Class y^M Book , f1 i ? 2. Copyright If. COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. <^9 SECULAR AND RELIGIOUS WORKS OF PENINA MOISE, WITH BRIEF SKETCH OF HER LIFE. COMPILED AND PUBLISHED BY Charleston Section, CouncilofJewishWomen. CHARLESTON, S. C : Nicholas G. Duffy, Printer. 1911. Copyright, 1911, BY Charleston Section, Council op Jewish Women ©CI.A295203 TO PREFACE. This little volume is compiled by the undersigned members of the Charleston Section, of the Council of Jewish Women, who were per- sonally acquainted with the beloved and revered authoress, either as relatives, pupils, or children of dear friends. It has been a work of love, and though containing but few of her prose writings, and not all of her poems, it is as complete as was possible, considering lapse of time, condition of manuscripts, and the difficulty of thorough research. They were composed between 1820 and 1880 and are pub- lished in the order in which they were written, or as nearly so as can be determined. Much assistance has been found through the old files of The Charleston Courier . The publication has been a volun- tary tribute from the Section to one of the three Jewish women whose Hves and works fitted them for positions of distinction in the world. Rebecca Gratz, Emma Lazarus and Penina Moise represent much in Jewish womanhood. The two first had beauty, wealth and social prestige; the last had the social position by birth but owing to poverty from childhood, and ill health, followed by years of blindness, she lived the life of a martyr. Not withstanding this, she became through her character and mind, the nucleus of a coterie of refined and cul- tivated people scarcely credible under the circumstances. She was a poetess of the heart and soul. No claim is laid that the literature of the world will be augmented by this little book. Somewhere among her poems, will be found something to fit almost any human emotion. Nowhere will be found anything but Faith, Submission, Affection, Cheerfulness and a passionate love for nature and her works. Can any more be asked ? Penina Moise left behind her, the incense of a purely religious life. This volume is a tribute to her memory. Rebecca O . Cohen, BlyUHMA C. IvOEB, Hortense S. Cohen, Beixe E . Biank, Sarah B. Visanska, Eleanor L. Hai^sey. INDEX TO POEMS. Page 1. To Persecuted Foreigners (23 years old) 1820 177 2. The Apple ..178 3. The Gift of the Snowdrop 1 .180 4. On Reading "The Motherless " 181 5. Enigma 183 6. Replies to Some of Montgomery's Poetic Questions 183 7. The Comet Again 185 8. The Widow's Petition 187 9. Ireland . 188 10. Enigma 190 11. Camille Demouslins to His Wife 191 12. The Prodigal Son 192 13. Cain 193 14. The Loss of the Ship Boston 195 15. The Murder of Col. Hayne 196 16. Joseph's Dream 197 17. Bonaparte and the Sentinel 198 18. A Freak of Fancy 199 19. The Bird of Paradise 201 20. A Drop of Water 202 21. The Rival Senses 203 22. The Meteor and the Flying Fish . 204 23. Love's Martyr 205 24. Ivove and Law 207 25. To Sadness 208 26. On the Death of Mrs. R. Cohen 209 27 . The Prize 210 28. Epigram 211 29. Rejection of the "Jew Bill" in the House of Lords, England 212 30. Lament of the Irish Mother 213 31. The Peri's Creed 214 32. The Muse's Vindication of Cards 215 33. The Newspaper 218 34. Bonaparte to Josephine from St. Helena .219 35. Balloon Ascension 220 36. St. Philip's Prayer and Soliloquy 222 37. Madame Malibran 223 38. The Flower Auction 224 39. The Caledonian Muse to the 5th Month 226 40. The Proffered Rose 227 Index to Poems. Page 41. Time and Ton 228 42. The Snowdrop 231 43. The Duke's Solace 231 44. The Chimney Sweeper's Complaint 233 45. Bring Dowers 234 46. Light and Thought 235 47. Reflections on Death of an Infant 238 48. Great Failure in Central Greece 240 49. Note from a Bankrupt Minstrel 241 50. L'Aime Inconnue 243 51 . Lines on a Broken Tea Cup 244 52. Cupid and Bacchus 246 53. A Poetic Homily on the Late Calamity 248 54. After a Walk over the Ruins 249 55. Reply to a Kind Invitation 250 56. The Voluntary Prisoner 251 57. The Pulaski 253 58. The Moral Bridge of Sighs 254 59. LeFebvre and Bonaparte 256 60. The Lost Treasure 257 61. Fancy and Feeling 260 62. Singular Disputes 260 63. Natural and Artificial Flowers 261 64. Moral Vegetation 263 65. Silver Forks and Steel Knives - 266 66. Bonaparte and Baron de Menneval 267 67. On Beholding the New Synagogue 269 68. Persecution of the Jews at Damascus 270 69. A Funeral Chant, David Arari 272 70. The Jessamine and the Evening Star 273 71. ' 'Know Before Whom Thou Standest' ' 275 72. Address to the Comet, 1843 277 73. Hope, Laughter and Sleep 278 74. Etiquette 280 75. Madame L'Etiquette 281 76. Workhouse Ellen 282 77. Reflections of a Belle 284 78. The Penitential Days 285 79. Follow My Plume. 287 80. On Introduction of Gas Light in Charleston 289 81. Invocation to Frost 289 82. Imaginary Conversation Among the Flowers 291 83. Date of My Sister's Birth and My Brother's Death 293 84. Meditation on Death on a Brother 294 85. Lines on the Rose of Sharon 295 Index to Poems. Page 86. Sudden Death of a Niece 297 87. Alphabet of Authors 299 88. Lines to a Sister of Charity 301 89. Song of the Mosquito 302 90. A Peep Into a School Room 303 91. A Mother's Grief 304 92. Frozen Music 306 93. To My Dear Niece J. E. Iv., on her Birthday 308 94. Geographical Alphabet 310 95. The Minstrel's Prophecy 310 96. AThought 312 97. A Farewell Message to All, in 83d year, 1879 312 LIFE OF PENINA MOISE. Penina Moise was the daughter of Abram Moise, a native of Alsace on the Rhine and his wife Sarah, a resident of the Island of St. Eustace, West Indies, and born in the French colony. Mr. Moise was a simple, honest and un- worldy man, of industrious habits and possessing strict integrity of character. His wife was a woman of good mind, and of handsome personal appearance. They were highly respected in their community and had amassed great wealth when in 1791 the insurrection of St. Domingo occurred. The ire of the natives being especially directed to this prosperous colony, they suffered in proportion, They were aroused in the dead of night and told of their danger by a faithful servant, (who, afterwards, under the title of Gen. Moise,) took a conspicuous part in the insur- rection of the slaves. After using every effort they suc- ceeded in getting passage on a vessel about to sail for Amer- ica. They, with their four little sons, escaped with only the clothing they wore and a small trunk of valuables. The boat arrived safely at Charleston, and there they had to begin life over again, learning the manners, customs and language of their new home. Three more sons were born to them and two daughters, the youngest of whom was Penina, born April 23, 1797. At the age of twelve her father died and this was the first of a series of tragedies which followed one upon the other until her death, seventy- one years later. She was compelled to leave school, as the children had each to do their share towards the support of the large family, but so fond was Penina of study that as soon as domestic duties were over she could be found with book and pencil hidden away in some quiet corner, or at night, fearful of interruptions, she would steal away to the garret and read by the light of the moon. She was always near- sighted, but possessed powerful vision and worked exquis- i. IylFB OF PKNINA Moi.SE. itely in all the fashionable laces and embroideries of the day, Doubtless such practices, more than any other, injured and finalh' destroyed her sight. Her only sister, Rachel, married at an early age, but although Penina had many eligible offers she rejected many an ardent suitor to keep unfettered the faith of her fathers, in which she lived and died. At an early age her family letters showed so much talent as a writer that their regular purchase by her favorite brother encouraged her to show her attempts at poetry. In 1833 she was induced to publish a volume of her poems entitled, "Fancy's Sketch Book," which she dedi- cated to her sister. Thereafter she wrote for newspapers and periodicals in Washington, Boston, New York and New Orleans. Her sister's early marriage left her the only companion of her mother who about this time, 1838, became paralyzed and for two years was a helpless invalid, during which time Penina nursed her with untiring devotion, patiently bearing the exactions of this naturally irritable disposition, and standing without complaint, day and night, the close confinement of a sick room. In 1838 a very destructive fire occurred in Charleston, demolishing the Synagogue, with hundreds of other build- ings. A very fine production from her pen appeared in The Courier, and was copied in other papers, entitled "While I Mused the Fire Burned, then Spake I With My Tongue." Three years later in 1841 the Synagogue was rebuilt in Hasell Street, where it now stands. She also composed the ode, which, set to appropriate music, and sung at the consecration service, made a beau- tiful offering at the throne of Almighty God. The organ and choir were introduced at this time into the Synagogue, and she began the composition of a volume of hymns for the use of the congregation. This book went through four editions, and many of her hymns have been ii. L,ife of Pknina MoisE. incorporated into other collections, and, as a rule, without acknowledgment. Charlotte Adams characterized her hymns well when she said of them, "They are beautiful and stately hymns, reminding- one in their rhythmic march of the religious verse that Cowper, Pope, Addison, and other eighteenth century poets bequeathed to the world." Several of her best poems were devoted to the emancipation of her people. Modest to an unfortunate degree, she shrank from writ- ing or publishing anything which at that time was condemned as the utterance of "Woman's Rights," but many wise and noble acts were performed by her, known only to a favored few. In 1854 the scourge of yellow fever came upon her loved city and like a second Florence Nightingale she nursed victim after victim without regard to sect or station. She beguiled the hours of the convalescent with song and poem, and mingled her prayers with the ill and dying. The gen- eral craving was for cold weather to put an end to the de- stroying plague; then it was that she penned her "invoca- tion to Frost." She looked with coldness on nothing that God had made — flowers were to her, special messengers from the Great Be- stower of Beauty. The outer world spoke to her soul, whis- pering of eternal love and mercy, and her feeling of near- ness to God and His creatures gave her writings their emi- nently religious tone. Her sense of humor was of the keenest type, and its range extended from lightest social banter to the repartee, pun and brilliant epigram which made her presence a light wherever she was — yet in all her writings there was no bitterness, nor in any dash of humor a jibe to rankle in the heart of a friend. Her affections were deep and lasting, and her idea of friendship was the highest type. She said: "To be capable of friendship in its most exalted sense is with me the test of Nature's true nobility." in. Lifk of Pknina Moise. In 1838 a Jewish Sunday School was founded by Miss Sallie Lopez, (only the second in America,) and Miss Penina succeeded Miss Lopez as the superintendent of this school. She wrote hymns, recitations and poems for its use. Her sister, Rachel, from whom she has been separated for thirty years, now a widow, returned with her only daugh- ter, Jacqueline, and "the trio," as the two sisters and niece were called, continued to live in Charleston, until the civil war, when they were obliged to move to a place of safety. a day's journey from the city. Her sight had been failing for years, but at this time it became so much worse she was entirely dependent upon others to transcribe her thoughts. Sometimes days would elapse before she could have her writing done, but so wonderful was her memory that she would after even a week, call out stanza after stanza as cor- rectly as if reading them aloud. Even to the day of her death a reference to her literary authority was undisputed. As refugees to Sumter, and quite poor, they opened a little school in the two bed rooms occupied by "The Trio." An old wardrobe and a piece of chalk did duty as a black- board and many boys and girls there taught are to-day cul- tured men and women of the world. To the dear blind aunt was consigned the care of those branches which were in a measure oral— elocution, reading and for a long time oral spelling. This last and similar impromptu instruction found the little pupils seated on the floor about her knees, holding her hand or leaning over the back of her chair, drinking in every word and sorry when the allotted time was over. Not one of these children would have even thought of deceiving, or, as school children call it "cheat- ing," Miss Penina. To them her sightless eyes were more to be respected than had they been in perfect strength. In elocution she even taught the gestures and many a prize has been won by her pupils in the yearly Sunday School exer- cises held in the synagogue. Before her sight failed completely she suffered from severe IV. l,wn of Penina Moisk. attacks of neuralgia, which made her days and nights insufferable, yet she humorously defines her torture thus : "Neuralgia, a fugitive from purgatory, who, having served as an apprentice in Lucifer's penal laboratory, acquired such proficiency in the art of torturing that, having excited the jealousy of her master, quitted the Satanic institute, and established a patent rack and screw factory, distancing all nerve-racking competitors — not excepting the familiars of the Inquisition." After the war, when they returned to Charleston , she, I think, never again left the house, and was even a greater martyr to neuralgia. She would when able descend to the sitting room in the afternoons, and this she would always insist on doing alone. Again they had to battle with hardships, and decided to continue teaching. They opened a school in their humble home to which flocked the children of those who saw the ad- vantage to be gained from such teachers as the now famous "Trio." The house is on Coming street, three doors from Beau- fain, on the left-hand side, now a dilapidated shanty, and in those days diagonally across was Madame Gerard's fashionable finishing school for young ladies. The "Trio' ' seldom carried their girls beyond 15 years of age, but these girls were able to enter the highest classes in large semi- naries so well had they been taught. Let us in memory go in the little sitting room. Seated in the corner, in the shadow, in a high backed rocking chair is an old lady, whose head and face swathed even in summer in soft woolen shawls, with her sensitive eyes shielded by blu e glasses, eye shades or baize curtains. This is "Miss Penina," as she was called by all but relatives. It was customary as one entered to greet her at once, so as not to startle her. "Good afternoon, Miss Penina," was almost invariably answered by the comer's name in greeting. She soon became familiar with a voice and seldom had to ask Life of Pfnina Moisk. a name. She loved children, romance, flowers, poetry, music and took pleasure in hearing all the news. Sitting at the piano she would often say, "Put my finger on 'g,' or 'a,' " or any note, which, being done, she would play sweetly and correctly, though in no way a musician, as we use the term. So much was she loved and so much revered among her friends of all creeds that there was no engagement, but the contracting parties did not go for "Miss Penina's" bless- ing, even ^though one of them often was unacquainted. Sometimes she was in the secret of an affaire de coeur, and the courtship often progressed in her little sanctum. She was too much in sympathy to make the accidental (?) caller go, though she would often punish him by making him listen to reading even though his looks and hands were not seen by her. Be sure she knew they were not idle, for a book did not always need to be held with two hands. No marriages were just right till the newly wedded couple had her gentle hands laid in blessing on their bowed heads. No new baby was sent to any of its friends but at its first outing the happy mother took it for "Miss Penina's bless- ing." Can't you seethe beauty of this and the reverence this good woman inspired ? Blind, poor, very plain in appearance, yet for all and to all her "God bless you" was ever ready and earnestly sought. Where else can you find another such instance ? "My hand on many a fair young head In benediction has been laid On birthdays when by custom led Kindred and friends fond tribute paid, A blessing and an earnest prayer To some indeed may seem as naught . Yet these alone have I the power On natal festivals to yield, Each but a spiritual flower Annuals that spring from Faith's own field VI. Life of Pknina Moisb. "God bless you" by affection spoken, And sanctified by solemn truth, May prove the choicest birthday token, Age can bestow on fervid youth. As steel is refined by the furnace, so the human heart is tested and purified by trials and sorrows. Penina Moise's trials began when she was 12 years old. They continued until the close of her life at 83, a period of