the tossing flood 
 Of clouds, and heard the cataract in its might 
 Jar on the rough rock : not to him such sight 
 Fuller of startling visions, or more fraught 
 
 With power, than to the friend who night by night 
 In sound and painless health fronted the thought 
 Of death, and all its hopes and fears intensely caught. 
 
 The seeing eye, the hearing ear are Thine, 
 The thoughtful heart, the softened, gentle mood, 
 
 Thine only, Lord, to give ! could we divine 
 Thy gracious purpose, that is still for good, 
 When sin may triumph, and the Christian's blood 
 Cry from the reeking ground, yet seem unheard ; 
 
 Could we but stand, a lowly brotherhood, 
 Around Thy shrine, believing all Thy Word, 
 How different were the thoughts of death within us stirr'd. 
 
 The false and shadowy visions of our pride 
 Were dissipated all, and on our ear 
 
 Had all the world's alluring flatteries died, 
 And meekly were our life questioned, to hear 
 An answer to Christ's love in its career ; 
 And gladly were each day called up to tell 
 
 How early was the message of His grace ; how clear 
 His help ! The coming on of death might swell 
 With joy each heart that now but knows itself too well. 
 
 u 
 
196 POEMS. 
 
 Let us remember how when death drew nigh, 
 And seem'd about to strike a much-lov'd friend, 
 
 How sad it seem'd for us such friend should die ; 
 How earnestly we pray'd God would defend 
 One else all helpless, somewhat longer lend 
 To earth one so much needed ! hear us still ! 
 Lord, let us live as then we prayed ! and send 
 Thy Spirit that our purpose we fulfil. 
 Forgive us thoughts that seemed at variance with Thy will. 
 
 Forgive us, gracious Saviour ! Thou hast wept 
 For him Thou lovedst well, and Thou didst stand 
 Hard by the stone beneath which Lazarus slept 
 In sad decay : yet when Thy clear command 
 Bang o'er the multitude, bound foot and hand, 
 The wakening brother rose forth from the grave. 
 
 Forgive Thy people, when a mourning band 
 
 Leaves not the gift humbly to Him who gave, 
 
 But over-fondly prays to Him the strong to save. 
 
 RUGBY CHAPEL. 
 
 Ix this most solemn place, 
 Ye children of the Lord, 
 Ye meet, under your Maker's grace, 
 To hear His holy word : 
 
 In Him and in His law 
 Eejoice in this your day ; 
 From His bright wells your gladness draw, 
 And learn betimes His way. 
 
 Before you is the path 
 Of pleasantness and peace, 
 And day by day may lowly faith 
 "Within your hearts increase. 
 
 Let early youth express, 
 How Earth with Heav'n may blend, 
 Manhood will own the blessedness 
 God's growing graces lend. 
 
POEMS. 197 
 
 The child improves to youth, 
 The youth improves to man ; 
 And age will bless the Saviour's truth 
 Throughout earth's narrow span. 
 Years bring increasing power, 
 Years bring a deeper joy 
 To those who from the earliest hour 
 Their talent well employ. 
 
 The richly glowing skies, 
 When evening lingers nigh, 
 Proclaim the morrow's sun shall rise 
 In glorious majesty. 
 
 The latest eve we see 
 Hath its own loveliness, 
 When the next light will surely be 
 The Sun of Righteousness. 
 
 The brilliant hues that youth 
 Over the glad world throws 
 Pass not the beam, that nearer truth 
 On thoughtful years bestows. 
 He is at hand ! their Lord ! 
 The Spirit cheers old age 
 With fuller faith : God will reward 
 Christ's earthly heritage. 
 
 For some, years take away 
 A glory from the earth, 
 This warns us in our early day 
 'Gainst sin and godless mirth. 
 
 Let the young with wisdom dwell 
 Ere youth and strength be fled : 
 To God their heartfelt praises swell, 
 To God their lives be led. 
 
 THE HOLY COMMUNION. 
 It is a hard and fearful task, O Lord ! 
 To gather up my thoughts, prepare my heart, 
 
 Remember all Thy keen and searching Word, 
 Then keep this sacrament, and take my part 
 With meek hearts, calm and free from wilful sin, 
 Outwardly calm myself, yet troubled all within, 
 u 2 
 
198 POEMS. 
 
 How long, my God, holy and just and true, 
 Shall self and sin over my bosom reign ! 
 
 How long shall conscience make me idly rue 
 With earth-born penitence what yet again 
 The morrow shall attest against my soul ? 
 Spirit of Power ! bring me under Thy full control. 
 
 Repress the wandering eye, the lawless thought 
 That lets in rebel feelings, the dark dream 
 
 Of pride or passion ! Be my bosom fraught 
 With secret purposes that well beseem 
 The coming light, with lowly hopes that tell 
 A childlike faith in Christ who knows, yet loves me well. 
 
 Let our hearts feel, our lips and lives confess 
 The import of Messiah's suffering. 
 
 Save us from hardening pride, from recklessness 
 Of endless pain, from dangerous reasoning 
 On mercy : pure the Lamb Thy mercy took 
 In sacrifice, and true the warnings of Thy Book. 
 
 The Spirit must begin, the Spirit end, 
 In Jesus the renewal of each heart, 
 
 The opening of each ear to comprehend 
 Thy Word and gracious promise. Lord, impart 
 Some genial warmth to reason, palsied and cold, 
 That its reviving powers upon Thy truth lay hold. 
 
 EZEKIEL XTIII. 28. 
 It is all too late, the sinner cries, 
 
 Deluded by his sin, 
 Nor yet believes his Saviour dies 
 
 A sinful world to win. 
 
 Lord ! turn us to Thy cross that so 
 
 This dark delusion break ! 
 Thy Spirit work in us and show 
 
 Salvation for Thy sake. 
 
 There is no mystery in faith, 
 
 To know, obey, and love 
 The word that marks our earthly path, 
 
 And tells of heaven above. 
 
toems. 199 
 
 The mystery is in sin, whereby 
 We bide us from Thy face, 
 
 And lull of self and woe, deny 
 The riches of Thy grace. 
 
 Have mercy, Lord, that we unlearn 
 This treacherous mystery, 
 
 And clearly through the cross discern 
 The hope that rests in Thee. 
 
 PKOYERBS IY. 19. 
 It is darkness all, and dreariness, 
 
 Within my spirit ! "Woe is me ! 
 The scenes around me, which should bless 
 My heart and soothe its bitterness, 
 
 I cannot feel, I cannot see ! 
 
 It is not now by Thy strong hand 
 
 The outer world is wrapp'd in gloom; 
 It is not now by Thy command 
 That darkness shrouds a sinful land, 
 This deep cold darkness of the tomb. 
 
 In sin, O Lord, my spirit lies, 
 
 And therefore lacks the sense of light ! 
 Saviour ! within my bosom rise. 
 And pour Thy blessing on mine eyes ! 
 
 The world around were fresh and bright. 
 
 Bright in the sunny gleams that glow 
 
 Along the Christian's hallow'd way ; 
 For Him asunder roll all woe, 
 All sin ami shadowy fears, to show 
 In the blue sky the Lord of Day. 
 
 THE AUTHOR OF SALVATION. 
 It is not in Earth's noblest lore 
 
 That life and vigour lie, 
 To make the cleansed spirit soar 
 
 Into a purer sky ; 
 Nor in that law so dreadly given, 
 When the great God came down from heaven. 
 u 3 
 
200 POEMS. 
 
 The trumpet's voice, exceeding loud, 
 
 In fire and thunder broke : 
 From the mountain underneath the cloud 
 
 Went quivering up the smoke : 
 And every heart in Israel 
 Waxed fainter at that trumpet's swell. 
 
 Full, pure, and true, the law went forth 
 
 Over the trembling host, 
 Yet Christ's obedience was the worth, 
 
 And Christ's own death the cost 
 At which He ransomed all, and gave 
 That law its only power to save. 
 
 A power to save by Faith in Him 
 Whose power its truth engaged, 
 
 And whom in shadows faint and dim, 
 Its every right presaged, 
 
 Its prophets from afar descried, 
 
 The Son of God ! Christ crucified ! 
 
 THE SEVENTH DAY BEFOEE JEEICHO. 
 
 It is not now, as heretofore, 
 
 One solitary round : 
 A second ; and a third ; and more 
 
 This day, the seven priests sound. 
 
 Over the gate, came up the King, 
 
 And with him, all his peers, 
 Gazed on the strange beleaguering, 
 
 And owned their growing fears. 
 
 As pitched in peace, the tents below 
 
 Stud all the palmy plain : 
 And in no earthly war, the foe 
 
 Moves round the walls again. 
 
 The King, he said, " My men of war 
 
 " This, this, is Joshua's host : 
 " Is Israel then the conqueror ? 
 
 " And is my city lost ? 
 
P0E3IS. 201 
 
 i; My men of war ! Oh ! where were they, 
 
 •• Ere Jordan let him pass : 
 " While Israel in his tents yet lay, 
 
 u An unresisting mass ! " 
 
 The King and princes keep their place 
 
 Upon the lofty tower : 
 While the long line, with even pace, 
 
 Sweeps round the walls once more. 
 
 And foremost, there, the armed men, 
 And then the priests, they viewed : 
 
 And then the glorious Ark, and then 
 A countless multitude. 
 
 Contagious awe, as the horns rung 
 
 And the warriors heavily trod, 
 ThrilTd every heart, hush'd every tongue ; 
 
 They felt the hand of God. 
 
 The death-devoted in deep fear 
 
 Watched the seventh circuit out : 
 When suddenly burst upon their ear 
 
 A bold irregular shout. 
 
 In dust and headlong ruin, all 
 
 Are buried down below, 
 In rushed, over the ruinous wall, 
 
 Israel, the conquering foe. 
 
 " BLESSED AEE THEY THAT MOUE>~. ; " 
 
 It is the Lord ! the Lord of earth and heaven, 
 Jehovah ! And shall not our God do right ? 
 
 The standard of His empire who hath riven ? 
 Who hath opposed His irresistible might ? 
 His hand is here. Poor sufferer, read aright 
 The record of His dealings with mankind, 
 
 His grace, long-suffering, and love, despite 
 Each proud, obdurate, selfish, wayward mind, 
 The secret of this visitation thou wilt find ! 
 
202 poems. 
 
 n. 
 The purpose of the Lord thou may'st not see 
 Distinct and definite : nor haply tell, 
 
 The secret sin for which He visits thee ; 
 The fiend, snaring thy soul, He thus would quell, 
 The growing darkness He would thus dispel, 
 The spark, lit by His Spirit, He would fan, 
 
 The meek and lowly faith, He thus may well 
 Increase, and richly prosper, He who can [man. 
 
