\^-r rTy^y'^ ' «• ic:v"j>. ^; iv-'i-'' • li^^i' % m «. wmm ^r« 0 ' 'IF *■ <^fi^'~' 11 ■ '"■ CtT" / PRINCETON, N. J. S* (^resented by Mr. Samuel Agnew of Philadelphia, Pa. BV Division Section ^ ' ^ Number 4M^ ^•^ ms^ tvC7 C. M. Cotton-. ^ Lord's Day Hymn. 1 This is the day the Lord of life Ascended to the skies ; My thoughts, pursue the lofty theme. And to the heaven arise. 2 Let no vain cares divert my mind From this celestial road ; 20 THE LORD S DAY. Nor all the honours of the earth Detam my soul from God. 3 Think of the splendors of that place, The joys that are on high ; Nor meanly rest contented here, With worlds beneath the sky. 4 Heaven is the birth-place of the saints, To heaven their souls ascend ; The Almighty owns his favorite race, As Father and as Friend. 5 0 may these lovely titles prove My comfort and defence, When the sick couch shall be my lot, And death shall call me hence. 2|§ L. M. Watts. Ji Hymn for the Lord's Day. Sweet is the work, my God, my King, To praise thy name, give thanks and sing, To show thy love by morning light. And talk of all thy truth at night. Sweet is the day of sacred rest, No mortal care shall seize my breast ; My heart shall triumph in the Lord, And bless his works, and bless his word. And I shall share a glorious part. When grace hath well refined my heart ; When doubts and fears no more remain, To break my inward peace again. 21 29 CHRISTIAN WORSHIP, AND 4 Then shall I see, and hear, and know, All I desired or wished below ; And every power find sweet employ In the eternal world of joy. 29 C. M. Watts. Hymn for the Lord's Day. 1 This is the day the Lord hath made, He calls the hours his own, Let heaven rejoice, let earth b^glad, And praise surround the throne. 2 To-day arose our glorious head, And death's dread empire fell ; To-day would w^e his triumph spread, And all its wonders tell. 3 Hosanna ! the anointed king Ascends his destined throne ; To God your grateful homage bring. And his Messiah own. 4 Sent by his Father's love, he came To bless our sinful race : Let all adore the Father's name. And celebrate his grace. 5 Adore him in the highest strains The church on earth can raise : The highest heavens, in which he reigns, Shall give him nobler praise. 23 THE lord's day. 30, 31 •}Q S. M. Watts. The same subject. 1 The work, O Lord, is thine, And wondrous in our eyes ; This day proclaims it all divine. This day did Jesus rise. 2 We hail the glorious day, With thankful heart and voice, Which chased each painful doubt away, And bade the church rejoice. 3 Since he hath left the grave, His promises are true ; And each exalted hope he gave, Confirmed of God we view. 4 O come the happy hour, When all the earth shall own Thy Son, O God, declared with power, And worship at thy throne. 5 That we possess thy word Which all this grace displays. Accept, thou Father of our Lord, Our sacrifice of praise. 31 C. M. Mrs. Barbauld. Tlie Lord's Day Morning. 1 Again the Lord of life and light Awakes the kindling ray ; 23 32 CHRISTIAN WORSHIP, AND Unseals the eyelids of the mom, And pours increasing day. 2 O what a night was that, which wrapt The heathen world in gloom ! O what a sun, which broke, this day, Triumphant from the tomb ! 3 This day be grateful homage paid, And loud hosannas sung ; Let gladness dwell in every heart, And praise on every tongue. 4 Ten thousand differing lips still join To hail this welcome morn. Which scatters blessinq;s from its winofs To nations yet unborn. 32 ^- ^- Needham. The Lord's Day Morning. 1 Hail, happy morn ! whose early ray Beheld the Saviour rise ; Welcome again, auspicious day ! To our rejoicing eyes. 2 On this blest morn, birth-day of hope ! O let not, one be sad ; This is the day the Lord hath made. And bids our souls be glad. 3 Come, and the wonders of the day In notes harmonious sino- ; Tell to the world the conquest's gained By your victorious King. 24 THE lord's day. 33 4 O happy souls, that feel the power Of his attractive love ! With him they die, with him they live, And seek the things above. 3*} p. M. Miss Dav. Attendance upon Religious Institutions. 1 I'll bless Jehovah's glorious name. Whose goodness heaven and earth pro- claim, With every morning light ; And at the close of every day. To him my cheerful homage pay. Who guards me throuo^h the night. O DO 2 Then in his churches to appear. And pay my humble worship there. Shall be my sweet employ. The day that saw my Saviour rise Shall dawn on my delighted eyes With pure and holy joy. 3 With grateful sorrow in my breast, I'll celebrate the dying feast Of my departing Lord ; And while his perfect love I view, His bright example I'll pursue, And meditate his word. C 25 PART II. PRAISE TO GOD. 34 L. M. ; Watts. God Exalted above all Praise. 1 Eternal Power, whose high abode Becomes the majesty of God, Infinite lengths beyond the bounds Where stars revolve their little rounds ! . 2 Far in the depths of space thy throne Burns with a lustre all its own : In shining ranks beneath thy feet, Angelic powers and splendors meet, 3 Lord, what shall feeble mortals do ? We would adore our Maker too. With lowly minds to thee we cry, The Great, the Holy, and the High ! 4 Something we learn from nature's frame ; Thy word has more revealed thy name : Yet still thy greatness. Lord, we find, Leaves all our soaring thoughts behind. 5 God is in heaven, and man below. Short be our tunes, our words be few, A sacred reverence checks our songs, And praise sits silent on our tongues. 26 PRAISE TO GOD. 35, 36 •{5 C. M. Watts. God the Proper Object of Praise. 1 Awake, ye saints, to praise your King, Your sweetest passions raise ; Your pious pleasure, while you sing, Increasing with the praise. 2 Great is the Lord, and works unknown Are his divine employ ; But still his saints are near his throne, His treasure and his joy. 3 Heaven, earth, and sea, confess his hand, He bids the vapours rise ; Lightning, and storm, at his command, Sweep through the sounding skies. 4 All powTr that gods or kings have claimed Is found with him alone ; But heathen gods should ne'er be named Where our Jehovah's knoAvn. 5 Before the true, the living God, We bow with faith and fear ; He makes our churches his abode, And claims our honors there. ' *J0 p. M. Watts. Praise to God the Universal Sovereign. 1 Let all the earth their voices raise, To sing the choicest hymns of praise. To magnify Jehovah's name : 27 37 PRAISE TO GOD. His glory let the heathen know, His wonders to the nations show, And all his mighty works proclaim. 2 The heathen know thy glory, Lord, The wondering nations read thy word ; And here Jehovah's name is known : Our worsliip never shall be paid To gods which mortal hands have made. Our Maker is our God alone. 3 He framed the globe, he built the sky. He made the shining- worlds on high, And reigns complete in glory there : His robes are majesty and light ; His splendor, how divinely bright ! His temple, how divinely fair ! 4 Come the great day, the glorious hour. When earth shall feel his saving power, And distant nations fear his name : Then shall the race of man confess The beauty of his holiness. And in his courts his grace proclaim. 3^ L. M. Merrick. Praise ye (he Lord. Sing to the Lord a joyful song, Earth, to his praise the note prolong, Till realms remote his acts have known, Au4 man's whole race his wonders own. 28 PRAISE TO GOD. 38 2 Great is the Lord, and great his praise ; What god like him our fear can raise ? Not such as heathen lands afford, Created first, and then adored. 3 Let every people, every tribe, Power, glory, strength, to him ascribe ; Yield to his name the honors due ; Oft to his courts your w^ay pursue. 4 Before the beauty of his shrine. Ye saints, in low prostration join ; Ye natives of each distant shore, His power revere, his name adore. ♦}§ C. M. Watts. Ji Hymn of Praise to God. 1 Among the princes, earthly gods, There's none hath power divine ; Nor is their nature, mighty Lord, Nor are their works like thine. 2 The nations thou hast made shall bring Their offerings round thy throne ; For thou alone dost wondrous things, For thou art God alone. 3 Lord, I would walk with holy feet : Teach me thine heavenly ways ; And all my noblest powers unite, In God my Father's praise. c* 29 39, 40 PRAISE TO GOD. 30 P- M. Warrington Col. The God and Father of Christ to be Praised. 1 O COME, all ye sons of Adam, and raise A song unto God ; how lovely his praise ! Adore him who reigns in his glory above. And fills the wide earth with his tokens of love. 2 His breath is your life, your reason a ray Effused from his light to guide all your way ; He heals your diseases, your wants he sup- plies, And wipes away tears from the penitent's eyes. 3 Dash down your false gods of silver and stone ; Him worship who made earth and heaven alone. His prophet, his son, his salvation receive. Flee, flee from perdition, obey him and live. 4 O Father of men, iij mercy command The gospel to shine on all human land ; That far as the sun e'er diffuses his flame. Thy praises may rise in Messiah's great name. ^0 C. M. Watts. Reverential Worship. 1 Sing to the Lord Jehovah's name, And in his strength rejoice : 30 PRAISE TO GOD. 41 When his salvation is our theme, Exalted be our voice. 2 With thanks approach his awful sight, And sonors ol" honour sino^ : The Lord's a God of boundless might, The whole creation's King. 3 Let princes hear, let angels know. How mean their natures seem ; Those gods on high, and gods below, When once compared with Him. 4 Earth, with its caverns dark and deep, Lies in his spacious hand ; He fixed the sea what bounds to keep, And where the hills must stand. 5 Come, and with humble souls adore ; Come, kneel before his face : O may the creatures of his power Be children of his grace ! 41 S. M. Watts. The same subject. Come, sound his praise abroad. And hymns of glory sing : Jehovah is the mighty God, The universal King. He formed the deeps unknown ; He gave the seas their bound ; 31 42 PRAISE TO GOD. The watery worlds are all his own, And all the solid ground. 3 Come, worship at his throne ; Come, bow before the Lord ; We are his work, and not our own, He formed us by his word. 4 To-day attend his voice, Nor dare provoke his rod ; Come, like the people of his choice, And own your gracious God. ^2 P' M- Salisbury Col. Humble Moration. 1 Holy, holy, holy Lord ! Be thy glorious name adored ; Lord, thy mercies never fail ; Hail, celestial goodness, hail ! 2 Though unworthy. Lord, thine ear, Deig'n our humble son^s to hear ; Purer praise we hope to bring, When around thy throne we sing. 3 There no tongue shall silent be ; All shall join in harmony ; That through heaven's capacious round Praise to thee may ever sound. 4 Lord, thy mercies never fail ; Hail, celestial goodness, hail ! Holy, holy, holy Lord ! Be thy glorious name adored. 32 PRAISE TO GOD. 43, 44 43 C. M. Watts. Ealionul and Devout Praise. 1 O FOR a shout of sacred joy To God the sovereign King ! Let every land their tongues employ, And hymns of triumph sing. 2 In Israel stood his ancient throne ; He loved that chosen race : But now he calls the world his own, And heathens taste his grace. 3 While angels praise the heavenly King, Let mortals learn their strains : Let all the earth his honors sing ; O'er all the earth he reigns. 4 Rehearse his praise with awe profound ; Let knowledge lead the song ; Nor mock him with a solemn sound, Upon a thoughtless tongue. 44 L. M. Tate. [Ps. c] 1 With one consent, let all the earth To God their cheerful voices raise ; Glad homage pay with awful mirth, And sing before him songs of praise : 2 Convinced that he is God alone. From whom both we and all proceed ; We, whom he chooses for his own. The flock that he vouchsafes to feed. 33 45 PRAISE TO GOD. 3 O enter then his temple gate, Thence to his courts devoutly press ; And still your grateful hymns repeat, And still his name with praises bless. 4 For he's the Lord, supremely good. His mercy is for ever sure ; His truth, which always firmly stood. To endless ages shall endure. i^5 L. M. Watts. [Ps. c] 1 Before Jehovah's awful throne, Ye nations, bow with sacred joy ; Know that the Lord is God alone ; He can create, and he destroy. 2 His sovereign power, Avithout our aid, Made us of clay and formed us men ; And when like wandering sheep we strayed, He brought us to his fold again. 3 We are his people, we his care. Our souls and all our mortal frame ; What lasting honors shall we rear. Almighty Maker, to thy name ! 4 We'll crowd thy gates with thankful songs, High as Jhe heavens our voices raise ; And earth, with her ten thousand tongues. Shall fill thy courts with sounding praise. 