seventy-one years of hardship and poverty, including nearly twenty-five years of blindness and suffering. Think of it, and try to imagine the character of the woman who, under the most severe trials, still devoted her time and talents to instruct- ing the young, teaching the uncertain to understand the laws of our religion, and by her example imparting the grand truths of resignation, faith and unselfishness. It was a privilege to know her, and few communities can boast the proud possession of the poems of any member considered worthy to be used as hymns in the services of a place of worship. Such is the distinction of the congrega- tion of Beth Elohim, of which this gifted woman was a member. The greatest sorrow of her life was the death of her brother Jacob which occurred in 1839 on the same date as her sister's birth. The only evidence of murmuring against Fate was at this time, and her feelings are exquis- itely shown in a hymn which begins "When I would smile, remembrance brings." Again she was destined to bear a crushing sorrow. In the year 1872, on March 11th, her only sister died suddenly when about to enter the school room. This loss was indee A. a heavy one for her to bear, but she did not rebel nor give her sorrow words. It was necessary after her loved sister died that her niece take daily exercise, and these afternoon hours were eagerly filled by volunteered readers, who would in turn stay until "Miss Jacque" or Jacqueline returned. VII. LIFE OF PKNINA MoiSE. Each day had its regular reader, who would send a sub- stitute if unable to keep her engagement. Sometimes Miss Penina would say : "Let us not read to-day, let's talk." Oh ! what a treat. It either meant memories of her's delightfully told, or interest in your affairs most sympa- thetically shared. On Kippur day a regular schedule previously made out worked like clockwork. The first girl would go at 10 o'clock to begin the services to her, and five minutes before each hour a young lady would leave the Synagogue, another entering about five minutes after the hour, having been relieved at Miss Penina' s. This went on without interruption until the holy day was over. Was not this a privilege always to be remembered by those who served as her eyes on this sacred day? She composed a game called "facts for you and me," general instruction in the world's important facts. This was played every Friday by the advanced pupils. It was a fund of informa- tion gained in a delightful way. Her only exercise in 18 years was around her bed. She counted the distance by steps, and so many times around was a mile. To keep her mind alert and her memory fresh she used in her walk to take the subject of geography, history or literature, and according to the alphabet recall cities, rivers, mountains, persons, characters. Bach day she would take a different letter. To-day in her walk she would begin with A and name over every city beginning with A. The next day B, and so on. Then rivers, people, etc. At the finish of each letter and a certain number of miles she would rest for that da}'. After months she would begin again, all being then exhausted. She was a magnificent grammarian, yet never studied a word of it in school. She never went to one after she was twelve years old. She was a self-taught woman, and her store house of knowledge was crowded with the best information. Much of her beautiful poetry was writ- ten at night. She kept under her pillow a large slate from which suspended a pencil on a cord. VIII. Life of Penina Moise. Suffering and wakefulness were her lot, and when some- times she would feel overburdened with poetic thought she would abstract the slate from its hiding place, write until she was relieved of her unrest, leave the crossed and re- crossed lines on a chair always beside her bed, and get the sleep she so much needed. Next morning her faithful niece would copy the beautiful thoughts, she alone know- ing how to make order out of this chaotic writing. That is the way most of her poetry of the last twenty years was written. She used a patchwork quilt on her bed whose colors she could tell by simply passing her hand over them. When unable to leave her room she used often to occupy her- self by ripping some old garment, and she has often re- marked that she never cut the material. She, of course, was slow, but very careful. She had a deep-seated dis- approval of intermarriages and for this reason is said to have always remained single. Her love in youth was un- fortunately placed and she preferred to be true to her faith than to marry out of it. In one thing she was firm, even if in error. She would never recognize even her relatives, who broke this law of the Jewish religion, forgetting or failing to see that she had no right to be the judge. I sup- pose she hoped her opposition would influence some of her acquaintances. Her legacy to the Hasell Street Synagogue, and to all Jews, in her beautiful hymns, were a regular part of every service, having been written to suit every- occasion. They were household words; may they rise again phoenix-like from their ashes and become the com- fort they were once to all. Of her Charlotte Adams writes: ''Blind, poor, and get- ting her living in her old age by keeping a little school, she yet created a literary salon to which the best minds of Charleston flocked . Her Friday afternoons were centres of intellectual intercourse. To the romantic imaginations of tb.ft young girls whom she taught sitting in her large rocking chair y in her plain calico gown, with her sightless eyes ix. IylPE OF PKNINA MOISE. looking out from under her black coif, which completely hid her hair, she presented herself as an incarnation of in- tellectual and social strength. Madame De Stael squab- bling with Napoleon Bonaparte, Madame Recamier reclin- ing in limp garments on her tub-like couch with M. Chautaubrian reading his manuscript to her — these were but the prototj'pes of Penina. Miss Moise was jonnected with best Hebrew families in Charleston, and many of her scholars w T ere of her own kindred. Her methods of in- struction were of the Magnall's Question order, and might have befitted the reign of George IV. She delighted in composing alphabets for literary novices, geographical rhymes and historical conundrums, her pupils read aloud to her, and by her system of education girls of twelve were made familiar with George Eliot, Charlotte Bronte, Walter Scott and other English classics. Numerous volumes of French female memoirs were perused by Miss Moise' s scholars — for 'Penina,' as her pupils fondly called her, had all the ga3^ety, contentment and jo3^ous philosophy of the French temperament. Twenty-five years of blindness did not diminish her fondness for life's pleasures. She lived in books, and especially in the lives of noted French women found the keenest sympathy/' Chastened and purified in spirit, her life henceforth was devoted to sacred thoughts and home affections. Thus she lived on to the eighty-third year, her health always delicate, herself a prisoner in her home for twenty- five years, her sight entirely gone, yet her mind as active and powerful as ever. Like a second Joseph, she had so well filled her mental storehouse that when unable to add more she had laid by so much that to all, who requested a full share was given. It was then that her friends, both Jew and Gentile, came daily to read to her from the papers and magazines, and while giving her this great pleasure, received in return gems of historical and literary value. She continued to live with her niece until the fall of 1880, I,IFE OF PBNINA MOISE. when on September 13 her pure spirit passed from earth and rested in the bosom of her God. We pass over the weeks of her last illness, during which she suffered so intensely that even her niece, who loved her as a daughter, prayed for her release, yet no murmur escaped her lips ; she had learned in suffering what she taught in song. Unostentatious in life, in death she taught lessons of humility, requesting a plain coffin, simple fun- eral and no floral display . Her remains were buried in the Coming Street Cemetery. Living her chastened life apart from the gay world, in a rarefied impersonal atmosphere. Penina was, in the finest sense, the mother of her people. XI. HYMNS. CONSECRATION HYMNS. When Faith too young for a sublimer creed, Her simple text from nature's volume taught, She 'wakened Melody, whose shell and reed, Though rude, upon her spirit gently wrought. But soon from sylvan altars she took wing, And music followed still the angel's flight; Savage no more, she touched a golden string, And sung of God, in Revelation's light. Lend, lend our chords, ye seraph-pair, The soul of Jesse's son, That we may, in harmonious prayer, Exalt the Holy One ! Girt in His lightning robe, God gave the law, From trembling Sinai, to His eldest-born; Tablets, that time from memory could not draw, A talisman in Judah's bosom worn. His spirit before thousands past, To one alone revealed; And 'mid the thunder's awful blast, Faith's covenant was sealed. "Him first, Him last," Him let us ever sing, Whose promise yet the Hebrew pilgrim cheers; Who shall His wandering people once more bring Back to the glory of departed years. Bright pillars of our desert path, Through shame and scorn adored; Thy mercy triumph's o'er thy wrath, Creator, King, and Lord ! *Hymn 1 was sung at the consecration of the Synagogue of the Congregation Beth F,lohim, on Friday, the 26th of Adar, A. M. 5601. Hymns. Lost is the pomp, that in the land of palms Thy regal temple on Moriah graced ; No wreathing incense here Thy shrine embalms, No cherub-plumes are round its altars placed. Our censer is the "vital urn," Our ark's upborne by zeal ; To these, Almighty ! wilt thou turn At Israel's appeal. Now, let joyous Hallelujah's ring, The fallen casts her ashes far away ; Behold another fane from ruin spring, In brighter and more beautiful array. Enter in brotherly accord God's holy dwelling-place ; Chastened in spirit and in word, There supplicate His grace. Hear, O Supreme ! our humble invocation ; Our country, kindred, and the stranger bless ! Bless, too, this sanctuary's consecration, Its hallowed purpose on our hearts impress. Still, still let choral harmony Ascend before Thy throne ; While echoing seraphim reply : The Lord our God is One ! ATTRIBUTES OF GOD. Unity of God. One God ! One Lord ! One mighty King ! In unity will Judah sing ; Transmitting e'er from sire to son The truth that God is only One. Thee, Sov'reign of the universe, Through ages, 'mid all sects diverse, The Hebrew child is taught to praise, To lisp Thy name, and learn Thy ways. 2 Hymns. To Thee alone, when life recedes, The dying Israelite still pleads ; In One Redeemer, God, and guide His fleeting spirit doth confide. Centre and Source of truth sublime ! The sun is but a lamp of time, A transient spark by mercy fed, That man might up to Thee be led. Thy law is that eternal Light, That dawning first on Horeb's height, Still deigns on Israel to shine, A proof of grace and love divine. It penetrates the stubborn heart, And purifies its sinful part, The voice of God, O Judah ! hear, And fix His law for ever there. IMMUTABILITY OF GOD. PSAI,M XC. O God ! as we on nature gaze, We see through all her mighty maze, The spirit of mutation ; Thou art alone with power endued To triumph o'er vicissitude ; Thou knowest no variation. Stars disappear From heaven's sphere, Yet Thou art there ! Seas shrink to rills, High rocks to hills : Such change but nature's law fulfills. Hymns. Exhaustless Source of countless suns ! Thy voice to earth's unheeding ones This mandate e'er resoundeth : Alike ye abject and august, Sink, downward sink, to kindred dust, Where death his empire foundeth. God of the spheres ! A thousand years One day appears To Thee, whose hand The heavens spanned, And worlds on worlds stupendous planned. We are as flowers of the mead, Bearing corruption's fatal seed Within our heart's recesses ; But, oh ! believe the truth we sing, To soul and blossom comes a spring, That vivifies and blesses. Each hath its tears, Each tribute bears Of sweets or prayers ; But man, whose mind God's image shrined, Shall place among immortals find. Behold the grass with dew-drops decked ! Canst thou in its green spikes detect Aught that decay portend eth ? Yet look, at eve, on each young blade That in the beams of morning played, Cut down — with dust it blendeth. Type of man's fate ! With youth elate His mortal date Remote appears : 'Till waning years Wither the verdure life first bears. 4 Hymns. Three-score— how small a part is this, Of ages cast in that abyss Where time his victims hideth ; That tomb of many yesterdays, From which a voice proceeds and says To those whom reason guideth : From this our grave, Ye fair and brave, Your morrows save Lest by neglect These two are wrecked, And buried 'neath oblivion's wave. Then count the moments as they pass, Shining or dark, from time's sand-glass. Ere they depart for ever ; From each some blessed thought extract, To each attach some godly act, Or virtuous endeavor. Then shall no change Your peace derange, Your souls estrange From that great guide Who rules the tide, That past from future doth divide. Immutability is Thine, Creator, King, and Lord divine, In whom perfection dwelleth ! Oh ! bring us nearer to Thy throne, Let us from angels catch the tone That of thy glory telleth. Oh ! bless the meek Who daily seek Thy praise to speak ; Whose efforts blend, Faith to extend In Thee, man's never-changing Friend ! 5 / Hymns. OMNIPOTENCE. A Glorified throughout all time, Be the name of God supreme ! Who in heaven reigned sublime, Ere creation felt His beam. He the world's foundation laid By His strength of will alone ; Suns and stars around him played, Catching splendor from His throne. Nature, at His bidding brought Atoms into elements ; Works of beauty then were wrought, Worthy of Omnipotence. Mountains towered high and vast, Seas from viewless caverns gushed, Infant winds serenely passed, Flowers into being blushed. Tenants of the air and deep, Animals that tread the ground, Insect tribes that o'er it creep, Were to life and order bound. Man, at last, God's spirit felt Glowing warmly in his soul Earth before a sov'reign knelt, And acknowledged his control. With this spark of light divine, Shining o'er the breast within, Mortal, oh ! what shame is thine, When thou fallest into sin. Hymns. C The Lord of heaven reigns, Eternal and sublime ; All limit he disdains Of power, space, or time. Though ages take their flight, No change in Him it makes, Whose raiment is the light, Whose voice in thunder speaks. Stars with His essence fraught, In harmony unite, To praise the Hand that wrought The orbs of day and night. As ocean ebbs and flows, Swayed by its viewless guide, In tempest or repose, God still is glorified. O Lord ! let me not fail In trials of the soul ; Let perfect faith prevail, And pious self-control. Desert not Thy frail charge, But with a father's care My heart and mind enlarge, To bear and to forbear. OMNISCIENCE. /C In God, the holy, wise, and just. From childhood's tender years, Have I reposed with perfect trust My worldly hopes and fears. 7 Hym:n t s. From every page that time has turned, Since that bright season fled, Some useful lesson have I learned, Some striking moral read. The prize ambition keenly sought, A worthless bauble proved ; The web of gold by av'rice wrought, A mighty Hand removed. No self -exalting scheme can man, Unknown to God, project ; No dark device the sland'rer plan, Which He will not detect. In vain would evil-doers hope His scrutiny to fly ; Naught passes beneath heaven's cope, Unnoticed by His eye. Oh ! should my term of life exceed Frail man's allotted days, In age to Mercy would I plead For strength my God to praise. Divine Disposer of events ! To whom all praise belongs ; Each attribute of Thine presents A theme for countless songs. Though mortal years were multiplied A thousand thousand fold ; Yet time would scarcely be supplied, Thy powers to unfold . Hymns. How shall a feeble, finite mind Of Thine omniscience sing ? Wisdom for this no words can find, And melody no string. In timid tones if angels speak Of Thee, all-knowing God ! How then shall man, minute and weak, Thy excellencies laud ? All heights and depths in nature's bound Are visible to Thee, The lofty heart, the mind profound, The mountains and the sea. No eye but Thine, eternal King ! Can penetrate the grave ; No hand but Thine from thence can bring The soul Thy grace will save. Oh ! let us then in virtue's scale Strive ever to ascend, And find, beyond this tearful vale, An everlasting Friend. GENESIS, CHAP. XVI., V. 13. O Almighty God ! whose will alone Sufficed the world to fabricate , Whose comprehensive glance is thrown O'er every empire, realm and state : How from Thy ever-searching eye, Can man the heart's dominion hide ? Where passions among virtues lie, As reptiles among flowers glide. Hymns. Father of mercies ! aid my soul Its failings to eradicate ; Let truth its every thought control, Its every feeling elevate. Fearless before Thee let me stand, O Lord ! in conscious rectitude ; And feel, when human deeds are scanned, That mine with favor shall be viewed. OMNIPRESENCE. Wherefore Hallelujah sing, O though who knowest not Where an omnipresent King May by thy soul be sought ? Canst thou fix the point or place That His spirit holdeth ? Earth and heaven, time and space, In His grasp He foldeth. Dust-born atom ! look above, Where lustrous worlds are shrined Ask, if all-pervading Love, To these His light confined ? Let proud ocean's voice attest, (Though fathomless to man,) If ubiquity may rest Within its mighty span. Ask of the blast that rendeth The forest's sylvan robe, Whether it comprehendeth The Ruler of the globe ? Turn from living elements To those by death dissolved ; Ever-present Providence ! Art Thou in these involved ? * 10 Hymns. All repeat as they respond : "What can the boundless hold?" Answered from the world beyond : "Naught of a finite mould !" Yet by whirlwinds, stars and seas, The L,ord is magnified ; Shall not human praise then please Our omnipresent Guide ? Oh ! then let no emotion By which the heart is swayed, Prevent that deep devotion, That should to God be paid. Social life and solitude Alike shall prompt the prater, That faith, hope, and gratitude Before His throne shall bear. I tremble not ! Thou, Lord, art nigh, All-knowing and all-seeing ! To Thee, disconsolate, I fly, Kind Guardian of my being. From infancy to age mature, Thee only did my soul adore. To ev'ry evil that annoys, To every trial fearful, Thou bringest some light counterpoise, To make earth's vale less tearful, But, oh ! how few interpret right, Either the blessing or the blight. Sad consciousness have I, alas ! Of sinful meditation ; O'er which Omniscience cannot pass Without stern reprobation. Yet doubt shall not my faith debase, That sets no limit to Thy grace. 