 Make all things work His will, and knows His creature 
 
 in. 
 When sinking under sharpest agony, 
 Our dearest friends reft from us, blow by blow, 
 Our idols all o'erthrown, while none are nigh, 
 On earth to comfort us, wasted with woe, 
 And bodily suffering, whither shall we go, 
 Where rest our beating heads, and shed the tears 
 That charge our eyelids, and yet will not flow ? 
 Heaven's mercy bids them forth, and soothes our fears, 
 Our Saviour lives for us, our Comforter appears ! 
 
 rv. 
 The secret of this visitation thou 
 Shalt find, as Autumn's waving fields attest 
 
 The kindly dews of Spring, if nought avow 
 Its more immediate working to thy breast, 
 So thou quench not the Spirit, nor arrest 
 The fleeting ministers of hell and sin, 
 By dangerous parley, but of self divest 
 Thy heart, subdued under this discipline 
 To let the Lord of light and life and love come in. 
 
 v. 
 
 This short affliction lasteth but a while ; 
 Our life, when longest, soon passes away ; 
 
 No dark anticipations should beguile 
 Thy soul to charge a sad and heavy day 
 With burdens of the morrow, to gainsay 
 The Word of God : remember thou the blood 
 
 Of Jesus, the great God's almighty sway, 
 Our Father's kingdom ! claim thy brotherhood ! 
 Hear ! with affection own ! the message of thy good ! 
 
POEMS. 203 
 
 VI. 
 
 Yet it is not the reluctant soul's assent 
 Won by sweet words of gentlest poesy ; 
 
 Nor will the heart in tears and hope relent 
 While yet the thunderstroke may stupify 
 The startled sufferer : nature's agony 
 Knows not such charmer, such immediate healing ; 
 
 Still turn to Him, who came from heaven to die 
 For us on earth, our mortal sorrow feeling 
 The secret strength of prayer and humble faith revealing. 
 
 VII. 
 
 Prayer is not in mere words our tongues repeat, 
 In forms which yet our spirit does not fill 
 
 And animate : our hearts may learn to beat 
 High, full, and strong, and all our feelings thrill 
 To their omnipotent Creator, still 
 And silent all ere now each solemn thought 
 Win fitting utterance from the better skill 
 Of holy forms, in chasten'd bearing brought 
 Unto the throne of God with His own Spirit fraught. 
 
 YIU. 
 
 Look unto Jesus ever ! day by day 
 Search thou the Scriptures with an earnest zeal, 
 
 Rising up early to thy toil, and pray 
 In truth and spirit that thy God may heal 
 Thine anguish, and work out thy future weal 
 In fear : then in due time may that deep peace, 
 More precious than all knowledge, gently steal 
 Over thy softening temper, and release 
 Thy heart from doubt and make thine earthly sorrow cease. 
 
 ST. MATTHEW IV. 4. 
 It was a vision, strange and clear, 
 
 And seems as real yet, 
 The voice was falling on my ear, 
 
 The form before me set : 
 " Thy tower thou hast not yet begun, 
 
 " Thou worst among the lost, 
 "Is it then built ? thy work all done ? 
 
 u Shouldest Thou not count the cost ? " 
 
204 POEMS. 
 
 The tone was stern, severe, and fraught 
 
 With scorn and subtle power, 
 Get Thee behind me was the thought 
 
 Prevailing in that hour ; 
 That thought worked on and underwent 
 
 A fearful change at length ; 
 Upon that tower nry heart was bent 
 
 To put forth all my strength. 
 
 Myself, I thought, I work His will, 
 
 The tower shall rise my own, 
 The tempter watched the secret thrill, 
 
 His snare was o'er me thrown, 
 " The work is thine," he said, " seek now 
 
 " Reward in thine own name ; 
 u The covenanted work do thou," 
 
 The promised guerdon claim. 
 
 I know not how, but fancied then, 
 
 I felt the Spirit's stress, 
 That swept me from the ways of men 
 
 Into the wilderness. 
 And o'er me came, as then I stood, 
 
 The Saviour's full reply, 
 " Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God ; " 
 
 I looked to Him on high. 
 
 Man liveth not by bread alone, 
 
 But by what God hath said ; 
 Him only worship on His throne, 
 
 Make thou His Word thy bread ; 
 Count other strength than His but loss, 
 
 Fear thou His chastening rod, 
 Take refuge by the blood-stained cross, 
 
 Thou shalt not tempt thy God. 
 
 NEW LIFE. 
 Lazarus, come forth ! 
 Thou, dead in trespass and sin, 
 
 Thy Redeemer's worth, 
 Thy Redeemer's cross, shall win 
 Light, for the eye that long hath lain dim ; 
 Strength, for each tainted and ruinous limb. 
 
POEMS. 205 
 
 Seek to live a new life 
 Unto God ! bear meekly thy cross, 
 
 And in the world's strife 
 Count all other things but loss 
 Save knowledge of Christ's love, and trust in His power, 
 As earnestly thou prayest to sin no more. 
 
 Though corrupt may be 
 Thy flesh, thou shalt draw thy breath 
 
 Again, and be free 
 From this body of death : 
 To thee thy God a new spirit will give, 
 And the life thou livest by faith shalt thou live. 
 
 MOKNING. 
 Let soul and body own the coming day, 
 
 Open our eyes and fill our hearts, O Lord, 
 That we look forth betimes and choose our way, 
 
 Seeking Thy strength, and cleaving to Thy Word. 
 
 Convince us what will be at last our doom, 
 If now we keep or quit our present way ; 
 
 Each day we travel nearer to the tomb, 
 
 And we are choosing life or death each day. 
 
 Our way may be rough, hazardous, and long, 
 
 Storms round our heads and death about our feet, 
 
 Our guide is certain, our salvation strong, 
 
 On our parched lips the cup of life were sweet. 
 
 Let past errors and falls instruct us now 
 
 From the straight line of truth no more to swerve : 
 
 The earnest of the Spirit cheer each brow 
 
 With faith in Him, Whom only we would serve. 
 
 If there the tempter triumphed, and we fell ; 
 
 If thence an arrow struck us heretofore ; 
 If Pride, from yon bold rock, or from that dell 
 
 Pleasure, once lured us, be it so no more ! 
 
206 POEMS. 
 
 If o'er us burn the dun hot vault of heaven, 
 And drear around us sleep the billowed sand ; 
 
 Green shades and living streams may yet be given, 
 The Rock of Ages still may near us stand. 
 
 And lest the trials of our wilderness 
 
 Find us now faithless, warn us 'mid our vaunt 
 
 How fell our fathers, yet in their distress 
 Had drunk the waters of the covenant. 
 
 Over us were the cleansing waters poured 
 In baptism, but the virtue they impart 
 
 Is all for those who grasp the Spirit's sword, 
 Whose glorious armour guards a zealous heart. 
 
 Our safeguard is not for the negligent, 
 The slothful, or the timid ; not for those 
 
 Who hovering round the Christian armament 
 Consort with rebels, court relentless foes. 
 
 In utmost need our God is strong to save, 
 
 And wills our struggle through the perilous strife ; 
 
 This day we travel nearer to the grave, 
 Choose this day, or refuse, eternal life. 
 
 (See Mrs. Hopton's "Reformed Devotions," p. 121.) 
 
 HEBREWS VII. 25. 
 
 Listen, sinner, the award ! 
 Believe and save Thy soul ! 
 
 Believe the mercy of the Lord ! 
 Look on Him and be whole. 
 
 The rushing sounds thou nearest 
 Are the presence of thy God ! 
 
 The darkling glow thou fearest 
 Is the day of thine abode. 
 
 Upon Him of old blasphemed, 
 Upon Him for aid we call 
 
 Who created, who redeemed, 
 Who sanctifieth all. 
 
POEMS. 207 
 
 KOMANS VII. 24. 
 Look unto Jesus ! how can I 
 Endure that full and pitying eye ? 
 How can my wakening conscience brook 
 The gentle sadness of His look ? 
 Alas ! what ransomed sinner dare 
 Conceive aught of displeasure there 
 Instead of love, there wish to see 
 Something of injured majesty? 
 
 Look unto Jesus ! now, O now, 
 The accepted time, have mercy Thou ! 
 The Son of Man ! the crucified ! 
 Forgive my sins, abate my pride. 
 I would not burst the sheltering tomb 
 To hear Thy lips pronounce my doom, 
 To feel that changeless judgment tell 
 The Son of God once lov'd me well. 
 
 Oh, good and gracious God ! this hour 
 Thy Spirit dwell on me with power ! 
 Leave me not to myself, O Lord ! 
 Be all Thy goodness lov'd, adored. 
 Call me, my Saviour ! hear my cry ! 
 Else here a living death I die, 
 Go down without Thee to the grave, 
 And find none other strong to save. 
 
 TKANSLATION FEOM &EEGOEY. 
 
 Maker of light ! Thy word of might 
 Didst erst the cheerful day bring in, 
 
 And with the elements of light 
 Prepare the world's high origin ! 
 
 O Thou ! who biddest us to call 
 
 The night and gladsome morning day, 
 
 Darkness glides on to cover all, 
 
 Hear us while now in tears we pray ! 
 x 
 
!08 POEMS. 
 
 Let not a burden'd spirit flee 
 
 Its body, unredeemed from wrath, 
 
 While all its thoughts are vanity, 
 And tangled all in sin its path ! 
 
 Before us, heaven be opening ! 
 
 Immortal life the prize we gain ! 
 So may we shun each hurtful thing, 
 
 And cleanse our hearts from every stain ! 
 
 DOVER CLIFFS. 
 
 May Britain lay aside her spear, 
 Her wrath and warlike diadem ! 
 
 And France, through her rich plains hold dear 
 The lily on its graceful stem ; 
 And that foul bird of prey disclaim, 
 Which wrapped her realm in blood and flame. 
 
 How ruinous are the storms of life ! 
 Fiercer than those that on the sea 
 
 Wrap nature's elements in strife, 
 Or o'er the land rage fearfully ! 
 Fiercer than aught on earth beside 
 Are human passions, human pride. 
 
 The mighty waters heave and flow 
 Over the fleets of wealth and peace ; 
 And hurricanes o'erwhelm in woe 
 And want a nation's whole increase : 
 But time repairs the mischief done ; 
 While hatred, envy, strife live on. 
 
 Father to son hands surely down, 
 The vengeful lesson of his wrath : 
 
 We will not let Heaven's blessing crown 
 Our meeker children's humble faith, 
 But hold them forth the maddening cup, 
 And goad them till they drink it up. 
 