5 Wide as the world is thy command ; Vast as eternity thy love ; 34 PRAISE TO GOD. 46, 47, 48 Firm as a rock thy truth must stand, When rolling years shall cease to move. 40 I- M. Watts. Praise from all Nations. 1 From all that dwell below the skies, Let the Creator's praise arise ; •Let his almighty name be sung. Through every land, by every tongue. 2 Eternal are thy mercies, Lord ! Eternal truth attends thy word : Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore, Till suns shall rise and set no more. 4'2' C. M. Edinburgh Col. Praise to God as the First and the Last. 1 I AM the first, and I the last ; Time centres all in me : The Almighty God, who was, and is. And ever more shall be. 2 To him let every tongue be praise. And every heart be love ; All grateful honors paid on earth. And nobler songs above. 4§ p. M. Walker's Col. Glory to the Most High God. I Glory be to God on high ! Hallelujah ! God, whose glory fills the sky : 35 49 PRAISE TO GOD. Lift your voice, ye people all ; Praise the God on whom ye call. 2 God his sovereign sway maintains ; King o'er all the earth he reigns : All to him lift up their eye ; He does every want supply. 3 Sons of earth, the triumph join, Praise him with the host divine ; Emulate the heavenly powers; Their all-gracious God is ours. 4 Happy, who his laws obey ! Them he rules with milder sway ; Pure and lioly hearts alone He hath chosen for his own. 5 Him, whose joy is to restore, Him let all our hearts adore : Earth and heaven repeat the cry, Glory be to God on high. 4:0 C. M. Merrick. Universal Praise. 1 Arise, ye people ! clap the hand. Exulting strike the chord ; Let every isle and every land Confess the Almighty Lord. 2 Sing to our God in loudest strain. Perpetual praises sing : O'er earth's wide bounds extends his reign; O praise -our God and King. 36 PRAISE TO GOD. 50 3 Prepare, prepare, with tuneful art, In one assem))led throng. Your shares of harmony to part, And raise the heaven-taught song. 4 His sway the sons of human kind With humble homage own ; And sanctity, with power combined, Supports his lasting throne. 5 For he, whose hands amid the skies The eternal sceptre wield, To earth's whole race his care applies. And o'er them spreads the shield. ^Q C. M. New Selection. Protection and Praise. 1 Let songs of praise from all below To thee, O God, ascend, Whose bounties unexhausted flow, Whose mercies know no end. 2 But chief by them that debt be paid, 'Midst dangers circling round, Who still in thy almighty aid Have sure protection found. 3 The wandering exile, doomed to stray O'er many a desert wide, Who fearless takes his lonely way. With God his guard and guide : 4 The mariner, who tempts the sea When storms impending Ictwer, D 37 51 PRAISE TO GOD. Or tempests rage — yet trusts in thee, And owns thy mighty power : 5 The wretch who pressed by countless woes, That no cessation see, Still bids his steadfast hope repose, Almighty Lord, on thee : 6 All, all shall join to bless thy name. Whose heavenly aid they prove ; 7\s all have felt, let all proclaim Thy boundless power and love. ^ J P. M. Birmingham Col. Good Men Invited to Praise God. 1 Ye works of God, on him alone, His footstool earth, high heaven his throne, Be all your praise bestowed : His hand the beauteous fabric made, His eye the finished w^ork surveyed, And saw that all was good. 2 Ye sons of men, his praise display Who stamped his image on your clay. And gave it power to move : Where'er ye go, where'er ye dwell. From age to age successive tell The wonders of his love. 3 Ye spirits of the just and good, Who, panting for that blest abode. To heaven's bright mansions soar : O let your songs his praise display. Till nature's self shall waste away. And time shall be no more. 38 PRAISE TO GOD. 52 4 Praise him, ye meek and humble train ! Who sliall those heavenly joys obtain, Prepared for souls sincere : Now praise him till you take your way To regions of eternal day, To dwell for ever there. 52 P- M. DODDRIDGL. Hymn of Praise. 1 O PRAISE ye the Lord, prepare a new song, And let all his saints in full concert join : With voices united the anthem prolong, And show forth his praises with music di- vine. 2 Let praise to the Lord, who made us, ascend, Let each grateful heart be glad in its King : The God whom we worship our songs will attend, And view with complacence the offering we bring. 3 Be joyful, ye saints, sustained by his might, And let your glad songs awake with each morn : For those who obey him are still his delight, His hand with salvation the meek will adorn. 4 Then praise ye the Lord, prepare a glad song, And let all his saints in full concert join : 39 53, 54 PRAISE TO GOD. With voices united the anthem prolong. And show forth his praises with music di- vine. 5*5 P. M. Fawcett. Universal Praise. 1 Praise to thee, thou great Creator ! Praise to thee from every tongue; Join, my soul, with every creature, Join the universal song. 2 For ten thousand blessings given, For the hope of future joy ; Sound his praise through earth and heaven, Sound Jehovah's praise on high. ^^ C. M. Mrs. Rovve. Praise to the God of Nature. 1 Begin, my soul, the lofty strain ; In solemn accents sing A sacred hymn of grateful praise To heaven's almighty King. •2 Ye curling fountains, as ye roll Your silver waves along, Whisper to all your verdant shores The subject of my song. 3 Retain it long, ye echoing rocks, The sacred sound retain, And from your liollow winding caves Return it oft again. 40 PRAISE TO GOD. 55 4 Bear it, ye winds, on all your wings, To distant climes away, And round the wide-extended world The lofty theme convey. 5 Take the glad burden of his name, Ye clouds, as you arise. Whether to deck the golden morn Or shade the evening skies. 6 Let harmless thunders roll along The smooth ethereal plain. And answer from the crystal vault To every bounding strain. 7 Long let it warble round the spheres And echo through the sky ; Let angels with immortal skill Improve the harmony : 8 Whilst we, with sacred rapture fired. The great Creator sing. And utter consecrated lays To heaven's eternal King. 55 L. M. Dyer. Hymn to the Deity. 1 Greatest of beings, Source of life, Sovereign of air, and earth, and sea ! All nature feels thy power, and all A silent homage pay to thee. 2 Waked by thy hand, the morning sun Pours forth to thee its earlier rays, D* 41 '56 PRAISE TO GOD. And spreads thy glories as it climbs, While raptured worlds look up and praise. 3 The moon to the deep shades of night Speaks the mild lustre of thy name ; While all the stars, that cheer the scene, Thee, the great Lord of light, proclaim. 4 And groves, and vales, and rocks, and hills, And every flower, and every tree, Ten thousand creatures, warm with life, Have each a grateful song for thee. 5 But man was formed to rise to heaven ; And, blest with reason's clearer light. He views his Maker through his works, And glows with rapture at the sight. 6 Nor can the thousand songs that rise, Whether from air, or earth, or sea, So well repeat Jehovah's praise, Or raise such sacred harmony. * 50 L. M. Watts. Universal Praise. 1 Jehovah ! 'tis a glorious word ; O may it dwell on every tongue ! But they who best have known the Lord, Are bound to raise the noblest sons. 2 High on a throne his glories dwell, An aA\^ul throne of shining bliss ! Fly througli the world, O sun, and tell How dark thy beams compared to his. 42 PRAISE TO GOD. 57 3 Awake, ye tempests, and his fame In sounds of dreadful praise declare ; And the sweet whisper of his name Fill every gentler breeze of air. 4 Let clouds and winds and waves agree To join their praise with blazing fire ; Let the firm earth and rolling sea In this eternal song conspire. 5 Ye flowery plains, proclaim his skill ; Valleys, lie low before his eye ; And let his praise from every hill Rise tuneful to the neighbouring sky. 6 Mortals, can you refrain your tongue, While nature all around you sings ? O for a shout from old and young. From humble swains and lofty kings ! 7 Wide as his vast dominion lies Make the Creator's name be known ; Loud as his thunder shout his praise, And sound it lofty as his throne. 517 P. M. Watts. The same subject. 1 Ye tribes of Adam, join With heaven and earth and seas, And offer notes divine To your Creator's praise. Ye holy throng Of angels bright, 43 58 PRAISE TO GOD. In worlds of light Begin the song. 2 Thou sun with dazzling rays, And moon that rulest the night, Shine to your Maker's praise, With stars of twinkling light. His power declare, Ye floods on high, And clouds that fly In empty air. 3 The shining worlds above In glorious order stand, Or in swift courses move By his supreme command. He. spake the word. And all their frame From nothing came To praise the Lord. 4 He moved their mighty wheels In unknown ages past, And each his word fulfils While time and nature last. In different ways His works proclaim His wondrous name And speak his praise. 5§ S. M. Watts. Universal Praise. I Let every creature join To praise the eternal God, 44 PRAISE TO GOD. 59 Ye heavenly hosts, the song begin, And sound his name abroad. Thou sun with golden beams, And moon with paler rays, Ye starry lights, ye twinkling flames, Shine to your Maker's praise. He built those worlds above, And fixed their wondrous frame ; By his command they stand or move, And ever speak his name. Ye vapours, when ye rise, Or fall in showers or snow, Ye thunders, murmuring round the skies. His power and glory show. Wind, hail, and flashing fire, Agree to praise the Lord, When ye in dreadful storms conspire To execute his word. By all his works above His honors be exprest ; But they who taste his wondrous love, Should sing his praises best. ^^ L. M. Williams's Col. The same subject. Celestial worlds ! your Maker's name Resound through every shining coast : Our God a nobler praise will claim, Where he unfolds his glories most. 45 60 PRAISE TO GOD. 2 Stupendous globe of flaming day ! Praise him in thy sublime career ; He struck from night thy peerless ray, Gave thee thy path, and guides thee there. 3 Ye starry lamps, to whom 'tis given Night's sable horrors to illume ! Praise him who hung you high in heaven, With vivid fires to gild the gloom. 4 Lightnings, that round the Eternal play, Thunders, that from his arm are hurled, The grandeur of your God convey, • Blazing, or bursting on the world. 5 From clime to clime, from shore to shore, Be the almighty God adored : He made the nations by his power, And rules them with his sovereign word. 6 At once let nature's ample round To God the vast thanksgiving raise : His high perfection knows no bound, But fills the immensity of space. ^Q P. M. Ogilvie. The same subject. Begin, my soul, the exalted lay, Let each enraptured thought obey. And praise the Almighty name ; Let heaven and earth and seas and skies In one harmonious concert rise. To swell the glorious theme. 46 PRAISE TO GOD. 60 2 Ye angels, catch the joyful sound, While all the adoring throngs around His wondrous mercy sing ; Let all who fill the realms above Awake the tuneful soul of love, And touch the sweetest string. 3 Thou heaven of heavens, his vast abode, Ye clouds, proclaim your Maker, God ; Ye thunders, speak his power : Lo ! on the lightning's gleamy wing In triumph rides the eternal King ; The astonished worlds adore. 4 Ye deeps, whose roaring billows rise To join the thunders of the skies, Praise him who bids you roll ; His praise in softer notes declare, Each whispering breeze of yielding air, And breathe it to the soul. 5 Wake, all ye feathered throngs, and sing ; Ye cheerfid warblers of the spring. Harmonious anthems raise To him who shaped your finer mould. Who tipped your glittering wings with gold. And tuned your voice to praise. 6 Let man, by nobler passions swayed. The feeling heart, the judging head In heavenly praise employ ; Spread the Creator's name around. Till heaven's extended arch rebound The general burst of joy . 47 61 PRAISE TO GOD. 0J P. M. Williams's Col. The same subject. 1 O FOR a hymn of universal praise ! Its Maker's name let every creature raise : Ye lofty heavens, begin the solemn sound, And let it spread the wide creation round. 2 Bless him, thou sun, great ruler of the day, Before whose splendors thine must fade away; To him the honors paid to thee restore, And teach mankind thy Maker to adore. 3 Ye moon and stars, who with more feeble light. Break through the shades and gild the gloom of night, Far as you can diffuse your feeble rays. Tell his great name and propagate his praise. 4 Let mists and clouds and meteors all con- spire In this blest work, and help to fill the choir : While loud his praises foaming billows roar, And seas resound his name from shore to shore. 