11 Hymns. Self -kindled, Thine intelligence The universe enlightens ; And darkness, e'en the most intense, To mid-day splendor brightens. Guilt vainly seeks nocturnal shades, Since naught Thy mighty grasp evades. A sinner's cry, a seraph's call, Alternate Thou attendest ; A flower's rise, an empire's fall, In one survey Thou blend est. All nature 'neath Thy glance expands, But who Thine essence understands ? "Show me Thy glory ?" said the seer, Who Sinai's law attested ; "in graciousness will I appear Before Thee manifested." Thus did the voice of God proclaim, — Goodness and glory were the same. Invisibly He passeth by His children every hour, Who from devotion's rock descry His majesty and power ; But none among the living seen May contemplate His awful mien. Yet through my spirit, oft I see His countenance all beaming ; When charity, by His decree, Worth is from want redeeming. And man, most like his Maker, shows When this pure love within him glows, I tremble not my heart to bare Before Thee, Judge eternal ! Whose hand will dry contrition's tear, With tenderness paternal. Whose mercy hath to mortals given Promise and foretaste of Thy heaven. 12 Hymns. DIVINE LOVE. -1 -1 Not for affliction, gracious God ? Sons of dust didst Thou create Blossoms on Thy penal rod, Its keen strokes to mitigate. Buds of joy and thorns of sorrow On the tree of life arise ; Care to-day, content to-morrow, Thus human lot diversifies. Upon the verge of midnight's skies, Dawn's silver herald gleams ; So hope, that on grief's border lies, The heart from gloom redeems. And as night's silence, deep and drear, By morning's voice is broken, So is the stillness of despair, By words that faith had spoken. Winter, inclement and unkind, Yet guards the sleeping flowers, That spring on its return may find These smiling in her bowers. Adversity's most bitter day From us this world estrangeth ; But for the soul prepares the way To one that never changeth. The thunder-clouds of war contain Elements of peace serene, That brings a rainbow back again, Where martial storm had been. 13 Hymns- Meek faith converts the couch of pain Into a bed of roses ; For there we moral vigor gain, To bear what God disposes. The soul there breaks its carnal shell, Impatient for that station Where saints and seraphs ever dwell, - The kingdom of salvation. A God, a Father, holds the scale That good and ill comprises ; Oh ! then let trust in Him prevail, Which e'er of these arises. DIVINE MERCY. Genesis, chap, ix., v. 13. -i O When light broke forth at God's command, It brightened ocean, air and land, 'Twas then that clouds, and shells, and flowers Caught vivid colors from its showers. But soon the earth waxed bold in guilt, Defiling shrines by virtue built ; Proud man pursued his evil course, Unchecked by reason or remorse. No ray of light creation cheered ; Skies black as mortal sin appeared ; Then burst the deluge o'er the doomed, And wrath divine a world entombed. Behold ! upon the wings of light, Tremble the rain-drops large and bright ; And, lo ! the tears of recent storm Have taken Mercy's radiant form. ■ 14 Hymns. The bow, the covenant, the token, The promise never to be broken, Expands in beauty o'er the sod, Where Noah rears a shrine to God. ^2 O King of glory ! when we contemplate Thy majesty and our mean estate ; Thy purity, that by the angels seen, Makes even their bright spirits seem unclean. How wondrously benign dost Thou appear, O'er mortals to extend a Father's care ! Oh ! were it not for mercy such as Thine, How could the conscious sinner seek Thy shrine ? How hope for grace, when long arrears of sin Recorded stand upon the soul within ? But Thou, O Lord ! with clemency divine, Wilt not the guilty to despair consign. Who more than Judah can this truth attest ? To whom hath goodness been more manifest ? Though from the prophet's harp he proudly turned, And inspiration's warning music spurned ; Through ages he to Heaven's promise clings, And far from Zion of salvation sings. Beneath the pressure of a thousand ills, One hope the heart of every Hebrew thrills, That he may yet prove worthy of Thy love, And by repentance ling' ring wrath remove ; The frown of Justice change to Mercy's smile, Blest as an Israelite devoid of guile. Genesis, chap. xxi. Weeping, and loth from all she loved to part, Stood Hagar, trembling at her Lord's decree ; And, oh ! how like a desert was her heart, When from His gentle presence urged to flee. 15 Hymns. But Sarah's looks, full of indignant scorn. The truth to her foreboding soul revealed ; Forth with her infant son she fled forlorn, And to his Sire above for aid appealed. Her scanty bread and beverage are spent, Yet Ishmael sleeps unconscious of her pain ; A cry of agony to God is sent : ' 'Would that the child would never wake again! " The earth grows brighter where the mother stands, A hand divine arrests her falling tears ; A cloud of glory gilds the burning sands, And a celestial voice the mourner cheers. "Arise and drink of yonder balmy well ! Nor from the wilderness henceforward roam ; Father of nations here the lad shall dwell, With freedom blest for ages yet to come." Oh, ever Bountiful ! forsake us not, When driven forth to wander through lif e' s waste ; But cheer with beams of love each barren spot, And let us of the spring of mercy taste. 15 DIVINE PROVIDENCE. How cold that man ! to faith how dead ! Who, having nature's volume read, Finds not, from first to last, Some truth that to his moral sense Proves an eternal Providence — A present, future, past. Below the brute that being ranks, Who fails to render grateful thanks, When he creation scans ; Where mountains lift their heads sublime, Gray witnesses from elder time, Of Wisdom's mighty plans, 16 Hymns. Where forests wave and oceans flow, And light sheds an impartial glow, Like that of Mercy's rays ; Where gentle flowers yield their sweets, And ev'ry warbling bird repeats, Instinctive notes of praise. Yet such there are in human kind, Whose souls to worldly claims resigned, With apathy behold, Not only blossoms, hills and streams, But heaven with its starry beams Of incorruptive gold. Blind pilgrims these who grope their way, Without a guide their steps to sway, Until a sudden fall Reminds them, when perhaps too late, Of those vicissitudes of fate Which for religion call. Oh ! then will startled conscience seek Peace with an angry God to make, And lips will move in prayer ; Gracious and long-enduring Lord ! Pardon e'en then wilt Thou accord, If man but proves sincere. Psai,m i,xxvn. i (I I will still remain with Thee, My God ! in each vicissitude ; Though misfortune compass me, My trust shall never be subdued. Father ! to Thy hand I cling, Seeking refuge 'neath Thy wing. 17 Hymns. When some bold inquirer asks : Whom callest thou a gracious master ? Is it love that overtasks ? Is it grace that brings disaster ? Silencing the scoffer's strain, Faithful still do I remain. Once again the scorner speaks : Why should the transgressor nourish ? Him who every statute breaks, Why should Heaven's bounty nourish ? Fool ! the sun matures the seeds, Both of flowers and of weeds. But beyond life's little hour, Memory the blossom shieldeth ; For each leaflet of the flower Still a grateful odor yieldeth ; Whilst noxious plant, decayed, Scentless in the dust is laid. Thus embalmed, each spirit pure, By remembrance e'er is cherished ; Where is then the evil doer ? Where the place on which he perished ? Let oblivion answer this, From its dark and dread abyss. Lord ! to Thee will I adhere, Though condemned in grief to languish ; Though the whole of my career May be spent in tears and anguish. See I not a better land ? Hold I not a Father's hand ? Source of light and purity ! Living, let truth my mind illume ; God of all futurity ! Unlock the portals of my tomb. Let my soul the blessing gain, With Thee ever to remain. 18 Hymns. -J *7 We look to Thee, ineffable King ! Whose spirit dust could organize, Into each bright and beauteous thing, That in the globe's wide compass lies ; Paternal, providential I^ord ! ' We look to Thee and praise accord. We look to Thee, protective Power, Whose beauty for no claimant waits ; But freely flowing every hour, Thy children's want anticipates. To satisfy our soul's desire, We look to Thee, almighty Sire ! We look to Thee when sorrow's season Covers with frost the head and heart ; When suffering from social treason, Friend after friend we see depart. Thus desolate, O God ! above, We look to Thee alone for love. We look to Thee when feeling gaineth Mastery o'er the moral sense ; When curb and counsel it disdaineth, By reason brought for its defence. From this dread trial to be free, Searcher of hearts ! we look to Thee. We look to Thee when we discover Death's shadow on our pathway rest ; When all life's interests are over, That once elated or depressed. A better, brighter world to see, Saviour and Lord ! we look to Thee. 19 Hymns. Lo ! He sleeps and slumbers not, Israel's God and Guide ! Then, whatever be thy lot, In Him thy hope confide. To Him be all thy heart resigned, Whose hands alone its wounds can bind. Oh, fear not ! But trust to His paternal care, All that on earth to thee is dear ; Never from remembrance blot : Omnipotence slumbers not. Lo ! it sleeps and slumbers not, The providence of heaven ! But has watched o'er every spot, To which thou hast been driven. Special hath been the protection Of the race of its election. Tremble not ! But ever to his will conform, Whose word can tranquilize the storm. Who (oh ! be it ne'er forgot,) Ever present, slumbers not. Lo ! they sleep and slumber not, God's transcendent powers ! These all radiant beauties wrought, From stars, and gems, and flowers, Brighter than all, man's spirit made, In His similitude array 'd. Despond not ! Love, that nature animated, Will defend what it created ; Rock, worm, bud, in wisdom brought, Say : God's power slumbers not ! Lo ! it sleeps and slumbers not, That deep abiding love ! 20 Hymns. With forbearing patience fraught, That man's remorse should move. That mightiest of attributes, Which evil into good transmutes. Oh, weep not ! For in this charity divide, Thou hast a token and a sign, That whate'er God may allot, His compassion slumbers not. L,o ! it sleeps and slumbers not, God's equity supreme ! That casts in every mortal's lot A shadow and a beam. Whose bolt retributive descends On him who 'gainst His law offends. Yet, doubt not That he who acts a righteous part, Will rest upon his Father's heart, When that kingdom shall be sought, Where pure justice slumbers not. Lo ! it sleeps and slumbers not, That all pervading grace, That in palace and in cot, Leaves its benignant trace ; Whose radiations mild are thrown, Unceasingly from zone to zone. Oh ! linger not. Thou wanderer from virtue's way. To Providence contritely pray, Mercy ne'er is vainly sought ; Judah's Guardian slumbers not. Isaiah, chap. xliv. •1 Q Fear not, fear not, O Jeshurun, My own, my chosen treasure ! Blessings are for thy offspring won , Yea, mercies without measure. 21 Hymns. Like willows by the water-course, Ye righteous servants flourish ; My spirit, the unfailing source, That Jacob's seed shall nourish. Idols of earth usurp my praise, — Beware, O cherished nation ! Lest ye your hearts in homage raise, To God's abomination. "I am the first, I am the last ;" Woe to the bold blasphemer ! Who shall some monstrous image cast, And call it his Redeemer. Beneath the firmament's broad cope, Bear witness as ye gather, That I alone am Israel's Hope, His Judge, his King, his Father. Psai,m cxxvn. Of) Unless the land where ye abide, The care of Heaven boasts, Falsely to watchmen ye confide The safety of its coasts. Except the Lord will fortify The fabrics ye erect, Vain are the pillars, strong and high, Of mortal architect. Whether, O Judah ! ye sojourn In deserts, towns, or tents, To God, as to your fortress, turn Your tower of defence. 22 Hymns. On land and sea, enslaved or free, His name alone extol : Who is, who was, and e'er shall be, Guardian and King of all. MAN'S DIGNITY AND DESTINATION. 21 MAN'S DIGNITY. O God ! within Thy temple- walls, Light my spirit seems, and free, Regardless of those worldly calls, That withdraw it oft from Thee. Faith to the proudest whispers : Here Riches are but righteous deeds, And he who dries a human tear, Ne'er to mercy vainly pleads. Can sorrow at Thy altar raise The voice of lamentation ? Oh, no ! its plaint is changed to praise, Regret, to Resignation. To naught all human evil shrinks, Where revelation showeth That God each soul to heaven links, Which ne'er in trust foregoeth. Oh ! Brightest, most benignant boon, Above all others rated : With Thee, Creator to commune, In temples consecrated ; That when life's boundary is past, More glorious still appears ; Since sanctuary, we at last, Find in celestial spheres, — 23 Hymns. Where no distinction shall be found, Between immortals heav'n born, And spirits that, by virtue crowned, Once the chains of earth have worn. Merciful Father ! may Thy child Claim this privilege divine ? Shall I, by sinful thoughts defiled, Call a boon so precious mine ? My courage fails not, since Thy grace Exceeds in boundless measure, The guilt of that transgressive race Who kindle Thy displeasure. Therefore to the house of pray'r E'er will I my steps address, All Thy mercies to declare, While my errors I confess. MAN, THE IMAGE OF GOD. oo Exult, my soul, in consciousness proud, That I in God's image was made : That 'mid nature's irrational crowd, Moral light to me was conveyed ; When dust, by His pure breath refined. In flesh the "vital spark" enshrined, Oh ! how shall I deserve the station Omnipotence assigns to me ; Whose spiritual elevation Is next to angels in degree ? How Mercy's likeness manifest, Reflected in each mortal breast? Perilous pre-eminence ! to hold Perfection's model in the mind ; Yet feel how the inferior mould 24 Hymns. In which its essence is confined, May all its majesty efface, And leave of stamp divine no trace. Immortal reason ! hast thou no beam Of bright intelligence to prove Thy semblance to that Sire supreme, Whose breath is life, whose blessing love ? Triumph ! though passions dim thy ray, In thee God's image we survey. Justice, by thee for e'er directed, His strongest feature typifies ; In truth (through reason best reflected) His spirit's light I recognise ; And in beneficence e'er trace His brightest trait : celestial grace ! How glorious this filiation, Between the Lord of worlds and me ! Oh ! how shall I deserve the station, Next to the angels in degree ? Like these, by walking in His ways ; Like these, by singing e'er His praise. VIRTUE. 03 God °f power ! in Thy gift Though countless blessings lie, My voice for one alone I lift, In prayer to Thee on high. No covetous appeal for gold Shall from my lips proceed ; Nor by the love of fame controlled, For crowns of glory plead. 