POEMS^ 209 
 
 O God of peace ! let earth be still, 
 And own Thy mild and gentle voice, 
 
 Let each meek Christian do Thy will, 
 And in Thy service here rejoice, 
 Feel every struggling sin subdued, 
 By fear, and hope, and gratitude. 
 
 Though winds or waves should haply then 
 Spread ruin over sea or land, 
 
 In different mood the sons of men 
 Would trace the workings of Thy hand ; 
 And love and deep devotion heal 
 The wounds that mortal breasts must feel. 
 
 The meekness and the charity, 
 To which the Holy Ghost gives birth 
 
 In the renewed heart, would set free 
 The slaves of Satan and of earth ! 
 And peace, good-will to all our race, 
 Proclaim in Christ the reign of grace. 
 
 1 ST. JOHN V. 21. 
 My lips have called on Thee ; the busy mart 
 Was in my mind, honour or worldly lore ; 
 
 My lips have called on Thee, but in my heart 
 On what myself could do, I counted more. 
 My lips have called on Thee, O Lord ! the while, 
 Falsehoods distract my soul, and all my prayer defile. 
 
 How often has the deep and treacherous sin 
 
 I would not hate and shun, made me its slave ! 
 
 How often still, when better thoughts begin, 
 
 It turns me, Lord, from Thee, the strong to save ! 
 
 So I neglect the means of grace now given, 
 
 And sunk in self and hopeless sloth disclaim Thy heaven. 
 
 Have mercy Thou, that from Thy majesty, 
 The fulness of the presence of our God, 
 
 Camest on earth ! set my heart and eye 
 On Thee ! Thy cross ! the path my Saviour trod : 
 In meekness, labouring for a wayward race 
 That closed their ears against the tidings of His grace. 
 x 2 
 
210 POEMS. 
 
 ST. MATTHEW XXIV. 37. 
 Now is our time ; O think we not 
 
 That we shall always have 
 Time, will, or grace, to change our lot 
 
 From Him, the strong to save ! 
 They revel, marry, and rejoice, 
 And work, heedless of Noah's voice ; 
 Yet the flood came, and proved too late 
 To those without the ark, their fate. 
 
 Trust not in unbelief, in arts 
 
 That bring a godless peace ; 
 It is not truth that softens hearts : 
 
 When fear and sorrow cease, 
 It may be that the accepted hour 
 Is passing, that with us no more 
 The Spirit of our Maker strives 
 To bend our will, to change our lives. 
 
 Fix not in unbelief; the rod 
 
 That chastens, should bring tears. 
 Once the long-suffering of our God 
 
 Waited a hundred years ; 
 And after Noah closed the ark, 
 When Earth and Heaven grew cold and dark, 
 Waited, till seven long days were past, 
 Yet came the hour of wrath at last. 
 
 The Earth was glad, the Sun was bright, 
 
 When Lot from Sodom fled : 
 And Pharaoh owned Jehovah's might, 
 
 Yet still was hardened : 
 Belshazzar and his Court, anon 
 Denied their fear, their feast held on, 
 And all forgotten, till their fall, 
 Was the handwriting on the wall. 
 
 Let us not now fetch wine, and drink, 
 
 Not idle life away ; 
 And for the morrow, let us not think 
 
 It must be as this day ; 
 If Noah preached, year after year, 
 While he built the ark, nor yet a fear 
 Struck, to convince, the gazers on, 
 Our time of grace may so be gone. 
 
POEMS. 211 
 
 The morrow, let us not madly think 
 
 It will be as this day. 
 Or more abundant, let us shrink 
 
 In fear while yet we may : 
 Sin once prevailed, and death must come, 
 Now let us look beyond the tomb, 
 Now heed the solemn warnings given, 
 Now strive to win the gate of heav'n. 
 
 FEIEXDSHIP. 
 
 PI "/VERBS XiVH. 9. 
 
 Lord my God ! when kindly friends 
 Win on my world-worn heart ; 
 
 Make it still feel whose mercy sends 
 These friends ! do Thou impart 
 
 The burning thankfulness that t 
 
 What Spirit in the bosom swells. 
 
 Like scented gales in Araby, 
 Without all-parching heat. 
 
 Their kindness soothing, fresh and free. 
 
 Dwells on my heart'.- i 
 Oh ! may it redolent of God 
 
 Teach me the path which they have trod. 
 
 May she. whom Thou hast made my own, 
 
 And I. Thv servants, here. 
 Bless Thee, that Thou Thyself hast know 
 
 Earth's every hope I sar, 
 
 And cling the closer to Thy hand, 
 And love the dearer Thy command. 
 
 Thyself -■ U spot of sin, 
 
 Thou (tids t scoi to know 
 
 The want each human heart within 
 
 Of kindred joy and woe ; 
 Thou wert as one of us. that 
 
 . nt love to lean. Christ, on The- ! 
 x 3 
 
212 POEMS. 
 
 Most gracious Spirit ! Thou hast given 
 Earth's most confiding love, 
 
 To be the same with that of heaven, 
 To fix on things above ; 
 
 While all around the earth is bright 
 
 To them who know their Lord aright. 
 
 By the borrowed glories of our earth ! 
 
 By Thine own throne in heaven ! 
 Thy love to man ! Thy lowly birth ! 
 
 Thy cross ! Thy Spirit given ! 
 Make us, and those that here engage 
 Our friendship, of Thy heritage. 
 
 II. SEC. EP. PETER 20. 
 Once more, Almighty God, to Thee, 
 
 In sin and fear I turn ; 
 Thy Spirit bids me bend my knee, 
 And makes my bosom burn : 
 
 Let me not quench the kindling fire ; 
 Lord ! unto Thee be my desire. 
 
 Under Thy help I often broke 
 
 Some else unbroken snare, 
 Yet could not choose Thy useful yoke, 
 Thine happy bondage bear : 
 
 Alas ! for me all backwards hurled, 
 Again entangled with the world. 
 
 From its thankless cares, its dangerous din, 
 
 From the vehement fires of youth, 
 From manhood's selfishness, and sin, 
 From struggling with Thy truth, 
 Save me ! or Satan o'er me reigns ! 
 No second sacrifice remains. 
 
 For fiery indignation then, 
 
 And judgment, must I look 
 From Him, the gentlest among men, 
 The merciful, who took 
 
 Our nature, and for pity bled, 
 A sinless sufferer in our stead. 
 
POEMS. 213 
 
 No second sacrifice remains ; 
 The Cross alone is given : 
 If in our hearts the Saviour reigns, 
 We reign with Him in heaven : 
 
 Or death and Hell. Spirit of Power, 
 Turn us in the accepted hour ! 
 
 For those who will not quit their sin, 
 
 Who trifle with their God, 
 Who will not heed his voice within, 
 Nor trace his chastening rod, 
 
 Nor own his Cross, sin must endure 
 Its punishment, man hath no cure. 
 
 Man hath no charm that will release, 
 
 Those who so fall away 
 From Christ, partakers once of peace, 
 And children of the day ; 
 
 In God's good promise, strong and glad, 
 And conscious of the power they had. 
 
 They sin no more : then God is love, 
 
 His mercy hath no bounds ; 
 If now in Him we live, and move, 
 If now His power surrounds, 
 
 Our path by day, our bed by night, 
 If now we live, as in His sight. 
 
 If in the Spirit now we die 
 
 To the biddings of the flesh, 
 We are not those who crucify 
 The Son of God afresh : 
 
 We put Him not to open shame, 
 
 We own His Cross, we love His name. 
 
 PSALM XLIII. 
 
 On earth be Thou my comfort, Thou my stay, 
 Lord, against the ungodly and the proud : 
 
 Thou art my God, put me not thus away ! 
 Be not a triumph to my foes allowed ! 
 
214 POEMS. 
 
 Send out Thy light and truth ! and bring me so 
 Unto Thy holy hill, Thy glad abode ! 
 
 That to Thy temple joyfully I go, 
 And on the harp give thanks to Thee, my God. 
 
 My soul ! why art thou faithless, heavy, cold, 
 Wherefore within me so disquieted ? 
 
 Trust thou thy God, His praises forth be told, 
 He cheers me still, His mercy guards my head. 
 
 ST. JOHN YII. 17. 
 
 One glimpse, one honest thought 
 Of God and His great love, 
 Of Jesus Christ, and all He wrought 
 For sinners, let it prove 
 
 The Spirit's power and will 
 To guide us on our road, 
 To strengthen us that we fulfil 
 The purpose of our God. 
 
 Shall we that hope forego ? 
 The stirring call we feel, 
 The earnest of the Spirit know, 
 Shall we again rebel ? 
 
 Lord ! day by day renew 
 Within us a right mind ! 
 The flesh is strong, and they are few 
 Who Thy salvation find. 
 
 Alas ! how few are they ! 
 Yet number us, O Lord ! 
 With those that meekly would obey 
 Thy call, and love Thy Word ! 
 
 We hear it, yet endure 
 With fainting hearts our war : 
 Almighty ! make our calling sure 
 In Christ, the conqueror. 
 
POEMS. 215 
 
 Though yet we may not love 
 Thy pure and holy Word, 
 Nor own Thy solemn call above, 
 The sins within us stirr'd, 
 
 Lord, increase our faith, 
 And guide our footsteps still ; 
 Each step be planted on Thy path, 
 According to Thy will. 
 
 DAY BY DAY. 
 On every day, O Lord, may we 
 Still feel each day is due to Thee ; 
 And feel each day may be our last, 
 Ere its eventful course be past ! 
 
 The day must change, the night must come ; 
 We live, but go down to the tomb : 
 When thence we rise again, may we 
 Be raised in Christ, to live with Thee ! 
 
 These are not gloomy thoughts, O God ! 
 Glorious and bright is Thine abode : 
 Be death before us here, that so 
 The second death we never know ! 
 
 Be life and death before us brought, 
 Blended together in one thought : 
 That so, when shrinking else, we own 
 A Saviour on Thy glorious throne ! 
 
 II COEINTHIANS VI. 8. 
 On still, when thoughts within thee take 
 The splendour of some better shrine ; 
 Bear on, when from thy lips forth break 
 
 Words far too holy to be thine : 
 Let not Thy conscience check the lay, 
 
 It startles thine own heart to see, 
 Though thou shouldst be a cast-away, 
 Thy rhymes may comfort those that know not thee. 
 
216 POEMS. 
 
 Pure words of truth may roll along 
 The rocky channel of thy breast, 
 
 So mountain rains send swift and strong 
 A new-born stream from some high crest ; 
 
 The echoing stones, as it rolls past, 
 Sparkle all glorious to the eye, 
 
 The storm-fed torrent may not last, 
 The springless heart is soon dull, silent, dry. 
 