5 Ye fertile plains, display your gayest pride. Ye valleys, to his honor low subside ; And at his call, ye mountains, stately rise, And bear his praises to the neighboring skies. 48 PRAISE TO GOD. 62 Loud as his thunders let his praises sound, From heaven to earth, from world to world rebound ; Let art and nature in the song conspire. And the whole world become one sacred choir. 02 C. M. Mrs. Rowe. Praise from all Nature. 1 The glorious armies of the sky- To thee, almighty King, Harmonious anthems consecrate, And hallelujahs sing. 2 But still their most exalted flights Fall vastly short of thee : How distant then must human praise From thy perfections be ! 3 Yet how, great God, shall we refrain, When to our raptured sense Each creature in its various ways ^ Displays thine excellence ? 4 The brilliant lights that shine above In bright magnificence. Reveal their mighty Maker's praise With silent eloquence. 5 The blushes of the morn confess That thou art much more fair, When in the east its beams revive To guild the fields of air. E 49 63 PRAISE TO GOD. 6 The fragrant, the refreshing breath Of every flowery bloom, In balmy whispers owns from thee Their pleasing odors come. 7 The warbling birds, the hollow winds, And water's murmuring fall, To praise the First Almighty cause, With different voices call. 8 'I'hy numerous works exalt thee thus, And shall man silent be ? No, rather let us cease to breathe, Than cease from praising thee. 03 C. M. Jervis. Praise the Peculiar Duty of Man. 1 Lord of the world's majestic frame, Stupendous are thy ways ; Thy various works declare thy name, And all resound thy praise. 2 The heavens thy matchless skill display, With all the stars of light ; The splendid sun that rules the day, The silver moon by night. 3 And while those radiant orbs of light. That shine from pole to pole. In silent harmony unite To praise thee as they roll ; 4 0 shall not we of human race, The glorious concert join ? 50 PRAISE TO GOD. - 64 Shall not the children of thy grace Attempt the theme divine ? 5 Not all the feeble notes of time Can show forth God's high praise ; Nor all the noblest strains sublime That earth or heaven can raise. 6 Yet this shall be our best employ, Through life's uncertain days ; And in the realms of boundless joy, Eternal be thy praise. gj. L. M. Watts. Desiring to Praise God. 1 Be thou exalted, O my God, Above the heavens where angels dwell : Thy power on earth be known abroad, And land to land thy wonders tell. 2 My heart is fixed ; my song shall raise Immortal honors to thy name : Awake, my tongue, to sound his praise. My tongue, the glory of my frame. 3 In thee, my God, are all the springs Of boundless love, and grace unknown ; All the rich blessings nature brings, Are gifts descending from thy throne. 4 High o'er the earth thy mercy reigns, And reaches to the utmost sky : Thy truth to endless years remains, When lower worlds dissolve and die. 51 65 ^ PRAISE TO GOD. 5 Be thou exalted, O my God, Above the heavens v^^here angels dwell : Thy power on earth be known abroad, And land to land thy wonders tell. ^«: C. M. Mrs. Stekle. Everlasting Praise. 1 My God ! my Kmg ! to thee I'll raise My voice, and all my powers : Unwearied songs of sacred praise Shall fill the circling hours. 2 Thy name shall dwell upon my tongue. While suns shall set and rise ; And tune my everlasting song, When all creation dies. PART III. THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. 66 C. M. Watts. The Creation of the World. Let heaven arise, let earth appear, Said the Almighty Lord ; The heavens arose, the earth appeared At his creating- v^^ord. ^& 2 Thick darkness brooded o'er the deep, God said. Let there he light! The light shone forth with smiling ray, And scattered ancient night. 3 He bade the clouds ascend on high ; The clouds ascend, and bear A watery treasure to the sky. And float upon the air. 4 The liquid element below Was gathered by his hand ; The rolling seas together flow, And leave the solid land. 5 With herbs and plants and fruitful trees The new-formed globe he crowned, Ere there w^as rain to bless the soil. Or sun to warm the ground. E* 53 67 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. 6 Then high in heaven's resplendent arch He placed those orbs of light ; He caused the sun to rule the day, The moon to rule the niofht. 7 Next, from the deep, the Almighty King Did vital beings frame ; Fowls of the air of every wing, And fish of every name. 8 To all the various brutal tribes He gave their wondrous birth ; At once the lion and the worm Sprang from the teeming earth. 9 Then, chief, o'er all his works below, At last was Adam made ; His Maker's image blessed his soul, And glory crowned his head. 10 Fair in the Almighty Maker's eye The whole creation stood ; He viewed the fabric he had raised ; His word pronounced it good. g'y C. M. Dodsley's Poems, God the Creator of Mankind. 1 G OD of our lives, whose bounteous care First gave us power to move, How shall our thankful hearts declare The wonders of thy love ? 2 While void of thought and sense we lay, Dust of our parent earth, 54 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. 63 Thy breath informed the sleeping clay, And called us into birth. 3 Thine eye beheld in perfect view The yet unfinished plan ; The imperfect lines thy pencil drew, And formed the future man. 4 O may this frame, which rising grew Beneath thy forming hands. Be studious ever to pursue Whate'er thy will commands. Q^ C. M. Grove. God the Creator. 1 O Lord, how excellent thy name. How glorious to behold ! Engraven fair on all thy works In characters of gold ! 2 On heaven's unmeasurable face In lines immensely great, In small, on every leaf and flower Creator-God is writ. 3 Though reason be not given to all. Nor voice to thee, O sun, Their Maker all proclaim, and here Their language is but one. 4 From land to land, from world to world, Thy fame is echoed round ; And ages as they pass transmit The never-dying sound. 55 69 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. 5 Angels, the eldest sons of God, Began the lofty song ; They saw the heavens expand abroad. And earth on nothing hung. 6 Then man, the last and noblest work Of all this nether frame, With the first vital breath he drew Confessed from whence he came. 7 O let us all give praise to God, And magnify his name, The wonders of his power and love Let the whole world proclaim. ^9 L. M. Mrs. Steele. The Voice of Nature. 1 Almighty goodness, power divine. The fields and verdant meads display. And bless the hand that made them shine With various charms profusely gay. 2 For man and beast here daily food In wide difiusive plenty grows. And there for drink the crystal flood In streams sweet-winding gently flows. 3 By cooling streams and softening showers The vegetable race are fed, And trees and plants and herbs and flowers Their Maker's bounty smiling spread. 4 The flowery tribes all blooming rise Above the faint attempts of art ; 56 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. 70 Their bright inimitable dyes Speak sweet conviction to the heart. Ye curious minds, who roam abroad, And trace creation's wonders o'er, Confess the footsteps of the God, And bow before him and adore. 70 L. M. Addison. The Voice of God in his Works. 1 The spacious firmament on high, With all the blue ethereal sky, And spangled heavens, a shining frame, Their great original proclaim. 2 The unwearied sun from day to day Doth his Creator's power display, And publishes to every land, The work of an almighty hand. 3 Soon as the evening shades prevail. The moon takes up the wondrous tale ; And nightly to the listening earth Repeats the story of her birth : 4 Whilst all the stars which round her burn, And all the planets in their turn, Confirm the tidings as they roll, And spread the truth from pole to pole. 5 What thous^h in solemn silence all Move round this dark terrestrial ball ; What though no real voice nor sound Amidst their radiant orbs be found ? 57 71, 72 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. 6 In reason's ear they all rejoice, And utter fortK a glorious voice ; For ever singing as they shine, " The ha-nd that made us is divine." 71 S. M. Watts. Praise to the Creator. 1 Almighty maker, God, How wondrous is thy name ! Thy glories how diffused abroad Through all creation's frame ! 2 Nature in every dress Her humble homage pays ; And does a thousand ways express Her undissembled praise. 3 My soul would rise and sing To her Creator too : Fain would my tongue adore my King, And pay the homage due. 4 In joy, O let me spend The remnant of my days ; And oft to God, my soul ! ascend In grateful songs of praise. 72 ^' ^- Liverpool Old Col. Devout Contemplation of Creation. 1 Look round, O man ! survey this globe ; Speak of creating power : See, nature gives a different robe To every herb and flower. 58 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. 73 2 See various beings fill the air And people earth and sea ; What grateful changes form the year, How constant night and day ! 3 Next raise thine eye, the vast expanse A power unbounded shows ; See round the sun the planets dance And various worlds compose. 4 Then turn into thyself, O man. With wonder view thy soul, Confess his power w^ho laid each plan And still directs the wiiole. 5 And let obedience to his laws Thy gratitude proclaim To Him, the first Almighty Cause, Jehovah is his name. >2Q C. M. Gentleman's Mag. The God of Nature Invoked. Hail, great Creator, wise and good ! To thee our songs we raise ; Nature through all her various scenes Invites us to thy praise. At morning, noon, and evening mild. Fresh wonders strike our view. And while we gaze our hearts exult With transports ever new. Thy glory beams in every star Which gilds the gloom of night, 59 74 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. And decks the smiling face of morn With rays of cheerftil light. 4 The lofty hill, the humble lawn, With countless beauties shine ; The silent grove, the awful shade, Proclaim thy power divine. 5 Great nature's God, still may these scenes Our serious hours engage. Still may our grateful hearts consult Thy works' instructive page. 6 And while in all thy wondrous w^orks Thy varied love we see. Still may the contemplation lead Our hearts, 0 God, to thee. ^^ P. M. Merrick. The Perfections and Providence of God. 1 Lift your voice and joyful sing Praises to your heavenly King, For his blessings far extend. And his mercy know^s no end. 2 Be the Lord your noisiest theme, Who of gods is God supreme ; He to whom all lords beside Bow the knee and veil their pride. 3 Who asserts his just command By the wonders of his hand ; He whose wisdom throned on high Built the mansions of the sky : 60 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. 75 4 He, who bade the watery deep Under earth's foundation sleep ; And the orbs that gild the pole Through the boundless ether roll ; 5 Thee, O sun, whose powerful ray- Rules the empire of the day ; You, O moon and stars, whose liglit Gilds the darkness of the night. 6 He with food sustains, O earth, All who claim from thee their birth ; For his blessings far extend, And his mercy knows no end. ^^ P. M. Milton. The same subject. 1 Let US with a joyful mind Praise the Lord, for he is kind : For his mercie^ shall endure, Ever faithful, ever sure. 2 Let us sound his name abroad, For of gods he is the God, Who by wisdom did create Heaven's expanse, and all its state : 3 Did the solid earth ordain How to rise above the main ; Who, by his commanding might. Filled the new-made world with light ; 4 Caused the golden-tressed sun, All the day his course to run ; F 61 76 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. And the moon to shine by night, 'Mid her spangled sisters bright. 5 All his creatures God does feed, His full hand supplies their need : Let us therefore warble forth His high majesty and worth. G He his mansion hath on high, Above the reach of mortal eye ; And his mercies shall endure, Ever faithful, ever sure. 76 P- M. Sandys. The Harmony of Praise, 1 Tiiou who sitt'st enthroned above ! Thou, in whom we live and move ! Thou, who art most great, most high ! God, from all eternity ! 2 0 how sweet, how excellent, 'Tis when tongue and heart consent; Grateful hearts and joyful tongues. Hymning thee in tuneful songs ! 3 When the morning paints the skies. When the stars of evenincr rise, We thy praises will record, Sovereign Ruler ! mighty Lord ! 