25 24 Hymns. I ask but for the precious ore Contained in Virtue's mine ; And for her wreath that will endure, When diadems decline. Of godliness, by Grace supreme, Would I become possessed ; Grant that its pure and perfect beam May on my spirit rest. Let wisdom of the heart, O Lord ! Be now and ever mine ; All else is but corruption's hoard, Dust, hiding light divine. Oh ! what avails my destination, As immortality's great heir, If I, regardless of salvation, Do not my soul for this prepare ? If to the world's illusive pleasures My spirit hourly I yield, And for its frail and fleeting treasures, Uncultured leave fair virtue's field ? And what is temporal ambition, That never yet fruition found ? A most unhallowed superstition In deities, itself hath crowned. That in its soul false idols setting, Makes their decree a law supreme, — The statutes of that God forgetting, Whose power can alone redeem. Mean avarice ! how low the perches To which thy grasping talons cling ; Thy downward glance unwearied searches For gold, — thy precious phantom-king. 26 Hymns- Barren the ground in which it lieth, Buried and hidden from thy view ; And nature to its grave denieth Flowers, she elsewhere loves to strew. Should I not yield to the temptations Of passions fierce and wild as these, Self-worship still exacts oblations That will not less my God displease — To my own service consecrating All that His bounteous hand conferred ; My neighbor ne'er conciliating, By gift of love or gentle word. Gracious Creator ! ere I perish, Let me my trespasses retrieve ; Righteous desires let me cherish, And works of godliness achieve. In Thy covenant let me rejoice, And in its precepts persevere, For life's chief ornament, making choice Of Truth, whose crown the angels wear. When in the valley of death I walk, Firm be my step, my mind serene ; There, on my God, Redeemer and Rock, Will I in trust unfalt'ring lean. My soul shall not tremble while waiting Its sentence within the dark tomb ; But heaven beyond contemplating, Shrink not from its prelusive gloom. PIETY. O £J Oh ! turn at meek devotion's call From idle dreams of worldly power ; Which flourishes awhile, to fall And perish, like an earth-born flower. 27 Hymns. Countless are pleasure's bright decoys, Unwary mortals to ensnare ; Faith beckons thee from barren joys, And points to her immortal sphere. Wouldst thou thy soul to God commend ? Forsake the scene of heartless mirth ; Seek those who weep without a friend, Bring wine and oil to suff'ring worth. Let piety direct thy choice, In all thy spirit's high concerns ; Then shall the pilgrim's heart rejoice, Who in the 'Vale of tears" sojourns. O/C How long will man in pleasure merged, Religion's claims neglect ? How long, by worldly interest urged, Her warning hints reject ? Vain prodigal of precious time ! Were mental gifts bestowed To waste in folly or in crime, Oblivious of thy God ? When surfeited with life's repast, Its sweetness turned to gall, Thy conscience will be roused at last, And death thy soul appal. Will worshipers of gold then fly, Thy d> ing couch to cheer ? Thy spirit's cravings to supply, Will Mirth desert her sphere ? No ! Piety forsaken long, Invoked with earnest zeal, Will, even then, forget her wrong, And answer thy appeal. 28 Hymns. But better, wiser far are all, Whose youth devoutly past, On heaven's ''Great Physician" call With confidence at last. O^ Man of the world ! wilt thou not pause, And give thy heart to Heaven's cause ? In paths of interest wilt thou plod, Forgetful of the Lord thy God ? Oh ! turn away from life's parade, Before thy soul hath been betrayed From virtue's eminence to stoop, And forfeit its eternal hope. What purer pleasures wouldst thou taste, Than are by piety embraced ? What higher prize couldst thou obtain, Than thy Creator's love to gain ? The wealth and glory of the skies Are won, by generous sacrifice, By him who selfish joy foregoes To mitigate another's woes ; Whose resignation, calm and meek, Will humbly of God's chastening speak ; Whose soul from perjury is free, And worships but one Diety. Man of the world ! no gift of thine Compares with Mercy's pledge divine, Which pardon to each sinner yields, Whose spirit true contrition feels. 29 Hymns. OO In holiness, Eternal Lord ! Thy servant would excel ; Oh ! let its spirit in each word And in each action dwell. No strength have I to combat long With passions fierce and wild ; Nor hope amid corruption's throng, To wander undefiled. For self-direction too unwise, For self-defence too frail ; On godliness my hope relies, Their spells to countervail. This shall my heart's best warder prove, When proud and venal foes Presume against benignant love, Its avenues to close. This shall from avarice secure Thy worshiper's weak thought, By showing that its golden lure, True bliss hath never caught. From envy, vanity, and pride, This, too, my soul shall save ; O gracious God ! O holy Guide ! Grant me the grace I crave. 29 "Blest is the man to whom the Lord No iniquity e'er imputes," Who hath the grounds of truth explored, And meekly gleaned its godly fruits. Above all mortals blest is he, Who, from temptation's tangled maze, Hath set his struggling spirit free To walk in God's appointed ways. 30 Hymns. King of the universe ! impart To me that energy divine, Which nerves the weak and wayward heart, Unrighteous feelings to resign. With Thine immortal presence fill The depths of my degenerate soul ; Subject its motions to Thy will, Its passions to Thy pure control. Oh ! let Thine interdict suffice Each wrong desire to restrain ; From what a Father's law denies, L,et me in filial love refrain. Care shall not enter then my breast, Now to solicitude a prey ; No bitter thought shall break my rest, No danger then my sense dismay. Welcome the moment that shall bring A boon so earnestly desired ! And which from Thee alone must spring, From whom all blessings are acquired. 1A Oh ! how imperfect, blind, and false, Does that faith to me appear, Which from all moral law revolts, And exhausts itself in prayer ; That more its sanctity displays In holy words than holy ways. Know we not, from revelation, What true piety dictates ? Is not Love the best oblation That its altar decorates ! The love that with our neighbor shares, In brotherhood, life's joys and cares ? 31 Hymns. Benevolence, whose varied alms, Dealt alike by heart and hand, Now virtue's wounded spirit calms, Now relieves want's famished band, — Making an Eden oft to bloom, E'en amid desolation's gloom. Trust, that firmly stands its trial With the arrow in its breast ; Meek forgiveness, self-denial, These are Faith's sublimest test. Worship like this will supersede The lip's loud echo of her creed. Oh ! wherefore Heaven's will rehearse In a grave and measured tone, If the ungodly and perverse To that will prefer their own ? And deem their sacred duties o'er When they in prayer their feelings pour ? Though precepts may be multiplied, Mercy's aim is not fulfilled ; Earth must by us be beautified, Truth alone its shrines must build, — Uprooting thence corruption's weeds, To plant religion's purest seeds. *5-J The heavens, Almighty ! Thy glory declare, The earth with Thy riches abounds ; Thy provident presence is felt everywhere, Thy name through all nature resounds. Day showeth to day the pavilion of light In which Thou hast made Thine abode ; And night, breaking silence, extolleth to night The knowledge and power of God. 32 Hymns. Thou canst not, O man! 'neath the firmanent stand With the fixed star of faith in thy breast, Not lifting- in homage thy heart and thy hand, His wisdom and truth to attest. Yet think not in verbal devotion alone, Thou hast all thy duty achieved ; For prayer without practice ne'er reaches the throne From whence all thy gifts are received. Thou canst not declare that the way is unknown, In which thou'rt required to walk ; For never had pilgrim as true a guide-stone As the tablet on Horeb's high rock. Though feeble thy step, if thy purpose be strong, Life's journey directed by this, Shall close without fear that the mem'ry of wrong Will cloud the soul's prospect of bliss. 22 Lord, my Redeemer and my Rock ! Grant me Thy aid divine To keep Thy judgments, and to walk In truth's unerring line. Thou, who hast charge of human kind, Thy suppliant e'er save From all that vitiates the mind, Or may the heart deprave. An infant's helplessness is mine. When strong temptations rise, And bid me heaven's hope resign For some unhallowed prize. Perhaps a plume from glory's wing, A link from pleasure's chain, A harp without one holy string, For pure devotion's strain. 33 33 Hymns. Alas ! how poor is either meed For an immortal soul ; Yet oft for these will it recede From its celestial goal. God of compassion ! to Thy care My spirit I commend ; Let it to Thee unblemished bear The likeness Thou didst lend. IMMORTALITY OF THE SOUL. A mournful lament for the dead ! Woe unto me ! it is gone ; The hope of my heart is now fled ; My joy from earth is withdrawn. Whither shall I, broken-hearted, Find balsam for wounds so deep ? Silent remain the departed, My tears disturb not their sleep. Thus e'er when the last angel calls, Man waileth around the tomb ; Thus ever when life's blossom falls, Surrenders his soul to gloom. Oh ! would he turn upward the eye Despair has fixed in the dust, A voice would from thence fortify His faith, his hope, and his trust. Excessive grief is unbelief ; Hear Omnipotence and heed ! If immortality's first leaf Upsprings from Corruption's seed, 34 Hymns. Why then in horror e'er recoil From the mention of decay, That hath no power to despoil Aught beyond the breathing clay ? Think not my providence will cease O'er my children in the grave ; Death, my messenger of peace, Frees the soul my grace will save. Thy God, thy Father, this proclaims, Whose promises will ne'er deceive. Then tremble not at empty names, Ye who Mercy's word believe. ^d. Though man of all the ruin hears By time or tempest wrought ; One ray throughout all gloom appears By hope from heaven brought. For though the mighty waters shrink From oceans into rills, And nature's lofty bulwarks sink From mountains into hills ; Though these, with many frailer things, Perish and pass away ; Faith to the holy promise clings, That triumphs o'er decay. Man's spirit, by divine decree, The stroke of death defies ; And from the bonds of death set free, Immortal shall arise. 3 C Through the valleyof tears as we thoughtfully stray, Where the wrecks of mortality lie ; I^et the spirit of faith spring from dust and decay To Omnipotence throned in the sky. 35 Hymns. The date of a star, (that bright firmament flower, ) Is as brief in eternity's sphere, As the blossom that breathes out its life in an hour, Nevermore upon earth to appear. With that region of infinite Glory compared, Where ages like moments take flight, The world seems a cell for man's dwelling prepared, Till his soul grows familiar with light. Yea, the earth is a place of probation and pray'r. Wherein beggars for bounty divine, Still their sorrows and wounds, to their Father declare, That His hand to relief may incline. But in heaven the voice of petition shall cease, And loud praises for ever resound To the merciful God, for the spirit's release From the shackles by which it was bound. COMMEMORATION OF THE DEAD. Part First. *lfi O man ! frail child of finite pow'rs ! Nature, by changeless order. Places thy cradle 'mid the flow'rs That on the grave-yard border. Though youth, while at play In life's vernal ray, Will not take for death' s token Blossoms withered and broken. And truth from age to age repeats At every pilgrim's portal ; Life as a shadow from thee fleets, Remember, thou art mortal ; Wake at that call, wild dreamer ! 36 Hymns. And, by its warning guided, Be yet the wise redeemer Of time to thee confided. Woe ! fragile being of an hour, Prey to annihilation's power. But wherefore, man, in thy serenest mood, When joy upon thee flashes, Still minglest thou with songs of gratitude Sad thoughts of dust and ashes ? Wilt thou no hint from frailer natures take ? From flowers, that at eve appear to die, Yet 'neath the canopy of heaven wake To greet God's morning messenger on high ? Part Second. O Thou ! who dwell 'st in heights supernal, God ! self-existent and eternal ! What traveler shall reach Thy mountain ? What thirsting spirit taste Thy fountain ? Mortal ! in thee resides the power, Of gaining access unto each ; But he who would to heaven tower, Must first the height of virtue reach ; Must see in holiness a beauty Earth rivals not in all its bound ; Ne'er mock at truth, nor turn from duty Idly to tread life's pleasure ground. Then shall the recording angel render Account of all thy righteous wa3^s, And crowning thee, reveal the splendor Thy Father's blessed realm displays. 37 Hymns. Woe ! woe ! to the immortal soul That virtue's voice ne'er heeds, When justice reads the roll Of its ungodly deeds. Joy to the pure and pious breast That darkness never heedeth ; With light from spheres celestial blest, When life's last sun recedeth. The soul religion trained from youth To scorn the world's dominion, Shall reach the native land of truth With free and fearless pinion. Triumph ? ye but escape a prison, When death that vital chord doth sever Triumph ! when mercy's star hath risen To guide ye to your God for ever. Triumph ! on eagle's wings ye tower Up to eternity's bright portals ; Triumph ! time hastens to the hour That gives ye place with the immortals. RELATION BETWEEN GOD AND MAN. REVELATION. ^O Let choral songs of gladness flow, The Lord of hosts to praise ; Who deigned on darkened minds to throw The law's enlight'ning rays. No plea hath Israel for crime ; Since God's paternal grace To him revealed those truths sublime; Which time can ne'er efface. 38 . Hymns. Before our eyes then let us set Our Father's bond of love ; With praise repay our filial debt To Him who reigns above. Let Sinai proudly lift her head Above the hills of earth ; For God thereon His glory shed At revelation's birth. Exalt the Lord ! to whom we owe The first and latter rain, And dews from Mercy's fount that flow To bless the thirsty plain. As those refreshing showers tend To fertilize the field ; Thy laws, O God ! our hearts amend, And virtue's harvest yield. DIVINE LAW. 'JQ Lord ! when I hear Thy holy law, Its spirit let me comprehend, And meditate with silent awe On words that to salvation tend. Oh ! far above the finest gold Thy testimonies I esteem ; These shall my faltering feet uphold, My steps from evil paths redeem. To Thee will I my prayers address, The free-will offerings of my soul ; Guardian ! through life's dark wilderness, Do Thou my erring course control. 39 Hymns. Oh ! let unblemished truth alone My heart and mind for e'er inspire ; That I may, in its purest tone, Extol my gracious King and Sire. RELIGION. To smile when we on life's breakers are tost, And serenely its tempest survey ; To say, though the beacon of hope is lost, Mercy's star will direct our way : Such trust in trial's hour Springs from religion's pow'r. At morn, with cheerful emotions to rise, Glorifying the Giver of rest ; Ne'er to let sleep our senses surprise, Ere the world's Benefactor is blest : Such is the righteous course Man's reason should enforce. Resolving the path of duty to tread, Though our fondest wish this may frustrate ; Never by temptation's voice to be led, The sacred laws of God to violate : Faith only nerves the soul To this great self-control. To live harmoniously with all mankind, With favors our hurts to requite ; To hold in the heart God's image enshrined, Nor its purity by sin to blight : This shall our peace insure, Now, and for evermore. Undazzled by gold, by menace unmoved, One sole Supreme Being to cherish ; To be firm in the faith our fathers loved, Though for this as martyrs we perish ; To piety alone Such fortitude is known. 40 Hymns- Decay to be made ever clear to the mind, And God's herald in death to perceive, Who, when the mortal breath has been resigned, Will the soul to its Redeemer leave : What but religion can Reveal this gracious plan ? ^^ Remember, man ! while thou art young, To turn thy heart towards the Lord, Ere sorrow hath thy bosom wrung, Or life hath "loosed its silver chord," Spring hath its flowers, — youth its sweets, Cradled in both the canker lies ; And when one little season fleets, Man's spirit droops— the blossom dies. Ye triflers on the brink of time, Scorn not the sage and silver-haired, When they forewarn ye in your prime To be for evil days prepared. Strong as ye are, shall ye not fall Down to the dust at God's decree ? Proud as ye are, shall not the pall Mantle your frail mortality ? Praise the Creator, ere decay Your energies shall paralyze, Or darkness, in the latter day, Shall hide the heavens from your eyes. 49 Blest are tne enlight'ners of mankind, Thrice blest the holy teacher, Who, with a pure and patient mind, Instructs his fellow-creature, — Who, swayed by virtue's golden rule, Would her precepts inculcate, And in her chaste and godly school, Erring spirits educate. 41 Hymns. All are Thy ministers, O Lord ! Who, imprest with truth divine, Speed the work, and speak the word That shall make its light to shine, — Who in flowers that blush below, And in stars that beam above, A glory and perfection show, That to faith the heart must move. All who, uprooting error's weeds, Leave for moral culture room, And with imperishable seeds. Cause the barren mind to bloom, — Interpreters of Heaven's law, May its God their efforts guide. And to celestial regions draw Souls who thus have lived and died. Psalm cxuv. A *1 Lord ! what is man, that Thou should 'st take Account or knowledge of his ways ? Like shadows from the summer lake, Briefly depart his measured days. Yet, though but vanity and dust, Oh ! hear Thy worshiper sincere, Who now appeals with humble trust, That Thou wilt grant his earnest prayer. Through the world may Israel's youth, Like branches of some goodly tree, Enlightened by the rays of truth, Flourish in grace and dignity. Dispersed in many climes and zones, May Judah's sprightly daughters be Polished, as are the corner-stones, In palaces of royalty. 