 That channel may have served to take 
 Waters of life to some faint soul ; 
 
 That torrent filled some distant lake, 
 Though now no longer down it roll : 
 
 Thy words, though nought of Poesy, 
 From Bible truth may borrow force : 
 
 If so friends think too well of Thee, 
 Forget thyself and give thy lay free course. 
 
 ST. MATTHEW I. 21. 
 Save us, Lord ! by love or fear, 
 Save us from sin and sorrow here, 
 
 From endless misery ! 
 Teach us to love the Saviour's cross, 
 As much as we should dread the loss 
 
 Of mercy, and of Thee ! 
 
 When passions tempt, or dangers press 
 Thy servants, and we love Thee less, 
 
 And faith is wavering, 
 Set Thou before us what He bore, 
 Whom on the cross we would adore, 
 
 Our Saviour and our King ! 
 
 When sloth and indolence prevail, 
 When luxury doubts the woeful tale 
 
 That claims our fellowship ; 
 When wrath is roused, or pride rebels, 
 Abate the sin that in us swells, 
 
 Silence the scornful lip ! 
 
POEMS. 217 
 
 Save us from self! that so we try 
 In toils and trials cheerfully 
 
 To do the appointed part ! 
 Soothe Thou each bosom's inward strife ; 
 Thy Spirit breathe a better life 
 
 Into each yielding heart ! 
 
 A CHANT FOR 
 
 PROTESTANTS AMID POPISH AGGRESSORS 
 
 ON THE TRUTH OF GOD, 
 
 AND THE SUPREMACY OF THE QUEEN. 
 
 Oh ! that the harp were in my hands, 
 
 Its spirit on my tongue, 
 While round me gathered noble bands, 
 
 And loftily it rung, 
 That as the solemn chant came round, 
 
 The stirring music fell, 
 Might silver voices clearly sound, 
 
 And deeper accents swell, 
 Forgive, Lord, whate'er of earth may mingle in our cry, 
 For God and for our rightful Queen we conquer or we die. 
 
 Yet Beauty hath her gracious power, 
 
 Man's courage is not fled, 
 And round us in our evil hour 
 
 Are gleams of glory shed ; 
 Deep woe to them that would delude 
 
 Our people from the right, 
 That would enslave the multitude 
 
 They mock with seeming might. 
 Forgive, O Lord, whate'er of earth may mingle in our cry, 
 For God and for our rightful Queen we conquer or we die. 
 
218 POEMS. 
 
 May we be marshalled strong and true, 
 
 Of hand and heart, to own 
 The free obedience that is due 
 
 From subjects to our throne, 
 To hold Thy Gospel and maintain 
 
 Thy truth with our last breath, 
 If what is now a bloodless strain 
 
 Must ring o'er fields of death. 
 Forgive, Lord, whate'er of earth may mingle in our cry, 
 For God and for our rightful Queen we conquer or we die. 
 
 So on her ancient throne our Queen 
 
 Sit ruling by Thy Word, 
 And Thou, while upon Thee we lean, 
 
 Forsake us not, O Lord ! 
 There shall not pass by fraud or force 
 
 One jewel from her crown, 
 Thy truth shall keep its freest course, 
 
 Her sceptre its renown. 
 Forgive, O Lord, whate'er of earth may mingle in our cry, 
 For God and for our rightful Queen we conquer or we die. 
 
 Ere yet we close our solemn song, 
 
 Ere harp and trumpet cease, 
 To Thee, alone, O God, belong 
 
 Stern war and holy peace, 
 Beneath Thy will, before Thy throne, 
 
 In faith and hope we bow ; 
 Nor Pope nor idol will we own, 
 
 Thou art God, only Thou ! 
 Forgive, O Lord, whate'er of earth may mingle in our cry, 
 For God and for our rightful Queen we conquer or we die. 
 
 EPHESIANS VI. 1. 
 
 O ! Thou who biddest us obey 
 Our earthly parents in Thy name, 
 
 Make us acknowledge here the way 
 Thy mercy wins upon our shame ! 
 
POEMS. 219 
 
 If we, obedient to Thy word, 
 
 Our father and our mother own, 
 How soon meek love is in us stirr'd, 
 
 And all Thy gracious purpose known ! 
 
 May we, O God ! obey Thy call, 
 
 Till its full blessedness we prove ! 
 So for Thyself, Father of all, 
 
 Turn our obedience into love. 
 
 ST. JOHN Till, 32. 
 Thou whose true and keenly searching word 
 Has shown Thy perfectness to us on earth ; 
 
 Yea, mortal ears from Thine own lips have heard 
 Why Thou hast borne for us a mortal birth. 
 Thou knowest what man is, readest each heart, 
 And biddest each of us to choose the better part. 
 
 The body of our flesh is unsubdued, 
 The soul is tainted in its tenement, 
 
 How may we choose, save to the solitude 
 Of each sad spirit is Thy Spirit sent 
 To tell us of the stream that will make clean, 
 To give us light and health which else had never been. 
 
 Oh ! let that Spirit break our earthly thrall, 
 Strike off our fetters and proclaim us free, 
 
 Give us all hearts to hear that stirring call, 
 And range us by Thy standard solemnly. 
 Transform us, while Thy weapons on we gird, 
 To the image of Thyself reflected from Thy word. 
 
 1 TIMOTHY II. 5. 
 Thou whose gracious voice on high 
 Perfects Thy work on earth begun, 
 
 And pleads in love and majesty 
 For every soul Thy cross has won, 
 Plead Thou for us, we pray Thee, Lord ! 
 By that red cross, by Thy true Word. 
 
 Y 
 
220 POEMS. 
 
 Great God ! maker of all things ! Thou 
 That in surpassing glory clad, 
 
 Ownest in Christ each humble vow, 
 Makest each penitent sinner glad, 
 Let our sole Advocate be heard 
 By His own cross, by Thy sure Word. 
 
 Our only Advocate ! for we 
 Are perishing all, and might not stand 
 
 Before Thy dread and just decree, 
 Save clinging to His outstretch'd hand, 
 Save by His pitying look assured, 
 Cheer'd by Thy Spirit, by Thy Word. 
 
 Let hope speed on each kindly tear, 
 To live be Christ, to die be gain : 
 
 Forth from our conscience cast out fear, 
 Let peace in every bosom reign. 
 Within us be our spirits stirr'd 
 By Thine own Spirit, Thine own Word. 
 
 ST. MATTHEW XXY. 33. 
 
 Our hearts, O Lord, are beating high : 
 Ask us if we w r ould surely die : 
 When passion tempts us, ask if we 
 Believe in Satan or in Thee. 
 
 Ere pleasure gain its deadly sway, 
 Remind us of the Judgment-day ; 
 When evil thoughts come on, demand 
 If we would range on Christ's left hand. 
 
 Help us, O God ! or we are lost, 
 To make our choice, to count its cost, 
 And shun as evil here below 
 Whate'er Thou biddest us forego ! 
 
POEMS. 221 
 
 THE LAST DAY. 
 Our latest clay on earth must call 
 
 Our bodies to the tomb, 
 The latest day of life for all 
 
 Waken us to our doom ; 
 The last day dawns for all, for some 
 
 Has dawn'd in this sun's ray : 
 So soon ! too soon ! is it then come, 
 
 This dreadful Judgment-day. 
 
 And still " too soon," if years were giv'n 
 
 For penitence and faith, 
 And soothing hopes of earth and heav'n 
 
 Along the Saviour's path, 
 " Too soon " were still that sinner's cry 
 
 Who hears not God to-day. 
 Now, Lord ! prepare our hearts to die, 
 
 Now, keep us on Thy way. 
 
 It is ever distant, ever near, 
 
 This day of wrath and ruth, 
 When Satan would beguile our fear, 
 
 Distant, but near in truth. 
 Would we might live each passing day 
 
 As though it were our last, 
 Before the cross our burden lay, 
 
 Down, there, all trouble cast. 
 
 GEXESIS YI. 3. 
 Our Maker will not always strive 
 
 With those who turn not from their sin : 
 Oh ! while Thou yet keepest alive 
 
 A sense of wrong and shame within, 
 Spirit of power ! may we obey, 
 And learn to love Thy holy sway. 
 
 While yet confusion, fear, and woe, 
 Hang on each sinful thought or word, 
 
 While yet when sin is past, we know 
 The better hope within us stirr'd, 
 
 Turn us, eternal Spirit ! we 
 
 May so alone be turned to Thee. 
 t 2 
 
222 poems. 
 
 Arouse us that we be not found 
 
 Among the haunts of thoughtless men, 
 
 Leave us not in a treacherous round 
 To sin, repent, and sin again. 
 
 We cannot save ourselves, but Thou 
 
 Art strong to save, O save us now ! 
 
 ST. MATTHEW XXYI. 41. 
 Saviour of men ! may we strive hard 
 
 To learn and do Thy will, 
 Keep all around a wakeful guard, 
 
 Start from each seeming ill ; 
 Seek out Thy truth, Thy cross endure ! 
 And let Thy Spirit make us pure ! 
 
 To own the truths our lives deny ; 
 
 Praise vigilance, yet sleep ; 
 To honour laws we will not try 
 
 Through prayer and faith to keep ; 
 Destroys oar strength ; and in its place 
 Leaves a deceitful form of grace. 
 
 Bend to Thy service all our powers 
 Of soul and body, heart and mind, 
 
 And through the spirit-stirring hours 
 Of life, in us be shrined 
 
 That faith, to which on earth is given 
 
 A friend in Christ, a home in Heaven ! 
 
 ON OPENINO THE BIBLE. 
 
 Soften my spirit, Lord, by holy fears 
 Which Thou wilt bless, and charge my eyes with tears ! 
 Enlarge my heart by faith ! Thy sufferings prove 
 Great as my sins are, greater is Thy love. 
 
 I fain would cherish hope. Let not despair 
 And conscience league me with the powers of air ! 
 Out of ourselves that hope for us is wrought, 
 From aught within us vainly were it sought. 
 
poems. 223 
 
 It is Thy Spirit leads me now to trace 
 In this one thing Thy wisdom and Thy grace, 
 Teach me to throw my cares on Thee and feel 
 That Thou providest best for sinners' weal. 
 
 Teach me to prize Thy book, and well to heed 
 The pages that I daily kneel and read ; 
 With loving heart and fix'd unwavering eye 
 To live its lesson, in its promise die. 
 
 EPHESIANS VI. 12. 
 Spirit of God ! mysterious Power, descend ! 
 
 To Thine own victory rule our combat now ; 
 Leave us not to ourselves, but still defend 
 
 Each bare unharnessed breast, each helmless brow. 
 