4 Decks the spring with flowers the held ? Harvest rich doth autumn yield ? Giver of all good below ! . Lord ! from thee these blessings flow ! 5 Sovereign Ruler ! mighty Lord ! We thy praises will record : 62 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. 7" Giver of these blessings, we Pour the grateful song to thee. •yy L. M. Doddridge. The Year crowned with Goodness. 1 Eternal Source of every joy, Well may thy praise our lips employ While in thy temple we appear ; Thy goodness crowns the circling year. 2 Wide as the wheels of nature roll, Thy hand supports the steady pole : By thee the sun is taught to rise. And darkness when to veil the skies. 3 The flowery spring at thy command Perfumes the air and paints the land, The summer-rays with vigor shine To raise the corn and cheer tlic vine. 4 Thy hand in autumn richly pours Through all our coasts redundant stores. And winters, softened hy thy care. No more a face of horror wear. 5 Seasons and months and weeks and days, Demand successive songs of praise ; Still be the cheerful homage paid With morning light and evening shade. 6 O may our more harmonious tongues In worlds unknown pursue the songs. And in those brighter courts adore Where days and years revolve no more. 63 78 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. 78 P. M. John Taylor. Thanksgiving for fruitful Seasons. 1 Rejoice, the Lord is King ! Your Lord and King adore ; Mortals, give thanks and sing, And triumph evermore : Lift up your hearts, lift up your voice, Rejoice, in sacred lays rejoice. 2 His wintry north winds blow, Loud tempests rush amain ; Yet his thick flakes of snow Defend the infant grain : Lift up your hearts, lift up your voice, Rejoice, in sacred lays rejoice. ti He wakes the genial spring. Perfumes the balmy air ; The vales their tribute bring. The promise of the year : Lift up your hearts, lift up your voice, Rejoice, in sacred lays rejoice. 4 High from the ethereal plain Bright suns their influence fling ; He gives the welcome rain. That makes the valleys sing : Lift up your hearts, lift up your voice, Rejoice, in sacred lays rejoice, 5 He leads the circling year. His flocks the hills adorn ; He fills the golden ear, And loads the fields with corn : 64 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. 79 O happy mortals, raise your voice, Rejoice, in sacred lays rejoice. Lead on your fleeting train. Ye years, ye months and days ! O bring the eternal reign Of love, and joy, and praise : Lift up your hearts, lift up your voice, Rejoice, in sacred lays rejoice. 79 C. M. Watts. The Providence of God in the Seaso7is. 1 With songs and honors sounding loud, Address the Lord on high ; Over the heavens he spreads his cloud, And waters veil the sky. 2 He sends his showers of blessings down To cheer the plains below ; He makes the grass the mountains crown. And corn in valleys grow. 3 He gives the grazing ox his meat ; He hears the ravens cry ; But man, who tastes his finest wheat, Should raise his honors high. 4 His steady counsels change the face Of the declining year ; He bids the sun cut short his race, And wintry days appear. 5 His hoary frost, his fleecy snow, Descend, and clothe the ground ; f* 65 80 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. The liquid streams forbear to flow. In icy fetters bound. 6 He sends his word and melts the snow, The fields no longer mourn : He calls the warmer gales to blow, And bids the spring return. 7 The changing wind, the flying cloud, Obey his mighty word : With songs and honors sounding loud, Praise ye the sovereign Lord. ^Q C. M. Needham. The Seasons ordained by God. 1 The rolling year, Almighty Lord ! Obeys thy powerful nod ; Each season as it silent moves Declares the present God. 2 Waked by thy voice, out steps the spring. In living green new drest ; On hills, in vales, through fields and groves, Thy beauties stand confest. 3 The sun calls forth the summer months, Nor do the hours delay ; The fruits with varied colors glow Beneath his ripening ray. 4 Thy bounty, Lord, in autumn shines, And spreads a common feast; He that regards his favorite, man, Will not neglect the beast. 66 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. 81 5 When winter rears her hoary head, And shows her furrowed brow, In storms and tempests, frosts and snows. How awful, Lord, art thou ! 6 The rolling year. Almighty Lord, Obeys thy powerful nod ; Each season as it silent moves Declares the present God. QJ^ L. M. Mrs. Steele. Praise to the God of the Seasons. 1 Sing to the Lord, let praise inspire The grateful voice, the tuneful lyre ; In strains of joy proclaim abroad The endless glories of our God. 2 He counts the hosts of starry flames. Knows all their natures and their names ; Great is our God, his wondrous power And boundless wisdom we adore. 3 He veils the sky with treasured showers, On earth the plenteous blessing pours, The mountains smile in lively green. And fairer blooms the flowery scene. 4 His boimteous hand, great Spring of good, Provides the brute creation food, He feeds the ravens when they cry, All nature lives beneath his eye. 5 Dear to the Lord, for ever dear The heart where he implants his fear, 67 82, 83 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. The souls who on his grace rely, These, these are lovely in his eye. 82 C. M. Watts. The same subject. 1 'Tis by thy strength the mountains stand, God of eternal powder, The sea grows calm at thy command, And tempests cease to roar. 2 Thy morning light and evening shade Successive comforts bring ; Thy plenteous fruits make harvest glad, Thy flowers adorn the spring. 3 Seasons and times, and moons and hours, Heaven, earth and air are thine ; When clouds distil in fruitful showers, The Author is divine. 4 Those floating cisterns in the sky, Borne by the winds around, With watery treasures well supply The furrows of the orpound. 5 The thirsty ridges drink their fill. And ranks of corn appear ; Thy ways abound withj^lessings still, Thy goodness crowns the year. 83 C. M. Watts. The Blessings of the Spring. 1 Good is the Lord, the heavenly King, Who makes the earth his care ; C8 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. 84 Visits the pastures every spring, And bids the grass appear. 2 The clouds, like rivers raised on high, Pour out, at thy command, Their watery blessings from the sky, To cheer the thirsty land. 3 The softened ridges of the field Permit the corn to spring ; The valleys rich provision yield. And the poor lab'rers sing. 4 The little hills on every side Rejoice at falling showers ; The meadows, dressed in all their pride, Perfume the air with flowers. 5 The barren clods refreshed with rain. Promise a joyful crop ; The parched grounds look green again, And raise the reaper's hope. 6 The various months thy goodness crowns ; How bounteous are thy ways ! The bleating flocks spread o'er the downs, And shepherds shout thy praise. g^ C. M. Mrs. Steele. Spring. While beauty clothes the fertile vale. And blossoms on the spray. And fragrance breathes in every gale, How sweet the vernal day ! 69 85 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. 2 How kind the influence of the skies ! Soft showers, with blessings fraught, Bid verdure, beauty, fragrance rise, And fix the roving thought. 3 O let my wondering heart confess, With gratitude and love, The bounteous hand that deigns to bless The garden, field, and grove. 4 That bounteous hand my thoughts adore, Beyond expression kind. Hath sweeter, nobler gifts in store. To bless the craving mind. 5 Inspired to praise, I then shall join Glad Nature's cheerful song ; And love and gratitude divine Attune my joyful tongue. §^ L. M. Merrick. The Blessings of the Year the Gift of Providence. 1 The morn and eve thy praise resound. Lord, as they walk the ethereal round ; Thy visits teach the grateful soil To recompense the lab'rer's toil. 2 By unexhausted springs supplied. The river pours its copious tide ; A thousand streams, in sportive play. Through the rich meadows wind their way. 3 The clouds, in frequent showers distilled, Drop fatness on the fruitful field, THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. 80 Break the rough glebe, the furrows cheer, And crown with good the smiling year. 4 The pastures of the extended waste Thy gifts in rich profusion taste, The hills around exulting stand, And show the bounty of thy hand. 5 Cherish'd at length by lenient skies, Herbage and corn luxuriant rise ; The laughing vale assumes a tongue, And bursts triumphant into song. g^ L. M. Mrs. Steele. Seed-time and Harvest. 1 The rising morn, the closing day, Repeat thy praise with grateful voice ; Both in their turns thy power displaj^ And laden with thy gifts rejoice. 2 Earth's wide-extended varying scenes. All smiling round, thy bounty show ; From seas or clouds, full magazines. Thy rich diffusive blessings flow. 3 Now earth receives the precious seed. Which thy indulgent hand prepares ; And nourishes the future bread. And answers all the sower's cares. 4 Thy sweet refreshing showers attend, And through the ridges gently flow. Soft on the springing corn descend, And thy kind blessing makes it grow. 71 87 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. 5 Thy goodness crowns the circHng year, Thy paths drop fatness all around ; Even barren wilds thy praise declare, And echoing hills return the sound. 6 Here spreading flocks adorn the plain, There plenty every charm displays, Thy bounty clothes each lovely scene, And joyful nature shouts thy praise. g*^ L. M. Gentleman's Mag. .Autumnal Hymn. 1 Great God, at whose all-powerful call At first arose this beauteous frame ; By thee the seasons change, and all The changing seasons speak thy name. 2 Thy bounty bids the. infant year, From winter storms recovered, rise ; When thousand grateful scenes appear. Fresh opening to our wondering eyes. 3 O how delightful 'tis to see The earth in vernal beauty drest ; While in each herb, and flower, an^ tree. Thy blooming glories shine confest ! 4 Aloft, full beaming, reigns the sun, And light and genial heat conveys ; And, while he leads the seasons on, From thee derives his quickening rays. 5 Around us, in the teeming field. Stands the rich grain, or purpled vine ; 72 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. 88 At thy command they rise, to yield The strengthening bread or cheering wine. 6 Indulgent God, from every part Thy plenteous blessings largely flow ; AVe see, we taste, let every heart With grateful love and duty glow. §§ C. M. Brownf.. All things made/or God. Great first of Beings, mighty Lord Of all this mighty frame, Produced by thy creating word, The world from nothing came. Soon as thou gavest the high command, 'Twas instantly obeyed ; And for thy pleasure all things stand, Which by thy power were made. Thy glories shine throughout the whole, Each part reflects thy light ; For thee in course the planets roll, And day succeeds to night. For thee the earth its product yields, For thee the waters flow ; And various plants adorn the fields, And trees aspiring grow\ For thee the sun dispenses heat, And beams of cheeriu": liffht ; 1' ar distant stars, in order set. Break through the shades of night. G 73 " 89 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. 6 Let us, too, Lord, with zeal pursue This wise and noble end ; That all we think and all we do May to thine honor tend. §9 C. M. Watts. Rejoicing in the Works of God. 1 Rejoice, ye righteous, in the Lord ; This work belongs to you ; Sing of his name, his ways, his word, How holy, just, and true ! 2 His mercy and his righteousness Let heaven and earth proclaim ; His works of nature and of grace Reveal his wondrous name. 3 His wisdom and almighty word The heavenly arches spread ; And by the spirit of the Lord Their shinino^ hosts were made. 4 He bade the liquid waters flow To their appointed deep ; The flowing seas their limits know, And their own station keep. 5 Ye tenants of the spacious earth, With fear before him stand : He spake, and nature took its birth. And rests on his command. 6 Thy glorious works our thoughts engage ; How vast thy power divine ! 74 THE WORKS OF GOD CELEBRATED. 00 Thy counsels stand through every age. And III full glory shine. 9Q C. M. Watts. The Jfisdom of God in his Works. 1 Songs of immortal praise belong To my Almighty God ; He has my heart, and he my tongue, To spread his name abroad. 2 How ffreat the works his hand hath wroujrhl, How glorious in our sig^ht! And men in every age have sought His wonders with delight. 3 How most exact is nature's frame ! How wise the Eternal Mind ! His counsels never change tlie scheme Thdt his first thoughts designed. 