42 Hymns. May these, above all earthly fame, The favor of their God esteem, And merit that distinguished name, The chosen race of the Supreme. DUTIES TOWARD GOD. ACQUISITION OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE LORD. Glory not in a gift so vain As worldly knowledge, ye discreet ! Whose stream, like the treacherous main, Rolls onward awhile to retreat. But wisdom by faith purified Is light radiating afar, And love for your heavenly Guide Its brightest and loveliest star. Glory not, O ye that are strong ! For on dust your vigor is based ; Strength only to him can belong Whose spirit by virtue is braced, 'Gainst passions that nature disturb. This, this is man's moral resource ; No power their progress to curb, Resides in corporeal force. Glory not ! ye rich in your gold ! More brittle is this than the reed ; Beware ! lest its glittering mould The pathway to heaven impede. True honor it can ne'er impart, Nor solace in sorrow afford ; Rather pray for a guileless heart, That trustingly turns to its Lord. 43 Hymns. Glory in wisdom that augments Your knowledge of a God supreme, Who will, as virtue's recompense, Man's spirit from the grave redeem. Glory in energy of soul, That truth's assailants will oppose, And with a mighty self-control, Crush all religion's bosom foes. There is a wealth of words in prayer, Though poor the suppliant may be, And themes for many volumes rarei In every work of God ye see. Yours be the gold that never frets, The wisdom-star that never wanes ; The honor that remembers debts Due to the Source of all your gains. OBEDIENCE TO THE WILL OF GOD. Genesis, chap. i. AC Formless and void creation stood, The deep in darkness lay ; When from Thy spirit, Lord ! the flood Borrowed a quick'ning ray. Light from the gates of heaven beamed On flower, herb, and fruit ; Each element with tenants teemed, Fish, reptile, bird, and brute. A glowing firmament was seen The waters to divide, Whose lustrous orbs seemed links between Earth's pilgrim and his Guide. 44 Hymns. A thousand witnesses appeared, God's love to testify ; Mountains and Hills His might declared, And bowed as He passed by. Man by the tree of knowledge stood, Master of all around ; And woman, in her softest mood, The gifts of mercy crowned. They sin, they fall, — oh ! weep and pray, That, tempted, ye may turn From all forbidden things away, Nor God's displeasure earn. By doubts of His almighty word Or His all-perfect ways ; But, firm in faith, obey the I^ord, And all His judgments praise. Job, chap. ix. A £i Oh ! how shall man with God contend, Mighty in strength and wise of heart ? Or hope to prosper in his end , Who blindly plays so bold a part ? Frail, finite mortal ! shall I stand In judgment with the King of kings, Who can the rising sun command To gather up His golden wings ; Conceal his light, his course arrest ; Seal up the stars ; the heavens spread ; Move mountains from their place of rest ; And on the waves of ocean tread ? 45 Hymns. Should I my righteousness rehearse, Or boast my constant rectitude ? What perfect seemed, might prove perverse, When by the eye of Heaven viewed. I will not reason or reply, But supplicate the Judge Supreme, My soul with hope to fortify, That I may bless His holy name. A J Though sorrows may be multiplied, And cares around thee throng, In Israel's Guardian still confide, And lift thy voice in song. Wilt thou on gold or glory dote, Or covet pomp and power ? Bubbles that on life's current float, To break in one brief hour ? Though health and competence be thine, And peace thy portion crown, Will thine ungrateful spirit pine To reach at high renown ? As well might stars rebellious turn From their allotted spheres, Ambitious of the solar urn, More bright and vast than theirs. Oh ! not to question but obey The great Creator's word, Was intellect's transcendant ray On human dust conferred. Praise is the noble privilege On man alone bestowed ; Redeem, immortal soul, thy pledge, Extol the living God. 46 Hymns. Genesis, chap, xxvii. Deep silence reigned in Isaac's tent, His voice was faint, his vigor spent, Dim were his eyes, for death was near, He spoke' and Esau bowed to hear : Awaj^, my first-born, to the field ! Thy quiver take, thy weapons wield ; And let thy filial hand supply Sweet nutriment before I die. That life to God I'll soon resign, Once ransomed from Moriah's shrine ; Blest shalt thou be, e'er I depart, Child of my heritage and heart. Cheered is the dying patriarch, But age hath made his sense too dark To heed the bold supplanter's lure, His primal blessing to secure. Earth's fatness and the dews of heav'n, To thee, young Israel ! are given ; No portion can the prophet 's word To Edom promise, but the sword. Too late he mourns his lost birthright, Contemned through carnal appetite : Omnipotence decrees this fate, His outraged laws to vindicate. Such is the lot the frail deserve, Who unto idol worship swerve. The favor of some heart to win, Sunk like itself in mortal sin. Strengthen me, I^ord ! with moral power Safely to pass temptation's hour ; Nor let me ever lightly prize Aught that Thy wisdom sanctifies. 47 Hymns. FAITH IN GOD. AQ I weep not now as once I wept, At fortune's strokes severe ; Since faith hath to my bosom crept, And placed a buckler there. Lightly upon this holy shield Falls sorrow's thorny rod, And he who wears it learns to yield Submissive^ to God. It breaks the force of ev'ry dart By disappointment hurled Against the shrinking human heart, In this cold, callous world. Wrestling with this, I have defied All that my peace assailed ; Passion subdued hath turned aside, And sin before it quailed. How many wounds would now be mine, How many pangs intense ! But for the shield of faith divine, My spirit's strong defence. Oh ! when in prayer my hands I lift To Thee, Almighty God ! The excellence of this Thy gift, With fervor will I laud. Cf\ O God ! to Thy paternal grace, That ne'er its bounty measures, All gifts Thy grateful children trace, That constitutes life's pleasures. 48 Hymns. Light, being, liberty, and joy, All, all to Thee are owing ; Nor can another hand destroy Blessings of Thy bestowing. None, save our own; for in man's heart Such passions are secreted, That peace affrighted weeps apart, To see Thy aim defeated. Light is made dim by human guile, Existence doth but languish, And freedom loses her bright smile 'Mid scenes of strife and anguish. Father ! though forfeited by sin Are all Thy tender mercies ; There is a trusting faith within That ev'ry fear disperses. Honor and praise to Thee belong, O God of our salvation ! Who will defend from shame and wrong Thy first elected nation. Protector of the quick and dead ! Thy love this world o'erfloweth ; And, when the "vital spark" hath fled, Eternal life bestoweth. Psai,m XXXVII. Ci Let thy heart forever delight in the Lord, Though its purity malice assaileth : For naught that detractors may breathe or record Against innocence ever prevaileth, 49 Hymns. The slanderer's shaft on himself shall recoil, By the heavenly Father reverted ; Whose hand cutteth down the green herb to the soil, And the being that justice perverted. Fret not thyself when prosperity bringeth Treasures untold to the proud and unjust ; Righteousness over their sepulchres singeth ; "Gold cannot ransom the soul from the dust." From evil depart* let wrath be forsaken ; Meekness and truth God's blessings shall merit, Let poverty's plaint thy pity awaken, Thou, who the gifts of earth wouldst inherit. Awhile the transgressor may seem to tower Like a green bay-tree in the genial ray ; But his seed shall perish in life's first hour. And his land to strangers shall pass away. Oh ! follow the perfect man — mark the upright, For to him salvation and peace belong ; His judgments are clear as meridian light, And the branch of his root shall flourish long. Psai,m XXXVIII. CO Rebuke me not nor chasten me, In Thy displeasure, Lord ! But let a frail transgressor be To virtue's path restored. My heart like grass is withered up Sorrow my strength destroys ; Sin's bitter drop within my cup, Life's sparkling draught alloys. 50 Hymns. In vain my spirit seeks repose From all its worldly cares ; Mine adversaries round me close, They compass me with snares. My friends and kinsmen stand aloof, And mock me from afar ; My soul, untouched by their reproof, Turns to its guiding Star. For with unbroken trust will I In Thee, my God ! confide, Who deigns the meek to dignify, The arrogant to chide. C*2 Though I from kindred meet but scorn, And am by parents left forlorn ; Still my heart, absolved from wrong, Lifts to God its grateful song. Thy countenance, celestial Sire ! With courage shall my soul inspire. Meekly man's contempt to bear, And all worldly woe and care. Mark him* from whom all Israel sprang ; Keenly he feels the parting pang, When from kindred far removed, And from childhood's home beloved. Then was the angel's ladder brought Before the dreaming exile's thought, Which the righteous soul might teach How the throne of God to reach. From base to summit, the blest youth Beheld progressive steps to truth, Beaming with immortal bands That reveal their Maker's plans. * Genesis, chap, xxxvii, 10, 17. 51 Hymns. These to the sleeper heaven ope, Whence issue thrilling words of hope : "Son of man ! I am with thee Wheresoever thou mayst flee." And is not God's paternal tone To Jacob's chosen offspring known ? Is there no celestial gate To the House we consecrate ? Devotion here a ladder rears, Whose golden steps are guileless prayers These will the angel-forms disclose, When the soul here seeks repose. Therefore in filial trust will I To Thee, my God, in sorrow fly : If, though wounded and forlorn, In my heart guilt hides no thorn. Psalm xui. v. 11. CA "Why art thou cast down, my soul?" Does not a God in heaven reign, And each human lot control, Whether with pleasure fraught or pain ? Will He not life's bark conduct, Tho' darkness hides the treach'rous shoal That thy passage would obstruct ? "Why art thou cast down, my soul ?" "Why art thou disquieted ?*' Terror his bosom agitates Who in sin has rioted, And Heaven's wrath anticipates ; 52 Hymns. But he whose breast is free from guilt, Undaunted hears His thunders roll, His trust on grace divine is built ; What disquiets thee, my soul ? "Oh ! forever hope in God !" Who has countless suns created, And enamelled earth's green sod By their beams illuminated ; — Who from ruin joy can bring To the believer's blest abode, And make the mourner's heart to sing ; "Oh ! forever hope in God." "Thou shalt praise and thank Him yet !" Joyfully to Him confessing, Thou in seeming blight hast met Oft a parent's real blessing, — Him who, on the grave's dark brink, Has salvation's fountain set, That each godly soul may drink : "Thou shalt praise and thank Him yet. : "My support and help art Thou," Lord ! when clouds of sadness lower, Rock of my defence art Thou, O gracious God ! in peril's hour. Star to star and deep to deep Thy providence do e' er avow ; My song with theirs shall concert keep ; "My support and help art Thou." Cj C When grief on the heart has weighed Till its finest chords are hushed, And feelings that hope once swayed, By clamorous cares are crushed : Remember, God most prizes Those whom His rod chastises. 53 Hymns. When man no respite taketh From trouble, pain, or sorrow, But from brief slumber waketh To toils and cares each morrow : To God if he still turneth, His trust God's blessing earneth. When, by the world neglected, Alone thou bravest dangers ; When those thy heart selected, From friends are changed to strangers Look ! lorn pilgrim, look above For better life and stronger love. And oh ! when death advances, Tremble not at the vision, But meet with smiling glances, That angel of transition, Whose scythe the fetter cleaveth, That thy bruised spirit grieveth. LOVE OF GOD. Cf. Oh ! love the Lord with all thy heart ; Its best affections sacrifice, Rather than from His law depart, Who is most holy, just, and wise. Oh ! love the Lord with all thy soul, Which bears a principle divine, That shall beyond its human goal Among angelic natures shine. Oh ! love the Lord with all thy might ; For He has made thy spirit strong, Firmly to wrestle for the right, And fearlessly resist the wrong. 54 Hymns. Oh ! love the Lord ! to Him devote Thy time, thy treasure, and thy thought ; Let these each holy scheme promote, By which salvation may be wrought. Oh ! love the Lord ! who, from thy birth To life's last moment, naught denies, And after death commands the earth To yield the spirit to the skies. GRATITUDE TOWARDS GOD, EJ With ardent love and reverence deep, We bow before Thee, gracious Lord ; Whose marvels we in memory keep, Whose mercies on our hearts record ; And with a fervent gratitude, Praise Thee for gifts each day renewed. For that first life, from dust created, Which, though fragile as the flowers, By Thine own image animated, O'er the dust in triumph towers : For bounties every day renewed, Father ! accept our gratitude. For verdant earth for ever teeming With beautiful and balmy forms ; For light, from star and planet streaming, Whose glow all nature cheers and warms : For blessings every day renewed, Father ! accept our gratitude. For memory's amazing powers, Long buried treasures to restore, And make felicity's dead flowers Bloom in her atmosphere once more : For blessings every day renewed, Father ! accept our gratitude. 55 Hymns. For conscience, every thought arresting, Its purity to scrutinize ; By virtue's moral standard testing The good or ill that in it lies ; For bounties every day renewed, Father ! accept our gratitude. But chiefly for that love paternal Which for Thy children hath ordained A second life in realms eternal, If faith on earth their souls sustained : For an existence thus renewed, O God ! accept our gratitude. CO To man with reason's gift endued, The pleasing task pertains, Of pouring forth his gratitude In pure and pious strains. L,o ! how the branches of a tree Back to its root convey The sap that gave vitality To blossom, fruit, and spray. From mute, external nature, then, A gentle lesson learn ; With filial love, ye sons of men, Parental care return. Let gratitude within each breast Exert its high control ; Its presence, like an angel guest, Shall sanctify the soul. Canst thou, O Jeshurun ! forget Thy Benefactor's claim? The God who o'er all others set Thy nation, faith and name ? 56 Hymns. Oh ! let us in His praise unite, Who gave with liberal hand Life, liberty, and moral light, His law to understand. SUBMISSION TO THE WILL OF GOD. CQ God Supreme ! to Thee I pray, Let my lips be taught to say, Whether good or ill may flow, Hallelujah, be it so ! What Thy wisdom may dictate Let Thy servant vindicate ; Though it may my hopes o'erthrow, Hallelujah, be it so ! Friends may falsify my trust, Kindred also prove unjust, Wound my heart and chill its glow, — Hallelujah, be it so ! Health and comfort may decline, Why at this should I repine ? Both to Thee, my God, I owe, Hallelujah, be it so ! When by disappointment stung, Hard it is for human tongue Still to say, though tears may flow, Hallelujah, be it so ! Yet, from Mercy's aid shall spring Strength of spirit still to sing 'Mid bereavement, pain, and woe, Hallelujah, be it so ! fi A Oh ! that on morning's dewy wings I from the world might flee away ; And thus escape the bosom-stings Fate may inflict some future day. 57 Hymns- And is it virtue's part to shrink From aught that Heaven may ordain ? Shall man, the first and brightest link In animated nature's chain, Accept the gifts of grace divine, Yet murmur at the mingled ill ? Nor patiently his soul resign To God's unalterable will ? Mortal ! thy impious wish recall, Thy spirit arm with fortitude ; Let guilt alone thy breast appal, Tho' thorns be in thy pathway strewed. Prostrate thyself before the Lord, Ask not from pain or woe to fly ; But that He will that strength accord Which triumphs o'er calamity. /C-1 Draw nigh, O Lord ! unto my soul ; Compassionate and kind, Thou only canst the grief control Within its depths confined. How long, how deeply I have mourned, No human tongue can tell ; For from a heartless world I turned To weep but not rebel. No ! ne'er have I, with lip profane, Presumed to ask my God Why I the bitter cup should drain, Why writhe beneath the rod. The hand of Mercy well I knew No burthen would impose, That man's endurance could subdue, If faith her aid bestows. 58 Hymns. Crushed are my hopes, my kindred gone Before me to the tomb ; And thou alone, most Holy One, Canst dissipate my gloom. The arrow in my bosom lies ; But stricken hearts have learned, That oft to "blessings in disguise," Misfortunes have been turned. £ty I wept when from my eager grasp, The hollow toys of fortune fell ; Nor would that Holy Book unclasp, Where purer, brighter treasures dwell. There came another heavy stroke, — Those I loved from earth departed : Yet were the words religion spoke Lost upon the broken-hearted. I dared that Providence distrust, From whom calamities had flowed ; Forgetting as I bowed to dust, Whose hand past blessings had bestowed, But suddenly, as from a dream, Humbled and self-rebuked I woke ; My spirit then saw Mercy's beam. And heard the words that wisdom spoke. How long wilt thou, O child of clay ! Thy Maker's frown in trials see ? Nor mark His smile in every ray That brightens thy prosperity ? I wept again ; but blest the rod Against whose chast'ning I rebelled, And praised, with equal zeal, my God For what He gave and what withheld. 