 Our battle is not against flesh alone, 
 
 The banded world and many a treacherous guide, 
 But against vigilant fiends, to whom are known 
 
 Our hope of heaven, our weakness, and our pride. 
 
 Though reft of helm and corslet, we shall war 
 To victory, so Thou our cause befriend. 
 
 By Him the Crucified, the Conqueror, 
 
 Spirit of God, mysterious Power, descend ! 
 
 ST. LUKE XVI. 31. 
 Teach us to read aright the story 
 
 Of Israel's disobedience, 
 Amid Jehovah's present glory, 
 
 Beneath His constant providence. 
 No outward signs and wonders win 
 The pride and stubbornness of sin. 
 
 We seek not signs like theirs ; excuse not 
 By theirs our stubborn unbelief: 
 
 But humbly pray, that Thou refuse not, 
 Spirit of God ! our sole relief. 
 
 Thy Prophets spake, Thy Son has bled, 
 
 And risen, Almighty, from the dead. 
 y 3 
 
224 poems. 
 
 Oh ! make our hearts to fear Thee ever, 
 And ever seek the means of grace, 
 
 There were no power on earth to sever 
 The Covenant by which our race 
 
 Inherits heaven, and lives in Thee, 
 
 Thou Crucified on Calvary ! 
 
 AN ENGRAVING OF ST. JOHN. 
 The cup, miscall'd, of pleasure now, 
 
 Is mantling red for me, 
 The kindling eye, the fevered brow, 
 
 Foretel its treachery. 
 
 Well hast Thou known, O gracious Lord ! 
 
 Each thought my heart within, 
 The cup I drink is yet abhorr'd, 
 
 Its zest is marr'd by sin. 
 
 Speak Thou the word, and from my cup, 
 
 Ere yet the draught I take, 
 Shall all its poison startle up 
 
 Like a fierce uncoiling snake. 
 
 And pure and precious, then shall well 
 
 The wine of truth and life, 
 And hope and faith shall surely quell 
 
 My heart's unholy strife. 
 
 1 THESSALONIANS IY. 16. 
 The day must come, the Judgment-day, 
 
 On each fond idle dreamer, 
 On every wanderer from the way, 
 
 On every dark blasphemer ! 
 The Christ will come in dread array, 
 Each eye behold, each heart obey, 
 
 His Judge or his Redeemer ! 
 
poems. 225 
 
 We may grow hard, and not revere 
 
 Each old prophetic token, 
 Too wilful and too proud to hear 
 
 What God Himself hath spoken ; 
 Yet shall the Son of Man appear, 
 And strongest hearts shall fail for fear, 
 
 And wrath and pride be broken ! 
 
 He comes in clouds ! each dazzled eye 
 
 And conscious heart confounding, 
 Myriads of Seraphim on high 
 
 His glorious sign surrounding ! 
 Sun, moon, and stars, droop in the sky ; 
 The shout dies down ; the Archangel's cry ; 
 
 The trump of God is sounding ! 
 
 Over each distant solitude 
 
 That lonely blast is swelling, 
 None shall its thrilling call elude, 
 
 In earth or ocean dwelling : 
 Death is disarmed ; the grave subdued ; 
 To all the countless multitude 
 
 Their doom is Jesus telling ! 
 
 DEATH. 
 
 The day of death is near, 
 
 And the grandeur of the hour 
 Overshadows us with power, 
 
 We might not else bear. 
 
 We look from our height 
 As men beyond harm, 
 And o'er our souls the charm 
 
 Curls with a vehement might. 
 
 So canopied we gaze, 
 
 And the mysterious thought 
 With which earth then is fraught, 
 
 Within us wildly plays. 
 
 The envious veil is furled, 
 No touch, no sight, no sound, 
 Familiar, around 
 
 Is forming another world. 
 
226 poems. 
 
 CONQUER BY THE CROSS. 
 
 The flood abated, beautiful to them 
 That o'er the heaving waters, drear and dark, 
 The inmates of the solitary Ark, 
 
 Had trembled long, the starry diadem 
 Of night, the cloudless sun, the firm dry land, 
 And its green richness, freshening at Thy command. 
 
 Yet in its brightness still most beautiful, 
 The Rainbow of Thy Promise, compassing 
 With glorious span the lowering heavens, to bring 
 
 Thy love to heart, each natural fear to lull, 
 Lest, in the swelling tempest, water shroud 
 The earth again, and heaven be one dim cloud. 
 
 Lord ! even so to them who gladly kneel 
 Beneath the Cross, whom Thou art pleased to win 
 From the hard thoughts and slavery of sin ; 
 
 How beautiful the scenes that make them feel 
 The goodness and the mercy of our God, 
 Gladdening the new Creation, their abode ! 
 
 Yet still most beautiful to those He won, 
 The standard which He came on earth to plant, 
 Their hope, the token of Thy Covenant, 
 
 The vision of the Cross of Thy dear Son ; 
 It tells, amid the rushing storm displayed, 
 Thy truth and power, and love and present aid. 
 
 ST. LUKE VI. 28. 
 The heart that fills with " I repent," 
 
 The lips that utter " I am wrong," 
 The spirit that will not resent 
 The grave rebuke, however meant, 
 
 Let them to us, O Lord, belong. 
 
 Onward, still onward, let us press 
 In meekness and long-suffering, 
 
 In lowliness and gentleness, 
 
 And strive in prayer and love to bless 
 The foes around us gathering. 
 
 
poems. 227 
 
 Be our foes blessed ! beneath Thy care, 
 O Lord, be softened and repent, 
 
 May they and we break every snare, 
 
 May all alike Thy mercy share, 
 And work Thy word's accomplishment. 
 
 THE BUSINESS OF LIFE. 
 
 The Lord, our God, is full of love, 
 
 No deed, no thought, escapes His eye ; 
 
 He rules all earth, all heaven above, 
 It was He who made us all, to die. 
 
 The gracious God, who calls us friends, 
 This mighty God who reigns on high, 
 
 This God who knoweth all things, sends 
 The sons of men on earth, to die. 
 
 Amid the world's harassing strife, 
 
 Within its dearest privacy, 
 The God of love, the Lord of life, 
 
 Keeps us all here our time, to die. 
 
 To rich and poor, to young and old, 
 Earth shows this awful certainty ; 
 
 The business of our life is told, 
 
 When we have felt that we must die. 
 
 There is a rest, but not on earth, 
 With Jesus, to His saints on high, 
 
 Such the condition of our birth, 
 That to be happy we must die. 
 
 Spirit most holy ! win each heart, 
 
 Turn unto Jesus every eye, 
 That we may choose the better part, 
 
 That we may gladly live to die. 
 
228 poems. 
 
 THE DEATH OF POLYCAHP. 
 
 The martyr heard the secret voice 
 
 That said, " Thy heart be strong," 
 And bless'd his God, and made his choice : 
 So did his constant heart rejoice 
 His fearful path along. 
 
 It led him, and through searching fire 
 
 To death 'mid wrath and scorn. 
 That raging fire will soon expire, 
 That wrath and scorn can but require 
 That earthly pangs be borne. 
 
 His be the strength that cannot fail, 
 
 The hope that will not shrink, 
 While ruthless myriads round him rail, 
 And friends far worse than foes bewail 
 The cup he need not drink. 
 
 Hard by the stake, in prayer and praise, 
 
 He saw the kindling pyre ; 
 Up, like some swelling sail, the blaze 
 Springs, and all harmless round him plays 
 
 An arch of rushing fire. 
 
 Then bitter was the rage of those 
 
 Who should have owned his God ; 
 And free the martyr's life-blood flows, 
 Quenching the fire where hot it glows, 
 And staining the burnt sod. 
 
 For us that martyr's King has died, 
 
 To Him then let us live, 
 Follow, wherever He may guide, 
 And seek, whatever may betide, 
 
 The Spirit He will give. 
 
poems. 229 
 
 GALATTANS VI 9. 
 There is a path of toil and danger, 
 
 Through a land of bitter foes, 
 Where the heart of many a stranger 
 
 Sinks, as onward still he goes : 
 
 'Mid pain and want, and all distresses, 
 Works the steep and narrow track : 
 
 Yet each pilgrim onward presses, 
 And in trouble looks not back. 
 
 Where his pilgrimage is ending, 
 Toil and pain and danger cease ; 
 
 Another world with this is blending ; 
 And that world is love and peace. 
 
 The broad road of Death is near us : 
 May we choose the narrow path ! 
 
 Father ! Saviour ! Spirit ! hear us ! 
 Rule our choice, maintain our faith ! 
 
 SUN-KISE ON THE HILLS 
 
 NEAR LANCASTER. 
 
 The varied plain, these everlasting hills, 
 That broad and shining river, tell of Thee, 
 
 Maker of all things ; Thy great goodness fills 
 The earth, as waters fill yon heaving sea. 
 
 Now let the tide of feeling win its way 
 Over our hearts, each island sin above, 
 
 To celebrate Thy praise, Thy boundless sway, 
 The glories of Thy wisdom, Thy great love ! 
 
 For Thou art glorious ! Thou, Almighty ! Lord ! 
 
 Else how might we so lost be turned to Thee ! 
 Be praising Thee for Him, the incarnate Word, 
 
 Who came on earth in great humility. 
 
 Begin, O Lord, to rescue us from sin ! 
 
 Make it all hateful to our opened eyes ; 
 Finish the work Thou only canst begin ; 
 
 On us the Sun of righteousness arise. 
 
230 POEMS. 
 
 THE NEW YEAE. 
 
 The watch that hangs before me tells 
 How slowly, surely w r anes the year, 
 
 And the same truth is on the bells 
 Sounding from many a church to cheer 
 The night-fall, ere that peal they close, 
 The new year comes, the old year goes. 
 
 Lord, my heart within me burns, 
 For now is the accepted time : 
 
 And every hope within me turns 
 To fear, while in yon echoing chime 
 I can but hear another day, 
 Another year trifled away. 
 
 1 cannot write in prose, the verse 
 Seems warrant for the utterance 
 
 Of thoughts I dared not else rehearse, 
 And every word I thus advance 
 Soothes me, as though the rhymes might teach 
 Obedience to the truth they preach. 
 
 And often weak and lifeless lines 
 Have turned my thoughts to Holy Writ, 
 And brought before me thence designs 
 That should be mine, so definite, 
 They startle me to see how ill 
 My life sets forth my Saviour's will. 
 
 Bring me beneath Thy gentle sway, 
 Almighty Thou ! the midnight hour, 
 
 The lingering year, have passed away, 
 O let not Satan, Lord, have power 
 To keep me for another year, 
 Another day in sin and fear. 
 