4 Nature and time, and earth and skies, Thy heavenly skill proclaim ; What shall we do to make us wise, But learn to know tliy name? 5 To fear thy power, to trust thy grace, Is our divinest skill ; And he's the wisest of our race, That best obeys thy will. 75 PART IV. PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 91 CM. Watts. The Divine Glories above our Reason. 1 Our reason stretches all its wings, And soars above the skies; But still hoAv far beneath thy feet Our grovelling reason lies ! 2 Lord ! here we bend our humble souls, And awfully adore ; For the weak pinions of the mind Can urge their flight no more. 3 Thy glories infinitely rise Above our lab 'ring- tongue ; In vain the highest seraph tries To form an equal song. 4 In humble notes our faith adores The great eternal King ; While angels strain their nobler powers, And sweep the immortal string. 92 L. M. Watts. God Incomprehensible. 1 Can creatures to perfection find The eternal, uncreated Mind ? 76 PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 93 Or can the largest stretch of thought Measure and search his nature out ? 2 His sovereign power what mortal knows ? If he command, who dare oppose ? The beamings of his piercing sight Bring dark hypocrisy to light. 3 Great God ! thy glories shall employ My holy fear, my humble joy ; My lips in songs of honor bring Their tribute to the eternal King. 4 O tell me with a gentle voice, Thou art my God, and I'll rejoice : Sustained by thee, I'll still proclaim The matchless honors of thy name. 03 L. M. Watts. The Incomprehensible Nature of God. 1 God is a King of power unknown ; Firm are the orders of his throne : If he resolve, who dare oppose ? Or ask him why, or what, he does ? 2 He wounds the heart, and he makes whole ; He calms the tempest of the soul : When he shuts up in long despair. Who can remove the heavy bar ? 3 He frowns, and darkness veils the moon ; The fainting sun grows dim at noon ; The pillars of heaven's starry roof Tremble and start at his reproof o* 77 9 t, 95 PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 4 He gave the vaulted heaven its form, The crooked serpent and the worm ; He breaks the billovi^s with his breath, And smites the sons of pride to death. 5 These are a portion of his ways — But who can utter all his praise ? Who can endure his light, or stand To hear the thunders of his hand ? 94 L. M. Watts. God Invisible. 1 Our powers, great God! are too confined To reach thy infinite abode : O ! 'tis beyond a creature's mind, To raise a single thought to God. 2 The Lord of glory builds his seat Of gems superlatively bright ; And spreads beneath his sacred feet Thick clouds and shades of gloomy night. 3 Yet, Lord, thy penetrating eyes Look, through and cheer us from above : Beyond our praise thy grandeur flies : — Yet we adore, and yet we love. 95 L. M. Kippis. To the Unknown God. 1 Great God ! in vain man's narrow view Attempts to look thy nature through ; Our lab'ring powers with reverence own Thy glories never can be known. 78 PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 96 2 Not the high seraph's mighty thought, Who countless years his God has souglit, Such wondrous height or depth can find, Or fully trace thy boundless mind. 3 Yet, Lord, thy kindness deigns to show Enough for mortal minds to know ; While wisdom, goodness, power divine, Through all thy works and conduct shine. 4 O may our souls with rapture trace Thy works of nature and of grace, Explore thy sacred name, and still Press on to know and do thy will ! 90 L. M. Browne. The One God. 1 Eternal God ! Almighty Cause Of earth and seas and worlds unknown, All things are subject to thy laws, All things depend on thee alone, 2 Thy glorious being singly stands. Of all within itself possest ; By none controlled in thy commands, And in thyself completely blest. 3 To thee, the One Supreme, we bow ; Let heaven and earth due homage pay : All other gods we disavow, Reject their claims, renounce their sway. 4 Spread thy great name through every land, All idol deities dethrone, 79 97 PERFECTIONS OF GOD. Subdue the world to thy command, And reign unrivalled, God alone ! ^•y C. M. Liverpool Col. T%e Power of God. 1 'TwAS God who hurled the rolling spheres, And stretched the boundless skies ; Who formed the plan of endless years. And bade the ages rise. 2 Eternal is his power and might, Immense and unconfined : He pierces through the realms of light, And rides upon the wind. 3 He darts along the burning skies ; Loud thunders round him roar : All heaven attends him as he flies. All hell proclaims his power. 4 He speaks, and nature's wheels stand still ; They cease their wonted round, The mountains melt, the trembling hills Forsake their ancient bound. 5 He scatters nations with his breath, ^ The scattered nations fly. Blue pestilence and wasting death, Confess the Godhead nigh. 6 Ye worlds, with every living thing, Fulfil his high command : Mortals, psty homage to your King, And own his ruling hand. 80 PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 98, 99 9S P. M, Merrick. The Divine Majesty and Power. 1 Sing, ye sons of might, O sing Praise to heaven's eternal King : Power and strength to him assign, Bow before his hallowed shrine. 2 Hark, his voice in thunder breaks ; Hushed to silence while he speaks, Ocean's waves from pole to pole Hear the awful accents roll. 3 Now the bursting clouds give way. And the vivid lightnings play ; And the wilds by man untrod Hear dismayed the approaching God. 4 He the swelling surge commands ; Fixed his throne for ever stands ; He his people shall increase, And with safety crown, and peace. 99 L. M. Watts. The same subject. 1 Give to the Lord, ye sons of fame, Give to the Lord renown and power ; Ascribe due honors to his name, And his eternal might adore. 2 The Lord proclaims his power aloud O'er the vast ocean and tlie land ; His voice divides the watery cloud, And lightnings blaze at his command. 81 100 PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 3 He speaks, and howling tempests rise And lay the forest bare around ; The fiercest beasts with piteous cries, Confess the terror of the sound. 4 His thunders rend the vaulted skies, And palaces and temples shake ; The mountains tremble at the noise. The valleys roar, the deserts quake. 5 The Lord sits Sovereign o'er the flood, The Thunderer reigns for ever King, But makes his church his blest abode, Where we his awful glories sing. 6 We see no terrors in his name, But in our God a Father find ; The voice that shakes all nature's frame, Speaks comfort to the pious mind. YQQ L. M. Watts. The Glory of God. 1 God is a name my soul adores, The Almighty, the Eternal One ; Nature and grace with all their powers Confess the Infinite unknown. 2 Thy voice produced the seas and spheres, Bade planets roll and suns to shine ; But nothing like thyself appears, Through all these spacious works of thine. 3 Still restless nature dies and grows ; From change to change the creatures run; 83 PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 101 Thy being no succession knows, And all thy vast designs are one. 4 Thrones and dominions round thee fall, And worship in submissive forms ; Thy presence shakes this lower ball. This humble dwelling-place of worms. JQJ L. M. Pope's Col. The Majesty and Glory of God. 1 Ye sons of men, in sacred lays Attempt the great Creator's praise : But who an equal song can frame ? What verse can reach the lofty theme ? 2 He sits enthroned amidst the spheres, And glory like a garment wears, While boundless wisdom, power and grace, Command our awe, transcend our praise. 3 Before his throne a shiningr band Of cherubs and of seraphs stand ; Ethereal spirits, who in flight Outstrip the rapid speed of light. 4 To God all nature owes its birth, He formed this ponderous globe of earth ; He raised the glorious arch on high, And measured out the azure sky. 5 In all our Maker's grand designs Omnipotence with wisdom shines: His works through all this wondrous frame Bear the great impress of his name. 83 105, 106 PERFECTIONS OF GOD. To heaven our grateful songs should rise, And listening angels learn thy praise. J^0^ L. M. Doddridge. The Majesty of God. 1 Ye weak inhabitants of clay, Ye trifling insects of a day, Low in your native dust l30w down Before the Eternal's awful throne. 2 Loud let ten thousand trumpets sound. And call remotest nations round, Assembled on the crowded plains. Princes and people, kings and swains. 3 Joined with the living, let the dead, Rising, the face of earth o'erspread ; And while his praise unites their tongues, Let angels echo back the songs. 4 The drop that from the bucket falls. The dust that hangs upon the scales, Is more to sky and earth and sea. Than all this pomp, great God, to thee. 200 C. M. Watts. TTie Eternity of God. 1 Rise, rise, my soul, and leave the ground. Stretch all thy thoughts abroad. And rouse up every tuneful sound. To praise the Eternal God. 2 Long e'er the lofty skies were spread, Jehovah filled his throne, 86 PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 107 Or man was formed, or angels made, The self-existent One. 3 Thy years, O Lord, can ne'er decrease, But still maintain their prime. Eternity's thy dwelling place, And Ever is thy time. 4 While like a tide our minutes floM', The present and the past, God fills his own immortal Now, And sees our ages w^aste. -|r|i^ L. M. Salisbury Coi.. God Eternal and Unchangeable. 1 All-powerful, self-existent God, Who all creation dost sustain, Thou wast, and art, and art to come, And everlasting is thy reign. 2 Fixed and eternal as thy days. Each glorious attribute divine Through ages infinite shall still With undiminished lustre shine. 3 Fountain of being. Source of good, Immutable thou dost remain, Nor can the shadow of a change Obscure the glories of thy reign. 4 Nature her order shall reverse, Revolving seasons cease their round ; Nor spring appear with blooming pride, Nor autumn be with plenty crowned ; 87 108 PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 5 Yon shining orbs forget their course, The sun his destined path forsake, And burning desolation mark Amid the worlds his devious track ; G Earth may with all her powers dissolve. If such the great Creator's will ; But thou for ever art the same, I Am is thy memorial still. 108 C- M. Mrs. Rowe. The Eternity and Immutability of God. 1 Thou didst, O mighty God, exist, Ere time began his race ; Before the ample elements Filled up the voids of space. 2 Before the ponderous earthly globe In fluid air was stayed ; Before the ocean's mighty springs Their liquid stores displayed : 3 Ere through the gloom of ancient night The streaks of light appeared ; Before the high celestial arch Or starry poles were reared : 4 Before the bright, harmonious spheres Their glorious rounds begun ; Before the shining roads of heaven Were measured by the sun : 5 Ere men adored, or angels knew, Or praised thy wondrous name ; 88 PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 109 Thy bliss, eternal Spring of life, And glory was the same. G And when the pillars of the world With sudden ruin break, And all this vast and goodly frame Sinks in the mighty wreck : 7 When from her orb the moon shall start. The astonished sun roll back. While all the trembling starry lamps Their ancient course forsake : 8 For ever permanent and fixed. From interruption free, Unchanged in everlasting years. Shall thy existence be. ]^Q9 p. M. Mrs. Barbauld. God the Eternal Sovereign. 1 This earthly globe, the creature of a day. Though Ijuilt by God's right hand, must pass away; And long oblivion creep o'er mortal things. The fate of empires, and the pride of kings ; Eternal night shall veil their proudest story. And drop the curtain o'er all human glory. 2 The sun himself, with oratherino; clouds opprest, Shall in his silent dark pavilion rest ; H* 89 110 PERFECTIONS OF GOD. His golden urn shall break, and useless lie, Amidst the common ruins of the sky ; The stars rush headlong in the wild com- motion. And bathe their glittering foreheads in the ocean. 3 But fixed, O God, for ever stands thy throne ; Jehovah reigns, a universe alone : The eternal fire that feeds each vital flame, » Collected, or diffused, is still the same : He dwells within his own unfathomed es- sence, And fills all space with his unbounded pre- sence. 4 But O our highest notes the theme debase, And silence is our least injurious praise : Cease, cease your songs, the daring flight control ; Revere him in the stillness of the soul : With silent duty meekly bend before him. And deep within your inmost hearts adore him. 11Q L. M. Watts. The All-seeing God. 1 Lord, thou hast searched and seen me through ; Thine eye commands with piercing view 90 PERFECTIONS OF GOD. Ill My risiniT and my resting hours, My heart and flesh with all their powers. 