59 63 Hymns. O Thou ! in whom the power dwells To heal or wound, to save or slay, Whose hand alone the mandate seals That hastens or arrests decay, — Let me, with pious fortitude, Thy dispensations justify, And in each great vicissitude, With perfect faith on Thee rely. Oh ye ! who have consigned to dust Some darling object of your care, Fail not in Heaven still to trust, Whose Mercy will your loss repair ; Nor let the bitter cup in vain Be tendered to your trembling lips ; For God, with beneficial pain, Thus of its pride the spirit strips. Mortals presume to call their own Blessings vouchsafed by grace divine ; Not as a gift but as a loan, Father ! will I consider mine. And when Thou wiliest to recall All that on earth I love the best, Before Thy footstool I will fall, And bow to Thy supreme behest. The messengers of death surround Alike the palace and the cot ; Nor king, nor vassal can be found Who shall escape the common lot. Let mighty conquerors declare, If they can with disease contend, Nor in their final struggle share The pangs that meaner bosoms rend. Pilgrims ! whose aggregate of days, With vast eternity compared , But as a fleeting moment weighs, For the last hour be prepared ; 60 Hymns. Wrestle with sin, watch, worship, praise, And glorify the L,ord your God, Who shall to life eternal raise The saints that sleep beneath the sod. /ZA ' 'Affliction cometh not from dust, Nor trouble from the ground ; ' ' But from a Source all-wise and just, A God with mercy crowned. The heavy hand from heaven came, That on thy heart is pressed ; But, oh ? remember 'tis the same By which thou oft art blessed. Hast thou, in looking o'er the list Of friends and kindred dear, The names of many loved and missed, That were but lately there ? O, selfish mourner ! weep no more For spirits disenthralled, For those who mortals were before, But now are angels called. Wouldst thou, who stand est on the brink Of the sepulchral sod, To suff'ring clay those souls relink That have escaped to God ? Rather than lower these to thee, Let faith exalt thy mind, In death God's delegate to see, Who will the severed bind. All terror from thy thought dismiss ; For on His wings alone The righteous leave the grave's ab\^ss, To reach their Father's throne. 61 65 Hymns. Healer of the wounded heart ! Hearer of the mourner's prayer ! Fortitude to me impart, Life's vicissitudes to bear. Let me be possessed alone Of the wealth that wisdom yields, Such as leads to Heaven's throne, Such as virtue's stamp reveals. What is knowledge but the light From Omnipotence derived ? Truth, by whose reflection bright, Faith and hope are e'er revived ? Grant, O Lord ! above all gifts Understanding may be mine, Such as human nature lifts Up to that which is divine. Then what mercy hath decreed Will be rightly understood ; That no heart is doomed to bleed But for some determined good. (L(L Lord ! let Thy countenance now shine Upon Thy creature's clouded sense ; That I my spirit may resign To all Thou wiliest to dispense. That, struggling in the depths of woe, I may not to despondence yield ; But, while affliction's waters flow, Praise my Redeemer, Rock, and Shield, Let sorrow to my stricken heart, Through faith, be ever sanctified ; Let grief perform an angel's part, And unto Thee the mourner guide. 62 Hymns. Alas ! what fragile props indeed Doth human nature rest upon ; Its staff is but a broken reed, By death in one brief hour withdrawn. Draw nigh to me, O gracious God ! No more let my affections cleave To earth's frail idols, which the sod Is ever open to receive. Sire, eternal and supreme ! To Thee my trembling voice I raise, Praying Thou wilt with mercy's beam Enlighten all my future ways. £Jl Despond not, O my heart ! But firmly bear thy part In life's severe probation ; The path by virtue trod, Though rugged, leads to God, My Rock and my salvation. Banish thy secret grief, Earth's pilgrimage is brief, Its turmoils evanescent ; And when the flesh decays, God's word the hope conveys, Of happiness incessant. The innocent shrink not From their appointed lot ; But, in the deepest sorrow, Believe that heaven's light Follows fate's starless night, To gild the unborn morrow. 63 Hymns. Lord ! though my cares increase, Oh ! grant me inward peace And pious resignation ; Let all I may endure, Render my spirit pure, And worthy of salvation. /CO Many are the pains and sorrows Life has yet for me in store ; But from faith my spirit borrows Strength, its trials to endure. Through darkest clouds bright sunbeams break Lord ! Thou wilt not Thy child forsake ! Though falsehood, with envenomed dart, May my innocence assail, It cannot long affect my heart, Shielded by religion's mail, Nor thence the sweet conviction take, God ne'er will virtue's cause forsake. Though all I love and cherish sink Prematurely in the grave, In woe I will not cease to think : Mercy smiteth but to save. The dead will in God's kingdom wake ; The living He will not forsake. Though death in frightful form appear. 'Gainst my life to lift his scythe, My mind shall triumph over fear, Though the frailer flesh may writhe, Its perfect trust this cannot shake ; The faithful God will not forsake. 64 Hymns. Omnipotent ! Thou art with me In tears and tribulation ; Creator ! I submit to Thee In every dispensation. My soul Thy essence doth partake ; This, Father ! Thou wilt not forsake. /CQ When I would smile, remembrance brings A thousand sad and bitter things, Vexations, crosses, wrongs and woes, That blighted hope and broke repose. Heavenly Sire ! Holy One ! When shall I say, Thy will be done ! I mourned for one, who like a twin, Shared every thought that passed within ; "Oh ! would that I might die for thee," Was echoed in my agony. Heavenly Sire ! Holy One ! I should have said, Thy will be done ! Time brought me to the Lord, my Shield, Whose help my wounds had scarcely healed, When suif'rings, various and deep, Destroyed my health and banished sleep ; Heavenly Sire ! Holy One ! My words were not, Thy will be done ! I saw my kindred's fortunes changed, The feelings of my friends estranged ; In silence I was doomed to grieve O'er wants my hand could not relieve. Heavenly Sire ! Holy One ! I said not yet, Thy will be done ! 65 Hymns. How weak in faith must I have been ; How led by sorrow into sin, In trial ne'er to recognise The seraph mercy in disguise. Heavenly Sire ! Holy One J My heart now says, Thy will be done ! *7A God of the universe J unfailing friend Of all who meekly at Thy footstool bend, In pious gratitude for blessings gained, Or resignation to the ills ordained, — Oh ! grant me firmness in the hour of woe, To bless the being who has dealt the blow ; And in the furnace, with unceasing prayer, Avert the evil promptings of despair. Hast Thou withdrawn the authors of my birth ? Recalled my dearest kindred from the earth ? Though nature may her tearful tribute claim, Still let the voice of faith exalt Thy name. God of the universe ! at Thy command, The sun himself and all the starry band Shall, like the human frame, at last decay, Nor leave, from globes dissolved, one ling'ringray, All, all must perish by progressive blight, Or sudden failure of the vital light ; What unction then shall be to mourners left, Of their material treasures thus bereft ? Graven on rocks with pen of diamond point, Axe words that shall like balm their wounds anoint: The soul of man o'er ruined worlds shall spring, And with immortal hosts Thy glories sing. 66 Hymns. ^J'i Frail, feeble, inefficient man ! In one thing only art thou strong ; In will, to thwart thy Maker's plan, In deed, to execute the wrong. Unreal glory and false shame, By turns thy heart and mind divide ; The first is found in wealth or fame, The last is only wounded pride. The just who doth the poor redress. Below the judge corrupt is placed ; And friends untitled please thee less Than strangers that with rank are graced. The majesty of mortal kings, To thee is ever sanctified ; Yet from thy lips arraignment springs Of God, who doth o'er all preside. O shallow worldling ! when they smite, In silence thou receivest the blow ; Yet question' st thy Creator's right The stroke corrective to bestow. Thou dar'st not in familar tone To princes of this world appeal ; And yet upon the great Unknown Call lightly in thy woe or weal. The Lord's anointed is not he Who in a robe of state appears ; It is the pious, pure and free, Whose spirit virtue's ermine wears. Frail, feeble, inefficient man ! Oh pray ! that thou be ever strong In will, to prosecute God's plan, In deed, for e'er to shun the wrong. 67 72 Hymns. My God ! my God ! to Thee I cling In sorrow's trying hour ; Solace from Thee alone must spring, Blest and benignant Power ! I know there's mercy in the stroke That bows me to the dust, It frees me from my worldly yoke, And wakens self -distrust. I feel that faith her tower builds On life's most dreary spot ; Her beam the couch of suff 'ring gilds, And cheers the darkest lot. The wounds that from Thy hand divine, In meekness we receive, The spirit will at last refine, And without blemish leave. Boast not, O man ! that thou art free From salutary pain, Which well-endured will prove to thee A glory and a gain. DUTIES TOWARDS OURSELVES. SELF-KNOWLEDGE. *J*1 While man explores, with curious eye, The works of nature and of art, He passeth real wisdom by. Nor cares to read the human heart. A stranger to himself alone, He walketh forth in worldly guise ; Nor wouldst thou in his lofty tone The child of frailty recognize. 68 Hymns. Yet pause, O man ! in thy career, And search the chambers of thy soul ; For passions dark and deep are there, That spurn at reason's weak control. A thirst for blood, for gold, for fame, Pollutes thee, yet thou know'st it not ; Because it borrows glory's name, And sheds false lustre on thy lot. Seek piety — self-knowledge seek, Their guidance ask to virtue's road ; On thee will Heaven's light then break, And thou wilt know and bless thy God, SELF-EXAMINATION. *7 A Descend into thyself, my soul ! And ask religion's aid To search thy chambers and control The passions there arrayed. E'en from the cradle to the grave, God heareth frailty's cry : Nor can the voice of reason crave What mercy will deny. Oh ! ever prone is mortal man To self-deceit and sin ; And he who would reform his plan, Must turn his eye within. For often vice, with specious art, Will virtue's tone affect, Deceive the sense, deprave the heart, And riot there unchecked. 69 Hymns. Then firmly watch and freely probe The slightest moral wound, And boldly rend deception's robe That hides what is unsound. Long hast Thou taught Thy servant, Lord ! That trust and timely prayer Will to the spirit strength afford, Such discipline to bear. The balm that heals the sinner's hurt Springs from a source divine ; O God ! regard not my desert, But let that balm be mine. *7C Why, O heedless mortal ! dost thou fly So lightly o'er life's rapid stream. While its shores are briefly passing by, Like the dim shadows of a dream ? Can thy spirit be a stranger, To that current's depth and danger ? Why, O child of pride ! wilt thou not pause, Earth's tangled pathway to explore? On to ruin that bold pilgrim draws, Who in his own strength rests secure ; Nor by self -investigation Arms his senses 'gainst temptation. Daily of myself should I inquire : Have I fulfilled my being's end ? Is it e'er my heart's supreme desire, With heaven all its thoughts to blend ? Ah ! woe is me ! I dare not say Earth does not lead them far astray. 70 Hymns. Have I in that first law delighted, Which doth false gods to man forbid ? Or, while my lip that law recited, Within my breast some idol hid ? Oh ! that I could in truth declare : One God alone is graven there ! Precepts to brotherhood pertaining, Have I implicitly observed ? Or my poor neighbor's love disdaining, From God's paternal mandate swerved ? Oh ! that I might indeed respond : I have not broken nature's bond. When felicit3 r was changed to woe, Did I still glorify my God ? Or was faith, that man should ne'er forego, Relaxed beneath His chast'ning rod ? Alas ! my frail and feeble mind Forgot past blessings, and repined. Lord ! let this self-examination, Answered fore'er in truthful tone, Lead to the perfect reformation Of sin, to which my soul is prone, And fit it in a future state With angels to associate. J/Z In glory, Lord ! dost Thou appear, And we the call of angels hear, The holy praise of Thy great name, With pious rapture thus proclaim : Hallelujah ! If in palaces we abide, Or in rude cottages reside, Among life's flowers or its weeds, Still let us strew devotion's seeds. Hallelujah ! 71 HymNvS. Deep in the heart let virtues dwell, Like pearls within a mortal shell ; What purer gems for age or youth Than meekness, innocence, and truth ? Hallelujah ! These weigh not down the spirit's wing That would to heaven's portal spring ; But speed it in its upward course, By dint of their own moral force ; Hallelujah ! O Thou ! who art the living Fount, Of mercies man can never count, From bonds of sin my spirit free, And let it soar and sing to Thee : Hallelujah ! No higher privilege I claim Than to extol Thy blessed name, And answer, when the angels call, Holy art Thou, O God of all ! Hallelujah ! HUMILITY. *1*1 Hearken not, man ! to the voice of self-love ; Adverse to meekness and truth it will prove : Calling all puny achievements august, That gild common clay or magnify dust. Wisdom is walking for e'er by thy side, Checking thy arrogance, chast'ning thy pride, Bidding thee measure thy fabrics infirm With works to which time can affix no term. How will thy temples and altars compare With those that nature delighted to rear ? With the perfect, sublime, and vast designs Of her forest, ocean, or mountain-shrines ? 72 Hymns. What is thy beauty ? the bloom of an hour ; What fame's duration ? the life of a flower } Genius seems ever to sing 'neath a cloud, Gold cannot brighten one thread of the shroud. Self "lauding man ! through the firmament's bars List to the chorus of seraphs and stars : Then will thy heart in humility's tone, Bow to the world's mighty Master alone. ^O Out of sorrow's depths I cry To my Father, throned on high, ; Mercy's hand, I humbly trust, Will remove the mourner's dust, While my heart repeats again, Bless the Holy One, Amen ! Should not I more favor win, Than the sons of shame and sin? Yet the sweets of life are theirs, While my portion is but tears. Wherefore have I shouted then, Bless the Holy One, Amen! What shall Heaven render thee, Who thy neighbor's fault canst see, Yet art sightless, as the mole, To the blots upon thy soul? Still unclean, though loud thy strain, Bless the Holy One, Amen! He who stands self -justified In his spiritual pride, Shall no grace from God receive, Though he may the world deceive By repeating o'er again, Bless the Holy One, Amen! 73 Hymns. Genesis, Chap. xi. *7Q On Shinar's plain see Babel's tower rise; Woe shall the builders and their work betide! For that which seeks to penetrate the skies, Shall prove a ruined monument of pride. Here let the bold trangressor read his fate, And, trembling, pause amid his plans profane; Confusion shall upon his deeds await, And incomplete his daring schemes remain. Vainly he braves the vengeance of his God. For as a moral beacon shall he stand, While many tongues shall spread his shame abroad , His guilt proclaiming through each foreign land. Like lofty towers, haughty hearts shall fall, While humble ones to heaven shall aspire, As they in unity of worship call, In death and life, on one Eternal Sire. OA My God, my Father, and my Guide! On Thee for aid I call; Oh! save my soul from wordly pride, Which causeth man to fall. Power is but a subtle snare, Frail spirits to mislead; Wealth, a treacherous betrayer, Fame but a broken reed. Against these lures, Thy servant, Lord! For succor hath appealed, Thou only canst these dangers ward, Who art my Strength and Shield. The storm will smite the lofty tree That with its rage contends, But leave the pliant sapling free That to its fury bends. 74 Hymns. So shall the meek, who humbly strive Thy wrath to deprecate, Those blasts of adverse fate survive Which shall the proud prostrate. Save Israel from worldly pride, All-perfect Source of grace, And to the gates of heaven guide A blind and wandering race! CONTENTMENT. Ol In the great scales of human life God casteth good and ill, The sweet and bitter, peace and strife, By turns the balance fill. Mingled is every mortal draught; Yet thus will folly rave: Wormwood alone have I e'er quaffed. My neighbor's cup I crave. His prayer by Providence is heard: Doth he the change enjoy? No! in his heart the gall-drop 's stirred, That must all things alloy. His competence enlarged to wealth, Brings not expected bliss; Unsated appetite and health Have been exchanged for this. Another of his lot complains, Whom all the world thinks blest; Mere gold his lofty soul disdains, But sighs for glory's crest. 