 By the promised advent of Thy Son, 
 By Thy passing love and boundless might, 
 By the perishing earth, which Jesus won 
 From darkness to His glorious light, 
 Have mercy, Lord, on me ! control 
 The powers of evil ! save my soul. 
 
POEMS. 23 1 
 
 ST. MATTHEW II. 6. 
 They came, the wise men from the east, 
 
 God had revealed to them 
 The calling of the star that led 
 
 On to Jerusalem. 
 " Where is He that is born," they cried, 
 
 " The King of Abraham's race ? 
 " We follow far the herald-star 
 
 " Of mercy, truth, and grace." 
 
 Then was King Herod troubled sore, 
 
 And gathering priests and scribes, 
 Demanded where Christ should be born, 
 
 In which of Israel's tribes. 
 They knew whence He that was to be 
 
 Ruler in Israel came ; 
 And forth they took God's holy book, 
 
 And said from Bethlehem. 
 
 Then privily Herod, the King, 
 
 Called for, and thus beguiled 
 The strangers : " Speed to Bethlehem, 
 
 " Search well for the young child ; 
 " When ye have found him, back to me, 
 
 " Ere yet his star grow dim, 
 " And tell me where, I would go there, 
 
 " I too would worship Him." 
 
 Onward they sped, again it shed, 
 
 The prophet-star, its light ; 
 With wonder and exceeding joy 
 
 They hailed it lone and bright. 
 They followed on until it stood 
 
 Over where Christ was laid ; — 
 When He was found, kneeled on the ground, 
 
 And all their offerings made. 
 
 They saw Him with His mother there, 
 
 Worshipped Him as He lay, 
 The myrrh and gold, as was foretold, 
 
 Mark the long-looked-for day ; 
 They owned the unerring dream from God, 
 
 They trod not Herod's path, 
 But home they went, they were not sent 
 
 To be slaves of Herod's wrath. 
 
232 poems. 
 
 Glory to Him, the King of kings, 
 
 The Father of our Lord ; 
 Glory to Him whose wondrous truth 
 
 Prophets and saints record, 
 And glory to the Holy Ghost, 
 
 Glory to God in heaven, 
 Peace upon earth, good-will to man, 
 
 To us the Child is driven. 
 
 THE BATTLE BEEOEE GIBEOX. 
 
 They came to Joshua : Slack not thou 
 Thy hand ! the mountain Kings press on 
 
 Help us ! come quickly ! save us now, 
 Their armies compass Gibeon. 
 
 " Fear them not," said the God of Heaven, 
 " Before thy face they shall not stand : 
 
 " Into thine hands they all are given ; " 
 And forth sped Joshua and his band. 
 
 Leader and warriors, nothing loth, 
 From Gilgal hurried on that night, 
 
 Armed for the Lord of Sabaoth, 
 Against the godless Amorite. 
 
 Their flashing spears and living mass 
 Look glorious in the morning sun ; 
 
 His strange act God bringeth to pass ! 
 His wondrous work the Lord hath done ! 
 
 With arrowy gleams the hot air glow r s : 
 In thunder the fierce hailstones fell, 
 
 The Lord discomfiteth His foes, 
 They fly before His Israel. 
 
 Then Joshua spake, ere day was gone : 
 " Sun, upon Gibeon stand thou still I 
 
 " And thou, O moon, in Ajalon ! " 
 All Israel saw Jehovah's will. 
 
POEMS. 23. 
 
 The sun stands still ; the moon is staid : 
 Bright o'er the rushing tempest glow 
 
 The Heathen's idols, they are made 
 To work his utter overthrow. 
 
 Five Kings, that wore that morn a crown ; 
 
 Five hosts, too daring in their might, 
 Had perished ere that sun went down, 
 
 Before that long-expected night. 
 
 THE NEW CREATION. 
 
 Thine is, O Lord ! the glorious world around us, 
 Thine the dark world each perishing heart within, 
 
 Yet this dark world, where sin had surely bound us, 
 Is far more glorious, so Thy light break in. 
 
 Oh ! let Thy truth over its darkness rising, 
 The wild and yet unbroken mass subdue : 
 
 Numberless spirits before Thee solemnizing 
 Creation's work restored, man born anew. 
 
 The hymn creation heard, in joy more saintly, 
 As touched with penitence, they will sing again. 
 
 Here must our hope echo its tone, though faintly, 
 Praise to our God ! Our Saviour ! Amen ! 
 
 A SUMMER DAY. 
 
 This rich, this bright, beautiful earth, 
 
 Plenteous in fruit and corn, 
 Green, fresh, and fair, and free from dearth 
 
 And drought, was fitly born : 
 The voice of God said, Let it be, 
 And Angels sang its jubilee. 
 
 And loud their harps and praises rang, 
 
 As round the darkling sun 
 The gathering planets formed, and sprang 
 
 To the course each had to run ; 
 And, rushing in their rings of light, 
 Made glorious the depth of nio-ht. 
 z 2 
 
234 poems. 
 
 All fair before their Maker stood : 
 
 Fair was our dwelling-place, 
 And bore Him witness it was good, 
 
 Ere sin had marred its grace, 
 And dimmed its sky : how lovely still 
 To those who seek to know His will ! 
 
 His footsteps on the flowery sod, 
 
 His Spirit in the glad air, 
 We thank Thee, great and glorious God, 
 
 For Thy goodness and Thy care, 
 That the lost earth again was won : 
 The voice of God said, It is done ! 
 
 Write in our hearts how pain, and shame, 
 And tears, and sin, had birth, 
 
 How pardon, peace, and mercy came, 
 With Jesus Christ on earth, 
 
 That even our sins are made to prove 
 
 How strong, how passing rich Thy love ! 
 
 Earth bears Thy seal : the glory Thine, 
 
 Redeemer of our race ! 
 That, grafted in the living vine, 
 
 Hearts cling unto Thy grace, 
 Whose tendrils else had trailed in dust, 
 And sapless heaps, in sore mistrust : 
 
 Not one dark spirit could have owned 
 Thy glory, but for Thy love, 
 
 By which each ransomed heart has found 
 The promise all may prove, 
 
 The new name, the soul-stirring fear, 
 
 The earnest of Thy Spirit here. 
 
 Alas ! that Satan's treacherous tale 
 Should still our hearts control, 
 
 That self and sin should now prevail 
 Over the struggling soul, 
 
 And chill the prayer and mar the praise 
 
 Earth and her myriad tongues should raise. 
 
poems. 235 
 
 EZEKIEL VIII. 12. 
 Thou hast not yet forsaken earth, 
 
 Thou seest what is done, 
 Be merciful to me, O Lord, 
 
 And let my soul be won. 
 Oh, rise ! and scatter from my breast 
 
 The clouds of strife and sin, 
 And shed light, warmth, and energy 
 
 Through the cold cells within. 
 
 I would, O Lord, be turned to Thee, 
 
 And without ceasing pray ; 
 Thy Spirit turns the yielding soul, 
 
 And wins it to Thy way ! 
 I would ask it nothing wavering, 
 
 I know it is conferr'd, 
 As pleaseth Thee in boundless love, 
 
 On all that keep Thy Word. 
 
 Show me Thy goodness and Thy truth ; 
 
 Fix my whole heart on Thee. 
 Call me beneath Thy gentle yoke, 
 
 So make Thy servant free. 
 The man that numbly looks to Thee 
 
 In all he does and says, 
 Has learnt to pray unceasingly, 
 
 To hold Thy constant praise. 
 
 The eye may be upraised to heaven, 
 
 The heart still cleave to dust, 
 The knee will bend unmeaningly, 
 
 While in ourselves we trust. 
 Upon Thine altar, in Thy court, 
 
 Beneath Thy wakeful eyes, 
 To idols may our victim bleed, 
 
 Our curling incense rise. 
 
 To idols, hardly known the while, 
 
 So glorious is each form 
 Which Fancy paints, or passion owns, 
 
 With grace and beauty warm, 
 Or reason from the marble mass 
 
 Calls forth to awe the soul, 
 As round us sun-lit censers flash, 
 
 And hymns and music roll. 
 z 3 
 
236 poems. 
 
 Cleanse Thou from glowing portraitures 
 
 And statues of renown 
 The chambers of my imagery, 
 
 And bring each idol down ! 
 The Lord forsaketh not the earth, 
 
 Jehovah sees us still, 
 The Spirit for the Saviour's sake 
 
 Still works the Father's will. 
 
 Pity Thy suppliant, and when 
 
 Thy fatherly command 
 Tries me with useful suffering, 
 
 Or when Thy gracious hand 
 Is shedding flowers, whose fragrance is 
 
 Of heaven, along my path, 
 Fix Thou my stedfast heart, O Lord, 
 
 On Thee with perfect faith ! 
 
 PSALM XXI. 7. 
 
 Through life, on our Queen let Thy blessings be shed, 
 God ! let her voyage be smooth and serene, 
 
 Ever comfort the heart, ever shelter the head 
 Of her Thou anointest, our Protestant Queen. 
 Thy Word her sure compass, Thy Spirit her light, 
 Her hope in Thy mercy, her trust in Thy might. 
 
 Keep her firm to the faith she professed from her youth, 
 From foes, from all traitors, deliver Thy cause ; 
 
 Establish her empire on Protestant truth, 
 And govern her subjects by Protestant laws : 
 May her sceptre be constantly held as from Thee, 
 Her crown keep its splendour, her people be free. 
 
 Thou hatest saint-worship, men's fictions and lies ! 
 Thy plan of salvation our Bibles proclaim ! 
 
 We will speak of God ! His remembrance we prize 
 Of all that fear'd Him and have thought on His name : 
 They will be spared, be discern'd on the day 
 When He makes up His treasure, His children are they. 
 
poems. 237 
 
 A MOK^LN'G WALK. 
 Through this fair world, e'en from our birth, 
 
 True wisdom near us lies ; 
 Clouds, winds, and water, the green earth, 
 
 Nature in every guise, 
 Still tell the willing heart and ear 
 To cherish love, to banish fear. 
 
 There is not, Lord, a breath of air 
 
 That fans my burning brow, 
 A charm that keeps away despair, 
 
 A thought that cheers me now, 
 Enlivening all my wearied frame, 
 Eut Thine it was, from Thee it came. 
 
 Let gratitude, hence warmly caught, 
 
 Through my heart ever thrill ! 
 To honour Thee be all my thought, 
 
 My aim to do Thy will. 
 The highest wisdom, hope, be mine, 
 To live and die, Lord, only Thine. 
 
 THE ETEXIXa BELL. 
 To prayer and praise ! hear ye that bell ! 
 