2 Witliin thy circling power I stand, On every side I find thy hand, Awake, asleep, at home, abroad, I am surrounded still with God. 3 My thoughts, before they are my own, Are to my God distinctly known : He knows the words I mean to speak. Ere from my opening lips they break. 4 Amazing knowledge, vast and great ! What large extent ! what lofty height ! My soul, with all the powers I boast, Is in the boundless prospect lost. 5 O may these thoughts possess my breast, Where'er I rove, where'er I rest, Nor let my weaker passions dare Consent to sin — for God is there ! Y\1L ^' ^' Arbuckle. Universal Presence of God. 1 My heart and all my ways, O God, By thee are searched and seen ; My outward acts thine eye observes, My secret thoughts within. 2 Attendant on my steps, all day Thy providence I see ; And in the soHtude of night I'm present still with thee. 91 112 PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 3 No spot the boundless realms of space, Whence tho^ art absent, know ; In heaven thou reignest a glorious King, An awful Judge below. 4 Lord, if within my thoughtless heart Thou aught should'st disapprove, The secret evil bring to light. And by thy grace remove. 5 If e'er my ways have been perverse, Or foolish in thy view, Recall my steps to thy commands. And form my life anew. JJ2 • L. M. Blacklock. GocVs Omniscience and Omnipresence. 1 Father of all, Omniscient Mind, Thy wisdom who can comprehend ? Its highest point what eye can find. Or to its lowest depths descend ? 2 What cavern deep, what hill sublime, Beyond thy reach, shall I piu^sue ? What dark recess, what distant clime. Shall hide me from thy boundless view? 3 If up to heaven's ethereal height. Thy prospect to elude, I rise ; In splendor there, supremely l)riglit. Thy presence shall my sight surprise. 4 Thee, mighty God, my wondering soul. Thee, all her conscious powers adore, 92 PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 113 Whose being circumscribes the whole, Whose eyes the universe explore. 5 Thine essence fills this breathing frame, It glows in every vital part, Lights up my soul with livelier flame, * And feeds with life my beating heart. () To thee, from whom my being came, Whose smile is all the heaven I know, Inspired with this exalted theme, To thee my grateful strains shall flow. JJ*J C. M. Doddridge. The Ways of the Righteous knoivn to God. 1 To thee, my God, my days are known, My soul enjoys the thought, My actions all before thee lie. Nor are my wants forgot. •2 Each secret wish devotion breathes Is vocal to thine ear, And all my walks of daily life Before thine eye appear. 3 The vacant hour, the active scene, Thy mercy shall approve, And every pang of sympathy, And every care of love. i Each orolden hour of beaming light Is gilded by thy rays, And dark afiliction's midnight gloom A present God surveys. 93 114, 115 PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 5 Full in thy view through life I pass, And in thy view I die ; Lord, when all mortal bonds shall break. May I still find thee nigh. XIJ. S. M. Watts. The Holiness of God. 1 The God Jehovah reigns, • Let all the nations fear ; Let sinners tremble at his throne, Let all be humble there. 2 Eternal is his throne, His honors are divine. His church shall make his wonders known, For there his glories shine. 3 How holy is his name ! How awful is his praise ! Justice and truth and judgment join In all his works of sfrace. b' 115 CM. Browne. Universal Goodness of God. 1 Lord, thou art good; all nature show.s Its mighty Author kind ; Thy bounty through creation flows. Full, free and unconfined. 2 The whole and every part proclaims Thy infinite good will. It shines in stars and flows in streams, And bursts from every hill. 94 PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 116 3 We view it o'er the spreading main, And heavens which spread more wide, It drops in gentle showers of rain. And rolls in every tide. 4' Long hath it been diffused abroad, Through ages past and gone. Nor ever can exhausted be. But still keeps flowing on. 5 Through the whole earth it pours supplies, Spreads jov through every part : O may such love attract my eyes, And captivate my heart : 6 My highest admiration raise. My best affections move ; Employ my tongue in songs of praise, And fill my heart with love. Y\Q L- M. Doddridge. The Divine Goodness, 1 Triumphant, Lord, thy goodness reigns Through all the wide celestial plains, And its full slreams redundant flow Down to the abodes of men below. 2 Through nature's M'orks thy glories shine ; The cares of providence are thine ; And thou hast raised within our frame A fairer temple to thy name. 95 117 PERFECTIONS OF GOD. 3 O o'ive t< every human heart To taste iid feel how good thou art, With grteful love and reverent fear To kno^ how blest thy children are. 4 Let natre burst into a song : Ye eclioig hills, the notes prolong ! Earth, sas, and stars, your anthems raise. All vocawith your Maker's praise ! 5 Join, O ly soul, the general song, To thee ts sweetest notes belong ; Blest abve all by love divine, To prai& is eminently thine. ■llij' L. M. Doddridge. od Adored for his Goodness. 1 Ye sonpof men, with joy record The vanus wonders of the Lord, And let lis power and goodness sound Throng' all your tribes the earth around. 2 Let theiigh heavens your songs invite. Those sacious fields of brilliant light, Where an and moon and planets roll, And st*c\s that glow from pole to pole. 3 Sing enth, in verdant robes arrayed. Its herb and flowers, its fruit and shade, Peoplei with life its regions wide. Life, frm its plenteous stores supphed. 4 View tb broad sea's majestic plain, And sig its Maker's boundless reign, 96 PERFECTIONS OF GOD. i 18 That band remotest^ nations join.- And on each wave his gmxlnoss bines. 5 But O that brighter world abovi Where Hves and reigns eternal 1« e . Thither, my soul, with rapture >y L. M. Watts. Safety in Public Diseases and Baiigers. 1 They that have made their refuge God, Shall find a most secure abode ; Shall walk all day beneath his shade, And there at night shall rest their head. 2 If burning beams of noon conspire To dart a pestilential fire, God is their life, his wings are spread To shield them 'midst ten thousand dead. 3 If vapors with malignant breath Rise thick and scatter midnight death. Still they are safe, the poisoned air Again grows pure if God be there. 4 But if the fire or plague or sword Receive commission from the Lord To strike the good among the rest, Their very pains and deaths are blest. 5 The sword, the pestilence, or fire, Shall but fulfil their best desire, From sins and sorrows set them free, And bring thy children, Lord, to thee. 158 L. M. Watts. The Safety of Good 3fen amidst National Calamities. 1 God is the refuge of his saints When storms of deep distress invade ; Ere we can offer our complaints, Behold him present with his aid. 131 169 GOVERNMENT AND 2 Let motintains from their seats be hurled Down to the deep and buried there, Convulsions shake the solid world, Our faith shall never yield to fear. 3 Loud may the troubled ocean roar. In sacred peace our souls abide, While every nation, every shore Trembles and dreads the swelling tide. 4 'Midst storms and tempests, Lord, thy word Does every rising fear control ; Sweet peace thy promises afford, And well sustain the fainting soul. J59 ^- M- Patrick. Security in God. 1 Beyond the limits of the sky Thy mercy. Lord, extends, Thy faithfulness the narrow bounds Of time and space transcends. 2 Lord, who can duly prize that love Thou bearest to the just ? Under thy providence and care Good men securely trust. 3 To those who in thy love confide Thy kindness still impart. And all thy promises fulfil To men of upright heart. 132 PROVIDENCE OF GOD. 160, 161 J^^Q L. M . Merrick. God the Protector of Innocence. 1 Thine is the throne, beneath thy reign, Great King of kings, the tribes profane Behold their dream of conquest o'er, And vanish, to be seen no more. 2 What eyes like thine. Eternal Sire, Through sin's dark mazes can inquire ? What hand like thine to virtue's foes Such awful judgments can oppose T 3 The meek observer of thy laws To thee commits his injured cause : In thee, each anxious fear resigned, The fatherless a father find. 4 Thou, Lord, thy servants' wish canst read, Ere from their lips the prayer proceed : 'Tis thine the drooping heart to cheer, To wipe away the starting tear ; 5 To vindicate the sufferer's cause. To rescue from oppression's jaws. To curb the haughty tyrant's will. And bid the sons of pride be still. 1^1 L. M. Bristol Col. Jill things work together for Good to the Righteous. 1 Not from relentless fate's dark womb, Or from the dust, our troubles come ; M 133 162 GOVERNMENT AND No fickle chance presides o'er grief, To cause the pain or send relief. 2 Look up, and see, ye sorrowing saints, The cause and cure of your complaints : Know 'tis yout heavenly Father's will ; Bid every murmur then be still. 3 He sees we need the painful yoke ; Yet love directs his heaviest stroke : He takes no pleasure in our smart, But wounds to heal and cheer the heart. 4 Blest trials those th^t cleanse from sin, And make the soul all pure within, Wean the fond mind from earthly toys, To seek and taste celestial joys. 162 ^' ^- ' Doddridge. Assurance of the Divine Presence. 1 And art thou with us, gracious Lord, To dissipate our fear ? Dost thou proclaim thyself our God, Our God for ever near ? 2 Doth thy right hand, which formed the earth. And bears up all the skies. Stretch from on high its friendly aid, When dangers round us rise ? 3 On thy support our souls shall lean, And banish every care ; 134 PROVIDENCE OF GOD. 163 The gloomy vale of death will smile If God be w^ith us there. 4 While we his gracious succor prove, 'Midst all our various ways, The darkest shades through wliich we pass Shall echo with his praise. 103 C. M. Watts. Creatures Vain, and God All-sitjUicient . 1 Blest is the nation where the Lord Hath fixed his gracious throne, Where he reveals his heavenly word. And calls their tribes his own. 2 His eye with infinite survey Does the whole world behold ; He formed us all of equal clay, And knows our feeble mould. 3 Kings are not rescued by the force Of armies from the grave. Nor speed nor courage of a horse Can the bold rider save. 4 Vain is the strengtli of beasts or men, To hope for safety thence ; But holy souls from God obtain A strong and sure defence. 5 God is their fear, and God their trust, In him their safety's found ; His watchful eye secures the just, Though thousands fall around. 135 164, 165 GOVERNMENT AND 6 Lord, let our hearts in thee rejoice, And bless us from thy throne ; For we have made thy word our choice, And trust thy grace alone. 104: C- M. Mrs. Steele. The Vicissitudes of Providence. 1 The gifts indulgent heaven bestows Are variously conveyed ; The human mind, like nature, knows Alternate light and shade. 2 While changing aspects all things wear, Can we expect to find Unclouded sunshine all the year, Or constant peace of mind ? 3 More gaily smiles the blooming spring. When wintry storms are o'er ; Retreating sorrow thus may bring Delights unknown before. 4 Then, Christian, send thy fears away, Nor sink in gloomy care ; Though clouds o'erspread the scene to-day. To-morrow may be fair. 105 C. M. Jkrvw. Consolatory Views of Providence. 1 The God of heaven is kind and just : Then let not man complain, Nor e'er his providence distrust, His high decrees arraign. 13G PROVIDENCE OF GOD. 166 2 Though clouds should darken all the scene, Be this thy steadfast aim, Still to preserve a mind serene, Free from all guilt and shame. 3 The lowliest flowers that deck the field, Thy mute instructors are ; And wholesome admonition yield Against corroding care. 4 O listen to kind nature's voice : To heaven direct thine eyes ; There nobler objects claim thy choice. And brighter prospects rise. 5 Far from anxiety and care, Still seek that blissful shore, Where discontent and dark despair Shall rend thy heart no more. ±SG ^- M- Jervis. God our Consolation in Adversity and Distress. 1 To calm the sorrows of the mind, Our heavenly Friend is nigli, To wipe the anxious tear that starts Or trembles in the eye. 2 Thou canst, when anguish rends the heart, The secret w^oe control ; The inward malady canst lieal, The sickness of the soul. 3 Thou canst repress the rising sigh ; Canst soothe each mortal care ; M* 137 167 GOVERNMENT AND And every deep and heart-felt groan Is wafted to thine ear. 4 Thy gracious eye is watchful still ; Thy potent arm can save From threatening danger and disease, And the devouring grave. 