75 Hymns. And soon upon his brow august, The meed of honor shines; But ah! his lov'd ones lie in dust, For these his spirit pines. Take then, O man! the chequered lot, To thee by God assigned; Give thanks for every blessing brought, To evil — be resigned, QO On' whence doth human happiness arise? Is it dependent upon cloudless skies? Or on that changeless sunshine of the soul, That calm content derived from self-control? Light of all seasons, in life's wintry scene, As in its buoyant spring-time still serene, Its tempered glory radiates for e'er From virtue's orbit and religion's sphere. Let us not hope contentment's beam to find In a restless and ambitious mind; It rests not on that rainbow of an hour, The gold and purple robe of worldly pow'r. It gildeth not the godless dome of pride, Nor in the sordid bosom will abide; But as the day-star of each mortal shines, Who in full trust his heart to Heaven resigns O Thou! whose eye all human wants can see, Grant that its influence may govern me; Let that blest ray of peace my soul illume, Nor wane till I descend into the tomb. 0*5 On dim futurity, with idle aim, Man's restless mind is ever prone to gaze, To know what portion he may chance to claim Of all the good and ill that fate displays. 76 Hymns- Impious waste alike of time and thought! Insane attempt, that curtain dark to rend, The hand of Providence itself hath wrought, To veil the evils that o'er life impend. Unwise and rash! foreknowledge, if possest, Would aggravate inevitable woe, Would make the present period unblest, And crush the nerve that else might brave the blow . Thus, too, would promised pleasure lose its zest, Forestalled by expectation long and keen: Oh! then let Heaven's wisdom be confest, That doth from mortal eyes the future screen. How grateful is my heart to Thee, O Lord! For this concealment of life's chequered lines; No tongue can utter, and no pen record The depth of all Thy merciful designs. Proverbs, Chap, xxvii, v. 1. OA Let me for present hours borrow The garland pleasure wears; To God I'll dedicate the morrow, And mourn for misspent years. Half of thy prayer, to thy own sorrow, Is granted, child of mirth! The wreath is thine, but e'er the morrow 'Twill lie with thee in earth. The rich man 'neath his purple awning Contented sits at eve, Nor dreams the sepulchre is yawning, His ashes to receive. 77 Hymns. A widow lifts the voice of mourning, For him who yesterday Vowed with another sun's returning, His pious debts to pay. "The world with graves is perforated," But these beheld them not, Their hearts with luxury elated, Death's dwelling-place forgot. O Israel! the lesson borrow, Nor, for earth's brightest things, Defer to an uncertain morrow Praise to the Kiug of kings. Of Oh! where is he who yesterday Stood erect in manhood's prime? Weep! for the shadow of decay Rests upon the child of time; Weep for creation's noble chief, Whose vital tenure is so brief. Woe to the man, who in a cloudless morning Promise of a golden sunset sees! Nor heeds experience that whispers warning, "Peril lurks in every passing breeze." From the same elements may spring Balm, and bloom, and mortal blight; Yet we watch not time's fleet wing, But pursue some vain delight. For changing seasons unprepared, Though every leaf of life is seared, O shame! thus to foil our Maker's intent, Who moral sagacity gave; That we might improve to their utmost extent, Years that pass between birth and the grave. 78 Hymns. Waste not the present in regret For omissions of the past; Bright blossoms may be gathered yet, Through eternity to last, These are virtues — angel flowers, — Natives of celestial bowers. He that to immortality aspires, Must his heart to Heaven dedicate, And all its thoughts, its feelings, and desires, By the laws of mercy regulate. FOR THE SICK. O/C Hear my voice and grant my pray'r, O Thou life-sustaining God! Heal my flesh, my spirit cheer, That I may Thy mercy laud. Trespasses that seemed but light, When my health and strength remained, Now that these have taken flight, All the weight of guilt have gained. Oh! that I, in hours past, With my soul had oft communed; Slumb'ring passions thence to cast, That awaken but to wound. Lengthen out the little span Of Thy worshipper, O Lord! Nor, till I reform my plan, Cleave for e'er the vital cord, As the dial's shadow turned At the pray'r of Judah's king, Let not my appeal be spurned, Save me still Thy praise to sing. 79 Hymns. PREPARATION FOR DEATH. o^7 O thou! possest of health and bloom, Think how they once in others glowed; And yet, how many to the tomb Passed, unprepared, to meet their God. Pilgrim! "thy house in order set!" Thy soul for sudden change prepare, Ere thou, to cancel nature's debt, Art forced into an unknown sphere. To every fleeting day then link Some blest remembrance as it flies, Some deed that on the grave's dark brink To soothe thy conscience may arise. Keep mercy ever in thy sight, Whether thou judgest friend or foe, Her mantle, pure as heaven's light, Around each erring spirit throw. Let faith triumphant o'er all things. Virtue teach and self-denial, And firmly shall her angel wings, Bear thee through life's stormy trial. Mortal! be warned, while yet thy prime By dread disease is unassailed; Oh! trust not to the future time, Whose aspect God himself hath veiled. DUTIES TOWARDS OTHERS. I. TRUTH. OO Let the standard of truth by Judah be planted, Where'er he may chance to abide; Let praise to the God of his father be chanted, Though strangers his worship deride. 80 Hymns. Oh! fail not to foster each pious emotion That reason or faith generates; But freely and faerlessly breathe your devotion To God, who the soul animates. How weak is the sceptre of temporal power, The spirit of truth to o'er throw! Sublimely o'er time doth her majesty tower, Eternity's herald below. Her law is a lamp to the feet of each mortal That else would in dark places stray; Its light radiates immortality's portal, Nor wanes, though a world may decay. Oh! follow her path, and forsake that of error, All ye who salvation would seek; Nor ever, through danger, through shame, or through terror, Her glorious ordinance break. OQ Early and late my God I seek, Before Him stand and pray; Yet find all human words too weak His wonders to portray. I love to see the morning light Break forth to gladden earth, L,ike charity, that takes delight In cheering humble worth. And when the glorious star of eve Ascends the vault on high, The first to reach, the last to leave Its station in the sky. I think of hope, whose rays serene The dawn of life illume, And still in its decline are seen lingering above the tomb. 81 Hymns. But brighter, purer, more divine, Is truth than either orb; Let this, O God! forever shine, And all my soul absorb. HONESTY. QA Father! will abstinence, or prayer, or song, Open for us celestial portals? Or as atonement serve for any wrong Committed 'gainst our fellow-mortals? Oh, no! the key of mercy's golden gates Turns when touched by penitential tears; And joy alike the contrite soul awaits, And the meek, that no deep blemish bears. Thou lovest him who faithful, true, and just, Even when by poverty beset, Would perish rather than betray his trust, Or the claims of probity forget. The honor Thou as pure dost recognise, Builds not on its predecessor's fame; Nobility in its own spirit lies, Clad in virtue's ermine — a good name. Thy image we behold in human love, In human justice trace Thy form divine; The soul's high statue, soaring high above All mean artifice and low design. From all that their integrity might blight, God of mercy! Thy weak children shield; Most sacred let them hold each other's right, Nor to guileful passions ever yield. 82 Hymns. JUSTICE. Deuteronomy, Chap. i. Qi The prophet to the people said, (Whose numbers none might count,) Full long have ye, O Israel! stayed In Horeb's marble mount. Accomplished are your holy wars, Ye tread the promised land; Your multitudes are as the stars: God's blessing's on your band. But how can I your cumbrance bear, Your burthen and your strife? Wise men among the tribes there are To govern ye through life. Let these adjudge the Hebrew's cause, The stranger's claim decide, And in expounding Heaven's laws, Heed not the person tried. For in the eye nature's God, Degree no favor finds, Rank falls 'neath the judicial rod, Low as the meanest minds. Of mortal face be not afraid, For judgment will descend From Him who is in truth arrayed, The pious poor man's friend. Oh! let the modern Israelite, Taught by the elder time, Treasure this golden rule of right, So simple, yet sublime. When ye as arbiters are called Between the small and great, Let equity stand unappalled And speak its pure dictate. 83 Hymns. RIGHTEOUSNESS. Psalm xv. QO Who, God of glory! shall be found Worthy of so high a grace, As e'er Thy praises to resound In Thy holy dwelling-place, — And with heaven, earth and sea, Join in choral hymns to Thee? He whose soul, all sin abhorring, E'er to virtue's height aspires, And 'gainst evil passions warring, Quenches their unholy fires; Who 'mid fortune's worst caprice, Loses not internal peace. Who shall in the house of prayer, God supreme! Thy praise declare? He who with forebearing meekness, Guilt in others palliates. Yet in self each lesser weakness Searches out and reprobates. He who from reproach or shame Guards a fellow-creature's name. Who shall in His holy place Praise the Lord of life and grace? He whose acts and meditations Are alike from falsehood free, And of truth, on all occasions, Will the fearless champion be. Who with life as soon would part, As the angel of the heart. Who, O God! is justified In Thy temple to abide. 84 93 Hymns. He who sees in moral duty The right tenor of the heart, And in holiness a beauty, That with time will not depart, Virtue thus his soul must raise, Who would his Creator praise. FORBEARANCE. Of all the virtues that we find Promoting bliss among mankind, Forbearance, (upon which depends The peace of kindred and of friends,) Is that which, more than all the rest, Conduces to make mortals blest. Can wit, whose tone is ever high, Or beauty that enchants the eye, With this domestic grace compare, Which doth the robes of meekness wear? Whose look serene, and language sweet, Rude passion ever can defeat? Accomplishments, however rare, Do not enable us to bear The wrongs, the trials, and the strife, To which we are exposed through life; Or cause us humbly to sustain Grief, disappointment, want, or pain. No! to this child of faith alone Are powers of endurance known, — A sufferance of worldly ill, A self-denying pious will, That malice quells, and can assuage The fiercest mood of frantic rage. Long, long didst Thou forbear, O God! To chasten Israel with Thy rod; That chosen but rebellious host, 85 94 Hymns. Thy loving kindness never lost. Be patient still, almighty Sire! Although their sins provoke Thine ire. Grant me, O ever Just and Wise! The virtue I most highly prize, Whose placid temper and soft tone I pray henceforth may be my own. Forbearance grant, in deed and word, To Thy frail worshiper, O Lord! Oh! ever adverse to the scheme Of Providence divine, Is proud intolerance, whose beam Lights but a single shrine. One creed, one teacher, and one sect, Its advocates uphold, Regardless if a world be wrecked, Beyond its narrow fold. It reasons not, but strives to mock That charitable zeal, That e'en for a dissenting flock, Kind sympathy can feel. How patiently hast Thou, O Lord! Discordant faiths allowed, How equally dispensed reward, Or chastisement bestowed: Yet would the bigot sons of pride, (Mere bloated worms at best,) The movements of man's spirit guide, And its free march arrest. 86 Hymns. Father of mercies! Thou alone This blindness canst remove, And bring us all before Thy throne, In bonds of peace and love. QC Why, O man! is not thy soul's desire To virtue's excellence confined? Why let sinful passions e'er conspire To drive her from thy heart and mind! So that in earth's most gifted creatures, Seldom we mark her modest features. One vain-glorious mortal oft will pray To be with worldly honor crowned; And one with the shafts of wit will play, Though these the innocent may wound. Others there are in the human fold, Who ask of Heaven no gift but gold. Shall a righteous neighbor then desert The frailest portion of God's flock, Nor from weak wanderers harm avert, Because in evil paths they walk? Oh! with friendly care and frequent call, Watch and warn the erring, lest they fall. Yea, though to the verge of vice they stray, Your zealous effort ne'er suspend; Thence, at last they may be led away, And made at virtue's shrine to bend. Pride alone fram sinners stands aloof; I worship God ! approach His shrine, All ye children of the dust ; Exalt that Providence divine In whose guardianship ye trust. Are ye the affluent ? Alas ! Wealth preserves ye not from woe ; Care e'en through palace gates will pass, Bribes suspend not death's strong blow. Oh, worship God ! His temple seek, Helpless offspring of despair ! Advance, ye languishing and weak ! To the nursery of prayer. Has fortune crushed beneath her wheel, Those she once with riches crowned ? Has friendship, that her wounds should heal, Left your bleeding hearts unbound ? Oh, worship God ! His name extol, Who man's lot hath equalized, Causing pride of wealth to fall, Raising needy worth despised. Forget not then, ye righteous poor, Though ye taste not of the sweets With which your brother's cup runs o'er, Justice still each portion metes. Worship the Lord, ye widowed hearts ! Whose promise faith hath spoken, Who balm to the bereaved imparts, And soothes the spirit broken. Ye fatherless ! your grief assuage, And to God address your prayers ; The shield of youth, the staff of age, Gently dries the orphan tears. 105 Hymns. Worship your Maker; sons of earth ! In plenty or privation ; Though high or humble be your birth, Lofty or low your station. In kindness oft life's bitter draught To human lips is tendered ; Let homage, e'en while it is quaffed, To God be meekly rendered. •1 -1 J Lift, lift the voice of praise on high, The Lord of life to glorify ! Thy spirit bow in humble prayer, Remember, mortal, God is here. Within the Sanctuary's walls, To dust all proud pretension falls ; The curtain of the soul is drawn, And worldly vanities are gone. Art thou in power's highest place? Oh! turn towards the throne of Grace; How will thy fancied grandeur fleet Before thy Maker's mercy-seat. Doth thou of temp'ral treasures boast? Faith slumbers not upon her post, But asks thee, with impressive tone, How thou repay est Heaven's loan. If want, by thee unaided, weeps, Nor gleanings from thy harvest reaps, Then art thou poor, with all thy gold, For virtue casts thee from her fold. Oh! may our thoughts, eternal God! Be suitable to Thy abode; These disengage from sordid schemes, And wean from all ambition's dreams. 106 Hymns. Let holiness alone pervade The soul by Thee immortal made; And grant that, till its final flight, Thy praise may prove its chief delight. DEVOTION. 118 ^ e ^ ll £ e * see k at tne shrine of devotion, When life's evil destinies compass me round, There can my heart ever calm its commotion, By voicing the prayers that within it abound. Those who in smiles and in sunshine are basking, Listen but coldly to sorrow's rehearsal; Witness Thou only my spirit's unmasking, Father of mercy and Friend universal. Thou, by whose hand every wound is anointed, Wilt (as thy servant each weakness confesses) Give to the heart, of its hope disappointed, Counsel that chastens not less than it blesses. Grant me great Fountain of faith and of feeling! Patient endurance and meek self-denial, Give to the soul at Thy altar appealing, Courage in peril and firmness in trial. 119 ^ eg ^ n t ^ ie k Qr y hymn of praise, And let the choral band Repeat, as they their voices raise: Know before whom ye stand ! All ye in convocation brought By God's divine command, Remember what His hand hath wrought: Know before whom ye stand! 'Tis He whose ark the deluge braved, Whose rainbow heaven spanned, Whose outstretched arm the righteous saved: Know before whom ye stand! 