 How swiftly speeds our time away ! 
 Towards us comes or heaven or hell, 
 
 The second life, the Judgment-day. 
 
 To prayer and praise ! that solemn chime 
 Tells us of Christ, the name of power : 
 
 And faith will cheer the lapse of time, 
 And hope will own the j udgment hour. 
 
 To prayer and praise ! the day that rolls 
 Away, may bear us to our place ; 
 
 To prayer and praise, ye humble souls, 
 So may your Judge be clothed with grace. 
 
238 poems. 
 
 LOT'S WIFE. 
 To spare, the Lord came down from heaven ; 
 
 Yet mercy found no room : 
 The glorious angels came at even, 
 
 And showed the city's doom : 
 At dead of night Lot sped away, 
 
 To tell their fearful fate, 
 To heedless souls : at break of day, 
 
 He lingered at the gate. 
 
 Some natural tears that little band 
 
 For the lost city shed : 
 The angels took them by the hand, 
 
 And led them forth, and said, 
 " Look not behind, but haste thee on, 
 
 " Thy daughters, and thy wife ; 
 " Escape, ere yet this work be done, 
 
 "To Zoar, for thy life!" 
 
 Right on they pressed ; but one, alas ! 
 
 Heeded not the command : 
 Did turn : nor might, a lifeless mass, 
 
 Gaze on the wasted land. 
 A monument of sin and wrath, 
 
 She hardened to the ground, 
 And stood, the hindmost in their path, 
 
 Her figure half turned round. 
 
 Follower of Christ ! strive thou to gain 
 
 His guidance for thy course ; 
 And when His word is strict and plain, 
 
 Trifle not with its force. 
 Turn not upon thy heaven-ward road, 
 
 Look not on this short life ; 
 Be single-hearted with thy God, 
 
 Remember thou Lot's wife ! 
 
 Remember thou Lot's wife, and when 
 
 Thy sinful heart rebels, 
 Choose not the garden path that then 
 
 Offers thee plenteous wells. 
 Follow thy Lord, and choose the path 
 
 That leads thee to the place 
 Where thou canst best serve God in faith, 
 
 Where safest seek His grace. 
 
poems. 239 
 
 II CORLSTHIAXS XII. 9. 
 Under the ocean wind, constant and strong, 
 The billows foam, and rise, and sweep along, 
 Till their white crests high arching o'er the sand, 
 They break in thunder o'er the changeless strand. 
 
 Reft of Thy 'Word, God, what mind could bear 
 Its ineffectual struggles with despair ? 
 Reft of Thy grace, what working heart contain 
 Satan's fierce promptings, Nature's passionate strain ? 
 
 Spirit of Power ! for Jesus' sake be near, 
 And tame the tossing tide of doubt and fear ! 
 Let it no more gather its waters, Lord ! 
 But break and scatter on Thy constant word ! 
 
 Lo ! an atoning God in mercy frame, 
 And Justice on the Cross our only claim ! 
 Our only claim ! Enough, enough is there, 
 To win all love, to banish all despair ! 
 
 I THESSALONIAXS IY. 13. 
 Weep not as hopeless ! Thou art one for whom 
 
 The Christ pursued on earth His tearful way, 
 Then startled the cold darkness of the tomb 
 
 With the bright promise of eternal day. 
 
 His no frail lamp, uncertainly to throw 
 
 Its wavering points on scarcely yielding night, 
 
 And people with dim forms of wrath and woe 
 The long-drawn arches of our echoing flight : 
 
 Each bolt withdrawn, uplifted every bar, 
 Alone each pilgrim passes the deep gate, 
 
 To hail the brightness of the Morning-star, 
 In realms too glorious for our mortal state. 
 
 On Thy fond eye may no such glory stream, 
 On Thy strain'd ear no faint Hosannas roll ; 
 
 Silent that deep-wrought gate, and dark, till beam 
 A world of light on thine awakening soul ! 
 
 And thou must pass that portal ! Thou shalt be 
 With the departed, if ye loved your Lord. 
 
 Weep not as hopeless ; weep not bitterly ; 
 But let Thy life a stedfast faith record. 
 
240 POEMS. 
 
 EOMANS VI. 11. 
 We have a name to live, 
 Let us not sin and die ! 
 God's words the hope of mercy give, 
 We walk under His eye, 
 Let us be dead to sin, 
 And live in Christ again ; 
 Bless Him our secret hearts within, 
 And own Him among men. 
 
 Be earthly lusts denied, 
 Ambition, all unheard ; 
 Extinct be all spiritual pride, 
 Let us cleave to Thy word. 
 
 Let solemn thoughts of Thee 
 Possess our souls with awe ; 
 The spirits that are Thine, are free 
 To live and keep Thy law. 
 
 If yet we do not keep 
 Thy pure and just commands, 
 Break up our spirits' dangerous sleep, 
 Quicken our idle hands. 
 
 May Thou increase our faith 
 And guide our footsteps still, 
 'Till every step along our path 
 Be planted by Thy will. 
 
 PHILIPPIANS IV. 7. 
 We may not always strictly seek 
 Rights which we might well vindicate. 
 
 Our Saviour tells us to be meek 
 And gentle, yielding, moderate. 
 Before Him soon we all must stand, 
 The day of judgment is at hand. 
 
 Fill Thou our hearts with thankfulness, 
 O Lord ! our spirits with deep prayer. 
 In joy or woe, Thee would we bless, 
 And throw on Thee our every care : 
 Thy kingdom comes ! and why should we 
 For augrht on earth too anxious be ? 
 
POEMS. 241 
 
 We would be of one faith, one voice, 
 And walk along one hallowed way ; 
 Would ever in Thy name rejoice, 
 And own by love Thy loving sway. 
 Not offer incense to our net, 
 Not in ourselves an idol set. 
 
 Let self with truth no longer jar ! 
 Thy peace into our hearts be sent, 
 
 Than all beside more precious far, 
 Than knowledge far more excellent, 
 And on our course and conduct wait 
 Like guards upon a monarch's state. 
 
 Still may we prize Thy peace above, 
 All honour, pride, or pomp of life : 
 
 Seek not the praise of men, but love 
 To turn from folly, wrath, and strife, 
 And sacrifice what else might be 
 A seeming gain for charity. 
 
 THE BEGINNING OF MIRACLES. 
 
 II JOHN 11. 
 
 We mourn our pride, yet walk by sight, 
 And dangers crowd our daily haunts, 
 
 Teach us to know Thee, Lord, aright, 
 To feel our weakness, own our wants. 
 
 Henceforward let us walk by faith ! 
 Do Thou our fainting spirits cheer ! 
 
 And guide us forward on Thy path, 
 And make our prayers and praise sincere. 
 
 Oh ! let us ever own as Thine 
 The blessings Thou wilt not withhold ; 
 
 Thou causest, Lord, Thy sun to shine 
 Upon the thankless and the cold. 
 
 Freely they grow the thousand flowers 
 That render earth so full of Thee, 
 
 Make us hear in our gladdest hours 
 Thy glorious call to liberty. 
 
242 poems. 
 
 Teach us in childlike cheerfulness 
 Rejoicing before Thee to stand; 
 
 Teach us with constant hearts to bless 
 The bounties of Thy gracious hand. 
 
 Our Saviour at the festive board 
 Bade wine abound, nor checked the mirth ; 
 
 He gives His saints, a generous Lord, 
 The rich inheritance of earth. 
 
 THE ANNIVERSARY. 
 Whenever, Lord, the changing year 
 
 Brings on a solemn day 
 On which some friend, honour'd and dear, 
 
 Was summon'd hence away, 
 Let gentle, kindly tears confess 
 Submission without bitterness. 
 
 Oh ! let Thy Spirit put away 
 Each dark perplexing thought, 
 
 And scatter all the sore dismay 
 From sin and conscience caught, 
 
 That clouds us else deep in this vale, 
 
 And makes the Cross of none avail. 
 
 Teach us to love Thee, Lord, to feel 
 
 With an affectionate heart 
 The love Thy sufferings reveal 
 
 For us, to seek a part 
 In Thine own self, and wish to be 
 In Thy appointed time with Thee. 
 
 Let the fond memory of one 
 Bring home the general truth, 
 
 The resurrection of Thy Son 
 Proclaims to age and youth, 
 
 Each must die once, we know not when ; 
 
 Each die, to wake, and live again, 
 
 And all with Thee to live again 
 Where every thought is known, 
 
 And love and grateful friendship then 
 No selfish doubts shall own ; 
 
 And the new heart shall truly be 
 
 Warm, honest, pious, kind and free. 
 
poems. 243 
 
 Lord, make us Thine ! Thy Spirit grant ! 
 
 Bid earthly sorrow cease ! 
 The Angel of Thy Covenant, 
 
 The Messenger of Peace, 
 Destroys the King of terrors : so 
 We live as Thine while here below. 
 
 AFFLICTION.— JEEEMIAH V. 3, 4. 
 When our hearts bleed, our spirits prove 
 The strength and bitterness of woe, 
 
 It is mercy chastens us in love, 
 It is mercy lays our idols low, 
 If we but soften our hard hearts, 
 And heed the truth the Cross imparts. 
 
 Woe unto them that have not grieved 
 When Thou hast stricken them, O Lord ! 
 
 That have not yielded ! not received 
 Correction ! not obeyed Thy word ! 
 That are too proud to own Thy fear, 
 To answer to the call they hear. 
 
 Woe to the lost polluted tribes, 
 That heed not the prophetic voice, 
 
 Heed not the bound their God prescribes, 
 That will not in His truth rejoice: 
 That when His mighty sword is bared, 
 Make their hearts cold, their faces hard ! 
 
 Throughout the lost Jerusalem, 
 They bleed beneath the avenging rod ; 
 Nor turn to him that smiteth them, 
 Nor seek the Lord of Hosts, their God ! 
 He visits their impenitence, 
 Takes vengeance for such deep offence. 
 
 Woe to us, calling Christ our King, 
 If we refuse the cup He took ! 
 
 If we despise His chastening, 
 Nor shrink beneath His grave rebuke, 
 Woe to us, who belie our faith, 
 Nor heed the warnings of His wrath ! 
 
 A A 
 
244 POEMS. 
 
 When our hearts bleed, our spirits prove 
 The strength and bitterness of woe ; 
 
 When clouded all the sky above, 
 And cold and dark our path below : 
 Whether we hear or we forbear, 
 The gracious hand of God is there. 
 
 Once Jonah shrunk, to Tarshish thought 
 From his God's presence he would flee, 
 
 The storm arose, its purpose wrought, 
 And they who to the raging sea 
 Cast Jonah from the shattered prow, 
 Offered their victims, made their vow. 
 