5 When, pale and languid all the frame, The ruthless hand of pain Arrests the feeble powers of life. The help of man is vain. 6 'Tis thou, great God, alone canst check The progress of disease ; And sickness, awed by power divine. The high command obeys. 7 Eternal Source of life and health, And every bliss we feel, In sorrow and in joy to thee Our grateful hearts appeal. Jgiy C. M. Tate and Brady. Experience of God's Goodness. Through all the changing scenes of life, In trouble and in joy, The praises of my God shall still My heart and tongue employ. Of his deliverance I will boast, Till all who are distrest 138 PROVIDENCE OF GOD. 167 From my example comfort take, And charm their griefs to rest. 3 The hosts of God encamp around The dwellings of the just ; Protection he affords to all Who make his name their trust. 4 O make but trial of his love, Experience w^ill decide How blest are they, and only they, Who in his truth confide. 5 Fear him, ye just, and you will then Have nothing else to fear : Make you his service your delight ; Your wants shall be his care. 139 PART VI. THANKSGIVING. Igg S. M. Mrs. Steele. Obligation to Gratitude and Praise. My Maker and my King, To thee my all I owe ; Thy sovereign boimty is the spring From whence my blessings flow. Thou ever good and kind, A thousand reasons move, A thousand obligations bind My heart to grateful love. The creature of thy hand, On thee alone I live ; My God, thy benefits demand More praise than tongue can give. O what can I impart When all was thine before ? Thy love demands a thankful heart, The gift, alas, how poor ! Shall I withhold thy due ? And shall my passions rove ? Lord, make me to thy service true. And fill me with thy love. 140 THANKSGIVING. 169, 170 6 O let thy grace inspire My soul with strength divine ; Let all my powers to thee aspire, And all my days be thine. J^^ L. M. Watts. Praise for Temporal Blessings. 1 We bless the Lord, the just, the good, Who fills our hearts with joy and food, Who pours his blessings from the skies, And loads our days with rich supplies. 2 He sends the sun his circuit round, To cheer the fruits, to warm the ground : He bids the clouds with plenteous rain Refresh the thirsty earth again. 3 'Tis to his care we owe our breath, And all our near escapes from death : Safety and health to God belong : He helps the weak, he guards the strong. 4 He makes the saint and sinner prove The common blessings of his love ; But the wide difference shall appear When the rewarding day draws near. -11^0 C. M. . Flexman. God our Constant Benefactor. 1 Great God, to thee my grateful tongue My fervent thanks shall raise : Inspire my heart to raise the song Which celebrates thy praise. 141 171 THANKSGIVING. 2 From thy almighty forming hand I drew my vital powers ; My time revolves at thy command, In all its circling hours. 3 Thy power, my ever present guard, From every ill defends ; While numerous dangers hover round, My help from thee descends. 4 Beneath the shadow of thy wings, How sweet is my repose ! Thy morning light renews the springs From whence my comfort flows. 5 In celebration of thy praise I will employ my breath : And walking steadfast in thy ways, Will triumph over death. J'yj[ L. M. Doddridge. God the Author of all our Comforts. Great Source of life, our souls confess The various riches of thy grace ; Crowned with thy mercy, w^e rejoice. And in thy praise exalt our voice. By thee the vault of heaven was spread ; By thee the earth's foundations laid ; And all the scenes of man's abode Proclaim a wise and gracious God. 142 THANKSGIVING. 172 3 Thy quickening iiand restores our breath, When trembling on the verge of death ; Gently it wipes away our tears, And lengthens life to future years. 4 Our lives are sacred to the Lord, Kindled by him, by him restored ; And while our hours renew their race, May sin no more these hours disgrace ! 5 So when at length by thee we're led Through unknown regions of the dead. With hope triumphant, may we move To scenes of nobler life above. Jiy2 ^- M- Merrick. God, Preserver, Benefactor, and Saviour. 1 How well our grreat Preserver- knows To weigh, and to relieve our woes ! Behold his wrath's avenging blast, How slow to rise, how soon o'erpast ! 2 How prompt his favor to dispense Its life-imparting influence ! How speedy his paternal love Our deep afflictions to remove ! 3 Grief for a night, obtrusive guest. Beneath our roof perchance my rest ; But joy, with the returning day. Shall wipe each transient tear away. 4 Since thou wilt hearken to my prayer, Again the face of joy I wear : 143 173 THANKSGIVING. Thy strength my fainting spirit cheers, And checks my griefs and calms my fears. 5 With what delight, great God, I trace The acts of thy stupendous grace ! To count them were to count the sand That lies upon the sea-beat strand. 173 C. M. Mrs. Steele. The Blessings of Providence 1 Almighty Father, gracious Lord, Kind guardian of my days, Thy mercies let my heart record In songs of grateful praise. 2 In life's first dawn, my tender frame Was thy indulgent care ; Long ere I- could pronounce thy name, Or breathe the infant prayer. 3 When reason with my stature grew, How weak her brightest ray ! How little of my God I knew ! How apt from thee to stray ! 4 Around my path what dangers rose ! What snares o'erspread my road ! No power could guard me from my foes, But my preserver, God. 5 When life hung trembling on a breath, 'Twas thy unceasing love That saved me from impending death, And bade my fears remove. 144 THANKSGIVING. 174 0 Lord, though this mortal frame decays, And earthly comfort flies, Complete the wonders of thy grace, And raise me to the skies. 7 Then shall my joyful powers unite In more exalted lays, And join the happy sons of light In everlasting praise. Jiy^. C. M. Addison. Gratitude to God. 1 When all thy mercies, O my God, My rising soul surveys. Transported with the view, I'm lost In wonder, love and praise. 2 Thy providence my life sustained And all my wants redressed When in the silent womb I lay, Or hung upon the breast. 3 To all my weak complaints and cries Thy mercy lent an ear. Ere yet my feeble thoughts had learnt To form themselves in prayer. 4 Unnumbered comforts on my soul Thy tender care bestowed, Before my infant heart conceived From whom those comforts flowed. 5 When in the sUppery paths of youth With heedless steps I ran, N 145 175 THANKSGIVING. Thine arm unseen conveyed me safe, And led me up to man. G Through hidden dangers, toils and death? It gently cleared my way. And through the hidden snares of vice. More to be feared than they. 7 When nature fails, and day and night Divide thy works no more, My ever grateful heart, O Lord, Thy mercy shall adore. 17^ C. M. Addison. The same subject. 1 O HOW shall words witli equal warmth The gratitude declare That glows in my enraptured heart ; But thou canst read it there. 2 Thy bounteous hand with worldly bliss Hath made my cup run o'er. And in a kind and faithful friend Hath doubled all my store. 3 Ten thousand thousand precious gifts My daily thanks employ ; Nor is the least a cheerful heart, Which tastes those gifts with joy. 4 When worn by sickness, oft hast thou With health renewed my face, And when in sins and sorrows sunk, Revived my soul with grace. 146 THANKSGIVING. 176 5 Through every period of my life Thy goodness I'll pursue, And after death, in unknown worlds The glorious theme renew. 6 Through all eternity to thee A joyful song I'll raise ; But O eternity's too short To utter all thy praise. J^)^^ L. M. Doddridge. Gratitude to God for his innumerable Mercies. 1 In glad amazement. Lord, I stand Amidst the bounties of thy hand ; How numberless those bounties are ! How rich, how various, and how fair ! 2 But O what poor returns I make ! What lifeless thanks I pay thee back ! Lord, I confess with humble shame, My offerings scarce deserve the name. 3 Fain would my lab'ring heart devise To bring some nobler sacrifice ; It sinks beneath the mighty load : •• What shall I render to my God?" 4 To him I consecrate my praise And vow the remnant of my days ; Yet what at best can I pretend. Worthy such gifts from such a friend ! 5 In deep abasement, Lord, I see My emptiness and poverty ; 147 177 THANKSGIVING. Enrich my soul with grace divine, And make me worthy to be thine. 6 Give me at length an angel's tongue, That heaven may echo with my song ; The theme, too great for time, shall be The joy of long eternity. \^^ C. M. Mrs. Steele. Blessings of Providence and Redemption. 1 My God, what blessings round me shone, Where'er I turned mine eye ! How many passed almost unknown Or unregarded by ! 2 Each rolling year new favors brought From thine exhaustless store ; But ah, in vain my lab'ring thought Would count thy mercies o'er. 3 While sweet reflection through my days Thy bounteous hand would trace, Still dearer blessings claim my praise, The blessings of thy grace. 4 Yes, I adore thee, gracious Lord, For favors more divine. That I have known thy sacred word, Where all thy glories shine. 5 My highest praise, alas, how poor ! How cold my warmest love ! My Father, teach me to adore As' angels do above. 148 THANKSGIVING. 178 6 But frail mortality in vain Attempts the blissful song ; The high, the vast, the boundless strain, Claims an immortal tongue. 27§ p. M. H. M. The Love of God. 1 My God, thy boundless love I praise ; How bright on high its glories blaze ! How sweetly bloom below ! It streams from thine eternal throne, Through heaven its joys for ever run, And o'er the earth they flow. 2 'Tis love that paints the purple morn, And bids the clouds in air upborne Their genial drops distil ; In every vernal beam it glows, And breathes in every gale that blows. And glides in every rill. 3 It robes*in cheerful green the ground, And pours its flowery beauties round. Whose sweets perfume the 'gale; Its bounties richly spread the plain, The blushing fruit, the golden grain. And smile on every vale. 4 But in thy word I see it shine With grace and glories more divine, Proclaiming sins forgiven ; N* 149 179 THANKSGIVING. There faith, bright cherub, points the way To realms of everlasting day, And opens all her heaven. 5 Then let the love that makes me blest, With cheerful praise inspire my breast. And ardent gratitude ; And all my thoughts and passions tend To thee, my Father and my Friend, My soul's eternal Good. J^9 L. M. Watts. Blessings of Providence and Redemption. 1 Bless, O my soal, the living God, Call home thy thoughts that rove abroad ; Let all the powers within me join In work and worship so divine. 2 Bless, O my soul, the God of grace, His favors claim thy highest praise ; Let not the wonders he hath wrought Be lost in silence and forgot. 3 Our youth decayed, his power repairs, His mercy crowns our growing years, He satisfies our mouths with good, And fills our hopes with heavenly food. 4 The vices of the mind he heals, And soothes the pains which nature feels. Redeems our souls from death, and saves Our wasting lives from threat'ning graves. 5 He sees the oppressor and the opprest, And often gives the suff 'rer rest ; 150 THANKSGIVING. 180 But will his justice more display In the last great rewarding day. 6 His power he showed by Moses' hands, And gave to Israel his commands ; But sent his truth and mercy down To all the nations by his Son. 7 Let the whole earth his power confess ; Let the whole earth adore his grace ; The Gentile with the Jew shall join In work and worship so divine. 1^0 S- M. Watts. The same subject. 1 O BLESS the Lord, my soul. Let all within me join, And aid my tongue to bless his name Whose favors are divine. 2 O bless the Lord, my soul, Nor let his mercies lie Forgotten in unthankfulness. And without praises die. 3 'Tis he forgives thy sins, 'Tis he relieves thy pain, 'Tis he that heals thy sicknesses, And gives thee strength again. 4 He crowns thy life with love. When rescued from the grave ; He that redeemed our souls from death, Hath boundless power to save. 151 181 THANKSGIVING. 5 He fills the poor with good, He gives the sufferer rest ; The Lord hath justice for the proud, And mercy for the opprest. 6 His wondrous works and ways He made by Moses known ; But sent the world his truth and grace By his beloved Son. j[^J^ L. M. Mrs. Steele. Praise for the Divine Goodness. 