107 Hymns. The self -revealed, the great I AM, Who lead from Egypt's land The heirs of faithful Abraham: Know before whom ye stand! Who sent to Bethel (house of God) A glorious angel band To bless the dreamer on the sod: Know before whom ye stand! Though now the glory may be lost, That God for Judah planned, Forsake not faith's exalted post: Know before whom ye stand! Oh! let devotion, pure and strong, Your grateful hearts expand. Repeating s'dll in sacred song: Know before whom ye stand! PRAISE AND THANKSGIVING. Psalm cl. His mighty acts to magnify, And make those mercies understood, His hand delights to multiply. Praise ye the Lord! Break forth, O Israel! into song, Let hymns ascend to heaven's vault; No sweeter task hath mortal tongue, Than its Creator to exalt Praise ye the Lord! The firmament's bright starry wall Shall tremblingly vibrate the sound, When with a trumpet ye extol A God who doth in grace abound. Praise ye the Lord! 108 Hymns- Smite ye the harp, the timbrel roll, And let the organ swell sublime In praise of Him who formed the soul For bliss beyond the bounds of time. Praise ye the Lord! O holy, holy, holy King! Prostrate we bow before Thy throne, And of salvation's power sing, Possessed by Thee, and Thee alone. Praise ye the Lord! Let hallelujah loudly rise! Let hallelujah softly fall! Until on angel lips it dies, As they unto each other call- Praise ye the Lord! lOI Let the Lord be ever praised, Ever loved and glorified; Though His mighty hand be raised, Sons of earth to bless or chide. Wisdom, justice, truth, and grace, Are His attributes sublime; These are seen throughout all space, These are felt throughout all time. Contemplate, O mortal man! Heaven and its starry host, Worlds of light, whose perfect plan Leaves the soul in wonder lost. Turn and view the elements, In their calmness or their strife, Ocean, that appals the sense, Air, that ministers to life. 109 122 Hymns. Earth, that, while thou livest, yields All her fruitful breast contains, When thou diest, kindly shields All of thee that then remains. L,ast, the restless flame behold, As it towers to the clouds, Bursting through its smoky fold, Like thy spirit from its shrouds Seest thou not in all of these Emanations, pure and bright, From that power whose decrees Can alone bring bloom or blight ? Seek not then, whate'er they state, Whether lofty or obscure, Mysteries to penetrate, But be silent and adore. Eternal, almighty, invisible God! We gratefully enter Thy sacred abode, With rev'rence and love to exalt Thy great name, And loudly thy manifold mercies proclaim. As kindred surrounding a family shrine, We here stand assembled for worship divine; Thy presence, O Lord! let us all realize, While songs to thy Throne shall in harmony rise. Though angels their voices with mortals unite, And sing of Thy glory from morning till night; All praises must short of Thy excellence fall, Creator, Protector, and Father of all! Oh! still be the shepherd of Israel's flock, Progressive in faith let us steadily walk, Made pure by Thy law, to whose promise and threat The seals, both of justice and mercy were set. 110 Hymns. Blest witnesses shall we continue to be, That we have no god nor redeemer but Thee, Thy truth and Thy unity zealous to urge, In life or when brought to eternity's verge •J yi We bless Thee, O Lord! as the bountiful Source Of gifts which the seasons renew in their course; For the showers of Spring, whose verdure and bloom Are redeemed by Thy hand from a wintry tomb. In Summer departed, the Lord, our Shield, To man all the glory of nature revealed, The light of whose spirit past over the earth; Undimmed by the shadows of sickness or dearth. Thy mercy, O God! let the living extol, When leaves of the Autumn around them shall fall, Who still with the fruits of abundance are crowned, While death for his sickle no harvest hath found. Thou wilt not forsake in the Winter of age, The righteous who praised Thee in life's early stage The sacrifice, then, of thanksgiving ne'er cease, All ye who are blessed with health, freedom, and peace. A few may yet weep in the fullness of love, For those whom Thy wisdom thought fit to remove: Grieve not when a child in its purity dies, From dust as a cherub it soon shall arise. Nor long mourn for those who, maturer in years, Before us have passed from the valley of tears; Though dead to this world, in a brighter abode They dwell with their Father, their Friend, and their God. Ill Hymns. "i OA Extol the King who, throned above, And crowned with righteousness and love, Hath reigned from the eternal past, And shall be Sovereign to the last. His praise the morning sun began, Ere he the course of nature ran, When conscious of a glow divine, In majesty he rose to shine. His praise the stars of evening sung, When they into their orbits sprung, And fill the firmament of night, With glory from a greater light. And earth to its remotest bound, Still circulates the joyous sound, Rock, wave, and wind, and tree, and flow'r, Confess an omnipresent Pow'r. Art thou alone, O mortal man! A silent witness of that plan, By wisdom and by mercy wrought, That faith might to thy soul be taught? Arise! and with thy heart and voice, In presence of thy God rejoice! For thought and speech to thee belong, For meditative praise and song. 125 All living souls shall bless Thy name, O just and gracious God! All flesh Thy providence proclaim, Thy holy works applaud. 112 Hymns. From age to age will we relate The wonders Thou hast wrought, Delighting to expatiate On all which Thou hast taught. Young men and maidens lift the voice, Thy wisdom to extol; And children in Thy praise rejoice, Father and Friend of all ! But though our hands should be outspread, As are the eagle's wings, To thank Thee for the daily bread, That from Thy bounty springs; Though song, like sounding billows, too, Should from our lips proceed; How large a debt would yet be due To Thee, from Jacob's seed! Thrice holy, Lord of hosts! art Thou, Ineffable and pure! Before Thy Majesty we bow, Great King, whom we adore. "\Ofi Above all honor and all praise, Art Thou exalted, Lord! Yet would our lips in holy lays, Glory to Thee accord: Thy truth transcend eth human thought, Thy love no limit knows; And every precept Thou hast taught, With mercy's spirit glows. Time hath for Thee no present hour, No past or future day; Eternity attests Thy pow'r, And mocks his measured sway. 113 Hymns. Though brief our mortal period, Let us that knowledge gain, Which brings us near to Thee, O God! And bursts our worldly chain. Oh! let it be our chief delight, From carnal links to free The soul, whose essence, pure and bright, Claims kindred, Lord! with Thee 197 Glory and praise to the bountiful Sire, Whose hand gave to man all his heart could desire. Placed organs of speech in the temple of thought, And the music of prayer from the soul was thus brought. O beautiful harmony! spirit and voice In the praise of their maker together rejoice, His name magnify and His attributes laud, Past, present, and future — the One, only God! Sing, Israel! sing of that Power Supreme, Whose wisdom reflecting its own chastened beam, On the image of clay upon which it had breathed, To mortals the blessing of reason bequeathed. O ineffable gift! unparalleled grace! Let it ring through all time, resound through all .space, That star of the mind virtue's course indicates, And truth's holy light in its orb concentrates. And though no conception or language of ours, E'en faintly may shadow God's presence or powers, Let us never forego the music of prayer, Nor anthems of praise that His mercies declare. 114 Hymns. House of Judah, bless the Lord! Let His praise be your delight; On your hearts His law record, Walk ye in its perfect light. Let the poor an altar rear, Though with roughest stones they build; If the worship be sincere, Faith's high purpose is fullfilled. Round that unpretending shrine, Angel visitants shall stand; 'Tis a bethel as divine, As the Luz of holy land. By the rich, who oft to pride Cedar palaces erect, Temples should be multiplied Like the fane that Zion decked. Yet if sacrifice in these Rise not up from righteous folds, It will fail that God to please Who but asks unblemished souls. Bless the Lord, ye rich and poor! E'en as brothers, bless One Sire; Love fraternal, meek and pure, Feeds devotion's altar-fire. If mortal vision may not meet The sun's meridian rays; But would beneath some cloud retreat, To shun its noontide blaze: Oh! how shall man then elevate The soul's eternal eye To God, the awful aggregate Of suns that never die, 115 Hymns. In whom the lights of truth and grace, Of wisdom, justice, love, In one stupendous mind embrace. And in one glory move. As angels cover with their wings, Their dazzled orbs on high, Friendly to faith, kind nature flings 'Twixt God and man, the sky. Softly the veil thus interposed, Relieves the spirit's gaze, And lips that e'er in fear had closed, Now ope, the Lord to praise. Reflective of Almighty beams, The soul intensely burns, And ever most immortal seems, When heavenward it turns. ■1 *1 A Princes of earth! bend lowly down Before the Lord of hosts, Who sees in holiness a crown, More bright than monarch boasts. And ye, who o'er the free preside With delegated sway, Ask counsel of that gracious Guide, Who bids the light of day. With equal radiance to gild The simplest shrub or flower, As the tall cedar that may build A temple or a tower. Ye erring multitudes who bow To kings of transient date, To heaven's Sovereign homage bow, Whose will controls your fate. 116 Hymns. God's majesty and mercy sing, All ye, whose pleasant lot Is cast where freedom's altars spring, And where her creed is taught. But whether ye as bondmen live, Or freemen's rights possess, Praise to the Lord for ever give, And all his statutes bless- MORNING. i 71 Refresh' d by sleep, that sovereign balm, Which best can human woes assuage; My spirit feels a holy calm, And pious thoughts my soul engage. That soul which but the previous hour Had in the world of dreams been lost, And perch 'd on many a thornless flower, Which fields of fancy only boast. Return 'd from its wild pilgrimage, Sings first unto the lord of light, A heav'nly bird in mortal cage, Preparing for its final flight. Hear it, O thou, eternal God! And grant the blessing it may crave, Cherish it, while on earth's abode, Receive it, when beyond the grave Too often in this narrow vale, Its note is saddened by distress; But whether joy or grief prevail, Thy name it shall for ever bless. And when it struggles to be free, What then is its exalted aim? To reach that immorality. Where angel hosts Thy praise proclaim. 117 Hymns. EVENING. •i'lO The Lord, a watchful Guardian, reigns 13 & Q , er all create( i sou i s; His hand the universe sustains, His will its course controls. Conception, at its utmost height, Can never comprehend The glory, majesty, and might, That in Omniscience blend. When musing, I at eventide The firmament survey, Whose golden orbs, celestial Guide Thy wondrous skill display. In silent adoration lost, My soul the earth forgets, Itself; like that immortal host, A star that never sets. How great the mercy, vast the love Of Providence divine, Who thus created worlds above, For man's delight to shine! Oh! ever in their presence bright, Devotion stronger grows, Ascending to the God of light, Of darkness and repose. SPRING. -|^ Holy and everlasting One! ^^^ With joy we hail the vernal sun, With pride on nature's temple gaze, Where spring her sweet oblation lays, 118 Hymns. Firstlings of fragrance there abound, Blossoms without a blemish found, OIF rings, the Invite e'en might prize, For incense worthy of the skies . The strangers now in Palestine, The rose of Sharon we resign , Lilies no more, within its light, Expand to gladden Israel's sight. Holy and everlasting One! Glory is from Thy people gone; Yet praise from their lips shall gush, Who seem, like Thy own burning bush, Endued with some mysterious power, O'er hostile elements to tower; A human branch by Heav'n illumed, Through time to flourish unconsumed. WINTER. Oh! sad is nature's aspect now, When summer-birds no longer sing, And leaves are dying on each bough, That were but infants in the spring. So perish youth's ambitious hopes, The foliage of the tree of life, Till every verdant relic drops, Amid the storm of worldy strife. But Providence, for ever kind, Hath left to man one evergreen. That, when his blooming hours declined, On the grave's border might be seen. That gift is faith! the brightest, best, That mercy plants in mortal spheres; Beneath its shade the spirit blest, Its farewell from this earth prepares. 119 Hymns. *J 'JC How sad the wintry hours seem, When birds are mute and blossoms die, That in the Summer's brighter beam, Sent song and incense to the sky. Will thoughtless man thus meditate, And glean not in his walks abroad, From nature in each varied state, Fresh cause for glorifying God ? The frost that lies upon the earth Is but the shroud of transient death; And silently for second birth, The plants and herbs prepare beneath. The leafless branch has warned the bird Of winter's desolating sway, The voice of instinct has been heard, It warbles 'neath a warmer ray. Shepherds their timid flocks secure From blasts that would destroy the shorn, And God, the Pastor of the poor, Protects the feeble and forlorn. Author of seasons! teach my mind To view, in each vicissitude, A Providence divine and kind, Whose wonders are for e'er renewed. PEACE. -1 *lfL O Thou! who, as the Great Unknown, From pole to pole art glorified, Whose lavish hand, for every zone, Doth gifts appropriate provide — Of Thee a special blessing now Most fervently do we implore, That discord may no shadow throw On freedom's altar evermore. 120 Hymns. Let thrones of righteous judgment here Throughout all future years be found: And may that spirit disappear, Whose breath pollutes that hallowed ground, - That selfish spirit which pursues, (Regardless of a neighbor's right,) Each purpose that promotes its views, Or raises it to power's height. Serene, harmonious, and sublime, Let peace prevail, from age to age, Untarnished by the stroke of time, Or rude assault of jealous rage. From civil conflict keep us free, Abhorrent to the pious mind — And grant us, Father, peace with Thee, With conscience, and with all mankind. 137 Is there within the world's wide bound A place where peace may e'er be found ? Oh ! not in palaces of pride Will Heaven's messenger abide. With glory she will not sojourn, But from its trophies trembling turn, Nor long with human love remain, That born on earth, must bear its stain. She passeth not the gates of sin, Nor want nor wealth her smile can win; She droppeth not her olive-leaf Upon the couch of pain or grief. What being then on mortal ground, By peace hath ever yet been crowned ? She dwelleth as a seraph guest, With such as succor the opprest. 121 Hymns. Her blessing ever is with those Who freely will forgive their foes, Who, firm in faith, in feeling pure, The One Eternal God adore. OUR COUNTRY. i 'SO Father of nations! Judge divine ! From Thy blessed realms above Thine ear to prayers and hymns incline, Breathed by patriotic love. Is there one upon this earth, Who in welfare or in woe, For the country of his birth, Feels not sympathy's strong glow ? Oh ! may we not this feeling trace To creation's primal date ? When the great parent of our race Felt the exile's bitter fate ? His first tears were not for toil. But for his lost flower-land — Paradise, his native soil, Closed on him by God's command. That pure sentiment was nursed When man's innocence had waned; His progeny, where'er dispersed, Kept this virtue unprofaned. Native to all human kind Is the sod of liberty ! Where no tyrant's law may bind Souls by nature's God made free. Brethren ! let hearts and voices blend In one deep and earnest prayer, That Heaven's blessing may descend Upon Freedom's hallowed sphere; 122 Hymns. Where untrammeled faith may sing Fearless of the bigot's frown, But to One Celestial King Bowing her pure spirit down. Where, upon wisdom's equal plan, Conscience no controller dreads, Secure that on the rights of man No usurping despot treads; Where unto the highest throne, Free-will offerings are brought, Homage to that One alone, In whose image we are wrought. Fountain of justice, truth and peace ! May these virtues animate, Until life itself shall cease, All the sons of freedom's state. Grant, that when transferred to earth, (As religion's charter shows,) In heaven, where our souls had birth, They at last may find repose. PENITENCE. 1 ^0 ^ * Answer me > my God ! this day Of abstinence and prayer ; Put my transgressions far away, And soften my despair. Answer me, Thou ! in whom alone A Saviour I behold, When I confess before Thy throne My frailties manifold. But in what language shall I paint The depth of my remorse, For sins of free-will and constraint, Done in my evil course ? 123 Hymns. The vast, the awful aggregate, My conscious soul confounds; Pity, O Lord ! and meliorate Thy servant's moral wounds. Oh ! answer me, eternal King ! When, overwhelmed with shame, I to thy sacred altar cling, And call upon Thy name. Sinner in practice and in speech. Yet dare I hope for grace ; For angel-mercy fills the breach Where wrath once found a place. (Partially paraphrased from the 51st Psalm.) 14-0 -^ ave merc y on thy servant, Lord ! According to Thy loving kindness ; And from my spirit ever ward That worst of evils — moral blindness. Oft doth the world man's deeds applaud, His seeming righteousness believing ; But Thy all-searching eye, O God ! There is no power of deceiving. This witnesses each guilty thought, Watches each criminal impression, Long, long before it has been wrought Into an active, bold transgression. Wisdom that in the inward part, With pure truth should in alliance dwell, Forsakes too oft my feeble heart, Prone gainst Thy statutes to rebel. Oh ! wash me with Thy gracious hand, Thou whose judgments e'er are justified, That in Thy presence I may stand, From unhallowed passions purified. 124 141 Hymns. Thoroughly cleansed by Thee alone Can the children of corruption be ; No hyssop upon earth is known That can from stain the spirit free. Oh ! give me, Father, some kind token, That Thou wilt change to songs of gladness, Prayers that from a spirit broken, Have been breathed here in contrite sadness. With sacrifice Thou wilt dispense, Glorious Author of Creation ! But to the soul that sin repents Hast promised pardon and salvation. Isaiah, chap. i