 Straight from the shore the prophet went, 
 And told to Nineveh her doom : 
 
 Monarch and people all repent, 
 And the Lord closed the opening tomb, 
 His sword was sheath'd, and in its place 
 Stretched forth the sceptre of His grace. 
 
 May we, when some lov'd brother's hand 
 Has struck the blow that gives us pain, 
 
 When our gourd may no longer stand, 
 Nor we its shade longer retain, 
 Heed well the truth its fall conveys, 
 Let pain and anger change to praise. 
 
 Thy Spirit quicken us, O Lord, 
 To own each trial Thou hast sent, 
 
 To feel the sharpness of Thy sword, 
 The fulness of Thy chastisement : 
 These deepest pangs that we may feel 
 Should thy fatherly love reveal. 
 
 We love the fathers of our flesh, 
 And reverence their discipline ; 
 
 Much rather should we weep afresh, 
 In meek subjection for our sin, 
 When God its chastisement may give, 
 The Father of our souls, and live. 
 
poems. 245 
 
 ST. MATTHEW X. 15. 
 When on the blazing mount the stone 
 
 Sprung into shape at God's command, 
 And the hard tables learnt to own 
 
 The writing of His viewless hand. 
 Amid the terrors of that hour 
 
 Israel both felt and feared the yoke ; 
 They saw, yet disobey'd, His power ; 
 
 They own'd the covenant they broke. 
 
 We sin against a hope more bright 
 
 Than would our fathers' bondage bless ; 
 We sin against a better light 
 
 Than led them through the Wilderness : 
 They were not, Lord, what we are now, 
 
 Thus wilful, hard, and cold to Thee : 
 Gracious, long-suffering art Thou ; 
 
 Forgive us our iniquity ! 
 
 CHRISTIAN WARFARE. 
 When shall my bosom be at peace ? 
 When shall these warring passions cease ? 
 My unprotected heart survey, 
 O Lord ! their long and fierce array ! 
 Alas ! my faithless Spirit quails : 
 Untorn, their iron harness fails. 
 
 Where are their bugles that had sounded 
 Triumph ? their hopes so firmly founded ? 
 They might not, Lord, Thine eye abide, 
 Their place is vacant far and wide, 
 Noiseless, they crumbled into dust : 
 The Lord our God is great and just. 
 
 Make Thou their camps' yet tenantless space 
 Of other hosts the abiding place ! 
 Hosts fill'd with hope, array 'd in white, 
 Of humble faith, enduring might : 
 Silently ranging under Thy Cross, 
 Counting all other gain but loss. 
 
 A A 2 
 
246 poems. 
 
 TEMPER 
 
 When sin prevails, and evil thoughts are found 
 Wrought in some heart, we fain would love our best, 
 
 How soon the subtle plague is all around 
 Ourselves, and taints each swiftly changing breast. 
 
 Then from our lips the winged arrows fly, 
 And strike the sin the wounded will not own : 
 
 We hear their pain uttered indignantly, 
 And zealously defend our angry tone. 
 
 Our zeal grows self-indulgent, and maintains 
 The truth and justice of the words that chide: 
 
 And they were true and just: so our friends' pains 
 Are sharpen'd more by conscience and by pride. 
 
 Lord ! for His sake who meekly bore with man, 
 Rule Thou our tongues, and turn our eyes to heav'n: 
 
 When one we love is erring, make us scan 
 Our words by what ourselves must be forgiv'n. 
 
 REPENTANCE. 
 
 When the full heart has shrunk, and all within 
 Lies wintry ; when the world's unmeaning din 
 Rings emptily, no gorgeous robes to render 
 Its busy nothingness an idle splendour, 
 Where rest our thoughts ? O ! whither may they turn, 
 Almighty ! if that Thou their penitence spurn. 
 
 Yet art Thou still all mercy : then may'st Thou 
 Graciously sway my rebel will, and bow, 
 Through unrepining confidence in Thee, 
 The spirit that must else be never free. 
 Help Thou the unbelief, my bosom stealing ! 
 There is no sin beyond Thy gracious healing. 
 Let me no longer brave, but in soft mood 
 Yield to the winning power of solitude. 
 Years yet have spared me : Sin and woe have not ; 
 Let me no longer frame my own sad lot ! 
 Old age has stricken me, though young in years, 
 Be it not to protract its term of fears ! 
 Its only hope, still, still more distant thrown, 
 Its only path more difficultly known. 
 
poems. 247 
 
 Turn Thou my heart to Thee, great God, that so 
 This time of trial granted me below, 
 May yet fulfil Thy merciful intent, 
 That sinners call upon Thee and repent ! 
 Repent ! O God, I cannot, may not yet ! 
 Thou seest the evils that my life beset, 
 The dread remembrances, that will not part 
 From human pride, the guilt within my heart 
 Still dear, though festering there : O ! from this death 
 Deliver me, ere yet I yield my breath : 
 Ere I be changed, let Thy Cross have given 
 The hope that conquers death, the hope of heaven. 
 
 HEBKEWS XI. 10. 
 Whether, O Christ, Thy glorious reign 
 Shall bless this earth for many a-year, 
 
 Or they who wake to life again, 
 And feel their loved Redeemer near, 
 Shall find that unto them is given 
 A fairer earth, a brighter heaven, 
 Or here, or there, alike to them, 
 Where Thou art is Jerusalem. 
 
 Jerusalem ! not that of old 
 Which God had chosen for His own, 
 
 To bear His holy name, and hold 
 The power and promise of His throne ; 
 But that new city, which shall come 
 From Heaven, and be the Christian's home, 
 And all the saints in gladness there 
 Live before God in praise and prayer. 
 
 Jesus ! Thine all-prevailing name 
 Repentant sinners may avow, 
 
 Confess their sins, and feel their shame, 
 Nor dread repulse, such power hast Thou ! 
 Thy Spirit sway our inward strife, 
 Hallow our lips, and rule our life ! 
 For we would praise Thy passing love, 
 And seek our rest with Thee above ! 
 
248 poems. 
 
 EPHESIAXS II. 18. 
 "Will then Jehovah look on me 
 From His great glory's height ! 
 
 Oh ! clothed in light and majesty, 
 Honour and boundless might ; 
 Can man in sin and sorrow here 
 Attract Thy notice, win Thine ear. 
 
 By His red cross, by whom alone 
 Such privilege we have, 
 
 By Him now pleading at Thy throne 
 For those He died to save, 
 Give us new hearts to fill our place, 
 As in Thy sight as by Thy grace. 
 
 Unto the Cross when conscience dwells 
 On selfishness and sin, 
 
 The Cross, when earthly wisdom swells 
 The profitless war within, 
 Turn us ; beneath its power is peace, 
 And self and sin and sorrow cease. 
 
 We see not then the jealous eye 
 Of justice on our path : 
 
 We dread not then the God so nigh 
 Each heart, but live by faith ; 
 And own the hand of love and power, 
 Helping each sinner every hour. 
 
 EOMANS XII. 2. 
 Within our mind is no good thought ; 
 
 Within our arm no strength for good ; 
 Our hearts are not with goodness fraught, 
 
 Nor have our feet to justice stood. 
 Yet, if we own Thy full free grace, 
 
 And seek Thy Spirit, O Lord God, 
 Thou wilt uphold us on our race, 
 
 And brins: us to Thine own abode ! 
 
poems. 249 
 
 Let evil passions, selfish schemes, 
 
 Yield to increasing holiness ; 
 Let every hand do that which seems 
 
 What Thou art promising to bless ! 
 Let heart, and eye, and ear disclaim 
 
 Our spirit's pride, our senses' lure ! 
 And all in Thee, their Saviour, aim 
 
 Humbly to make their calling sure ! 
 
 So were we Thine ! and Thou art true, 
 
 To change us by Thy sure control ! 
 And Thou alone canst so subdue 
 
 And make Thine own each struggling soul. 
 For a new heart to Thee we cry, 
 
 To love the Lord whom we obey ! 
 Maker and Saviour, still be nigh, 
 
 To sanctify us day by day ! 
 
 I THESSALONIANS V. 17. 
 Ye that would love the Lord aright, 
 
 With all your mind and all your heart, 
 Offer, like incense, in His sight, 
 Your prayer and praises morn and night 
 
 From all the ways of sin depart ! 
 
 Learn to do well ! and let not pride 
 Your hand or ear, or eye, delude ; 
 Think not your bosom sanctified 
 While one deep sin is undenied, 
 One evil passion unsubdued. 
 
 It is not peace, the calm within, 
 
 Till all our thoughts are true to God ; 
 
 It may be with the latest sin 
 
 The fiercest struggle will begin, 
 
 And we first own the chastening rod. 
 
 Yet is a name in mercy given, 
 By which, when duly pleaded here, 
 Sinners like us may all be shriven, 
 And earth itself image that Heaven 
 Where perfect love shall cast out fear. 
 
250 POEMS. 
 
 No more, Lord ! would we rebel, 
 
 Or ask in unbelief a sign : 
 
 With power within each spirit dwell, 
 Till every tongue Thy praises tell, 
 
 And every heart be wholly Thine ! 
 
 II COKLNTHIAXS VI. 2. 
 With awe-struck hearts, in solemn tones, O God, 
 We bow before Thee, in Thy dread abode ! 
 Father ! to Thee, through the Eternal Son, 
 The Spirit helping us, be homage done ! 
 
 Surpassing love ! that so our humble prayer 
 Should reach Thy presence, and become Thy care ; 
 That Thou shouldst listen, Lord, while suppliant 
 To Thee our prayer not without praise we chant. 
 For Thou art holy, merciful, and great, 
 Watching for good all that Thou dost create : 
 Thine is the blessing, if our hearts be stirr'd 
 To pray to Thee, according to Thy word. 
 
 In Christ we pray, not for a future faith, 
 Future deliverance from a state of wrath, 
 For distant hope, salvation yet to come, 
 But for a present knowledge of our home. 
 
 Yes, now, even now, kneeling in this our hour, 
 Within Thy temple, in the name of Power, 
 Pleading His Cross, His perfect righteousness, 
 We pray for present faith and holiness. 
 
 No far-off hope, remote acquittal, Thou 
 Didst offer : the accepted time is now. 
 The morrow is deceitful, doubtful, vain : 
 To-day, if Thou but hear us, be our gain ! 
 
 Now be Thy Spirit with each spirit here ; 
 Fill us with reverent love and hopeful fear ; 
 A fear to lose Thee ; and a love to stand 
 Beneath a Father's eye, a Father's hand ! 
 
 THE END. 
 
 Macintosh, Printer, Great New-street, London. 
 
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