1 Awake, my soul, awake, my tongue, My God demands the grateful song ; Let all my nobler powers record The wondrous mercy of the Lord. 2 Divinely free his mercy flows, Forgives my crimes, allays my woes ; He bids approaching death remove. And crowns me with indulgent love. 3 He fills my longing soul with good, Substantial bliss, immortal food, Youth smiles renewed in active prime, And triumphs o'er the power of time. 4 In him the poor opprest shall find A Friend almighty, just and kind ; His glorious acts, his wondrous ways. To all the world proclaim his praise. 152 THANKSGIVING. 182 -ICQ L. M. Watts. Blessings of Providence and Redemption. 1 Give to our God immortal praise ; Mercy and truth are all his ways ; Wonders of grace to God belong ; Repeat his mercies in your song. 2 Give to the Lord of lords renown, The King of kings with glory crown ; His mercies ever shall endure When lords and kings are known no more. 3 He built the earth, he spread the sky, And fixed the starry lights on high ; Wonders of grace to God belong ; Repeat his mercies in your song. 4 He fills the sun with morning light. He bids the moon direct the night ; His mercies ever shall endure When sun and moon shall shine no more. 5 He sent his Son with power to save From guilt and darkness and the grave ; Wonders of grace to God belong ; Repeat his mercies in your song. G Through this vain world he guides our feet. And leads us to his heavenly seat ; His mercies ever shall endure When this vain world shall be no more. 153 183 THANKSGIVING. 18S p. M. Watts. The same subject. 1 Give thanks to God most high, The universal Lord, The sovereign King of kings. And be his grace adored. His power and grace Are still the same ; And let his name Have endless praise. 2 How mighty is his hand ! What wonders hath he done ! He formed the earth and seas, And spread the heavens alone. Thy mercy. Lord, Shall still endure, And ever sure Abides thy word. 3 His wisdom framed the sun. To crown the day with light ; The moon and twinkling stars, To cheer the darksome night. His power and grace Are still the same ; And let his name Have endless praise. 4 He sent his only Son To save us from our woe, 151 THANKSGIVING. 184, 185 From error, sin and death, And every hurtful foe. Thy mercy. Lord, Shall still endure, And ever sure Abides thy word. 184- C. M. Berridge. TTie same subject. 1 Thy goodness. Lord, our souls confess. Thy goodness we adore ; A spring whose blessings never fail, A sea without a shore. 2 Sun, moon and stars thy love attest In every golden ray ; Love draws the curtains of the night, And love returns the day. 3 Thy bounty every season crowTis With all the bliss it yields ; With joyful clusters loads the vine, With strengthening grain the fields. 4 But chiefly thy compassions. Lord, Are in the gospel seen ; There, like the sun, thy mercy shines, Without a cloud between. 185 C. M. Watts. Assistance and Victory in the Spiritual Warfare. 1 For ever blessed be the Lord, My Saviour and my Shield, 155 186 THANKSGIVING. He sends liis spirit with his word To arm me for the field. 2 When all my foes their force unite, He makes my soul his care, Instructs me to the heavenly fight, And guards me through the war. 3 A friend and helper so divine Does my weak courage raise ; He makes the glorious victory mine, And his shall be the praise. Igg S. M. Watts. Praise for Salvation. 1 To God the only wise. Our Saviour and our King, 0 let us all with joyful hearts Our liumble praises sing. 2 'Tis his almighty love. His counsel and his care. Preserve us safe from sin and death And every hurtful snare. 3 He will present us pure, Unblemished and complete, Before the glory of his face. With joys divinely great. 4 Then all his faithful sons Shall meet around the throne. Shall bless the conduct of his grace, And make his wonders known. 156 THANKSGIVING. 187 To God the only wise All majesty belongs ; And be his power and grace adored In everlasting songs. JgtJ' C. M. Mrs. Steele. Light and Deliverance. 1 The weary traveller lost in night Breathes many a longing sigh, And marks the welcome dawn of light With rapture in his eye. 2 Thus sweet the dawn of heavenly day Lost weary sinners find, When mercy with reviving ray Beams o'er the fainting mind. 3 To slaves opprest with cruel chains How kind, how dear the friend Whose generous hand relieves their pains, And bids their sorrows end ! 4 Thus kind, thus dear, that friend divine, Who rescues captive souls. Unbinds the galling chains of sin, And all its power controls. 5 My God, to thy revealed light My dawn of hope I owe ; Once wanderinor in the shades of night And sunk in hopeless woe. O 157 187 THANKSGIVING. 6 'Twas thy blest hand redeemed the slave, And set the prisoner free : Be all I am and all I have Devoted, Lord, to thee. PART VII. DIVINE REVELATION. J§§ S. M. Watts. The Book of Nature aiid Scripture. 1 Behold, the lofty sky- Declares its Maker God, And all his starry works on high Proclaim his power abroad. 2 The darkness and the light Still keep their course the same ; While night to day, and day to night. Divinely teach his name. 3 In every diiferent land Their general voice is known ; They show the wonders of his hand, And orders of his throne. 4 Ye Christian lands, rejoice. Here he reveals his word : We are not left to nature's voice To bid us know the Lord. 5 His statutes and commands Are set before our eyes ; He puts his gospel in our hands, Where our salvation lies. 159 189 DIVINE REVELATION. 6 His laws are just and pure, His truth without deceit, His promises for ever sure, And his rewards are great. 1§9 L. M. Watts. The Works and Word of God. 1 The heavens declare thy glory, Lord, In every star thy wisdom shines ; But when our eyes behold thy word, We read thy name in fairer lines. 2 The rolling sun, the changing light, And nights and days thy power confess ; But the blest volume thou hast writ, Reveals thy justice and thy grace. 3 Sun, moon and stars convey thy praise Round the whole earth, and never stand ; So when thy truth began its race. It touched and glanced on every land. 4 Nor shall thy spreading gospel rest, Till through the world thy truth has run, Till Christ has all the nations blest That see the light or feel the sun. 5 Father of lights, in glory rise, Bless the dark world with heavenly light Thy gospel makes the simple wise, Thy laws are pure, thy judgments right. 6 Thy noblest wonders here we view In souls renewed and sins forgiven : 160 DIVINE REVELATION. 190 Lord, cleanse my sins, my soul renew, And make thy word my guide to heaven. 29Q p. M. Watts. The same subject. 1 Great God, the heavens' well-ordered frame Declares the glories of thy name ; There thy rich works of wonder shine ; A thousand starry beauties there, A thousand radiant marks appear, Of boundless power and skill divine. 2 From night to day, from day to night, The dawning and the dying light, Lectures of heavenly wisdom read ; With silent eloquence they raise Our thoughts to the Creator's praise. And neither sound nor lano^uao-e need. 3 Yet their divine instructions run Far as the journeys of the sun. And distant nations know their voice ; The sun in robes of splendor drest. Breaks from the chambers of the east, Moves round and bids the earth rejoice. 4 Where'er he spreads his beams abroad He speaks the majesty of God : All nature joins to show thy praise. 0* 161 191 DIVINE REVELATION. Thus God in every creature shines : Fair are the book of nature's lines, But fairer is the book of grace. J^0J[ L. M. Mrs. Steele. The Advantages of Divine Revelation. 1 When Israel through the desert passed, A fiery pillar went before To guide them through the dreary waste And lessen the fatigues they bore. 2 Such is the glorious word of God ; 'Tis for our light and guidance given ; It sheds a lustre all abroad, And points the path to bliss and heaven. 3 It fills the soul with sweet delight, And quickens its inactive powers ; It sets our wandering footsteps right, Displays his love and kindles ours. 4 Its promises rejoice our hearts ; Its doctrines are divinely true ; Knowledge and pleasure it imparts ; It comforts and instructs us too. 5 Ye favored lands, blest with this word, All ye who feel its saving power, Unite your tongues to praise the Lord, And his distinguished grace adore. 162 DIVINE REVELATION. 192, 193 192 C. M. Watts. Excellence of Scripture. 1 The starry heavens thy rule obey, The earth maintains her place ; And these thy servants night and day Thy skill and power express. 2 But still thy law and gospel, Lord, Have lessons more divine ; Not earth stands firmer than thy word, Nor stars so nobly shine. 3 Let all the heathen writers join To form one perfect book : Great God, if once compared with thine. How mean their writings look ! 4 Not the most perfect rules they gave, Could show one sin forgiven, Nor lead a step beyond the grave ; But thine conduct to heaven. 5 Thy word is everlasting truth ; How pure is every page ! That holy book shall guide our youth, And well support our age. 193 C. M. Mrs. Steele. The Excellency of the Holy Scriptures. 1 Father of mercies, in thy word What endless glory shines ! Forever be thy name adored For these celestial lines. 163 194 DIVINE REVELATION. 2 Here may the wretched sons of want Exhaustless riches find ; Riches above what earth can grant, And lasting as the mind. 3 Here the fair tree of knowledge grows, And yields a free repast ; Snblimer sweets than nature knows, Invite the longing taste. 4 Here springs of consolation rise To cheer the fainting mind ; And thirsty souls receive supplies, And sweet refreshment find. 5 'Tis here the Saviour's welcome voice Spreads heavenly peace around ; And life and everlasting joys Attend the blissful sound. 6 O may these heavenly pages be My ever dear delight ; And still new beauties may I see, And still increasing light. J^0^ C. M. Doddridge. Perfection of God's Law. 1 Perfection ! 'tis an empty name, Nor can repay our cares ; And he that seeks it here below Must end the search with tears. 2 Great David on his royal throne, The beauteous and the strong, 164 DIVINE REVELATION. 195 Rich in the spoils of conquered foes, Amidst the applauding throng, 3 With all his mind's capacious powers Pursued the shade in vain, Not heard in his melodious voice Or harp's angelic strain. 4 From public to domestic scenes The impatient monarch turns ; The friend, the husband and the sir^ In sad succession mourns. 5 At length thy law, eternal God, He through his tears descries. And wrapt amidst those sacred folds He finds the heavenly prize. 6 There will I seek perfection too, Where David's God is known ; Nor envy, with this volume blest. His treasures and his throne. 195 C. M. Watts. The Consolation of Scripture. 1 Lord, I have made thy word my choice, My lasting heritage ; There shall my noblest powers rejoice, My warmest thoughts engage. 2 I'll read the histories of thy love, And keep thy laws in sight, While through the promises I rove With ever fresh delight. 165 196 DIVINE REVELATION. 3 'Tis a broad land of wealth -unknown, Where springs of life arise, Seeds of immortal bliss are sown, And hidden glorj lies. 4 The best relief that mourners have. It makes our sorrows blest ; Our fairest hope beyond the grave, And our eternal rest. 190 C. M. Watts. The same subject. 1 The volume of my Father's grace Does all my grief assuage ; His cheering promises I trace Almost in every page. 2 This is the field where hidden lies The pearl of price unknown ; The merchant is divinely wise Who makes that pearl his own. 3 This is the judge that ends the strife Where wit and reason fail ; My guide to everlasting life Through all this gloomy vale. 4 0 may thy counsels, mighty God, My roving feet command ; Nor I forsake the happy road That leads to thy right hand. 166 DIVINE REVELATION. 197, 198 X97 CM. Watts. Instruction to the Young from Scripture. 1 How shall the young secure their hearts, And guard their lives from sin ? Thy word the choicest rules imparts To keep the conscience clean. 2 When once it enters to the mind, It spreads such light abroad, The meanest souls instruction find, And raise tiieir thoughts to God. 3 'Tis like the sun, a heavenly light, That guides us all the day ; And through the dangers of the night A lamp to lead our way. 19§ C. M. Doddridge. The Perfect Law of Liberty. 1 Behold that wise, that perfect law, Which noblest freedom gives ; O may it all our souls refine, i And sanctify our lives ! '2 Not with a transient glance surveyed, And in an hour forgot, But deep inscribed on every heart. To reign o'er every thought. 3 Great Author of each perfect 'gift. Thy gracious power display, That our ungrateful, wandering hearts May hearken and obey. 167 199, 200 DIVINE REVELATION. 199 • L. M. Mrs. Steele. Light and Comfort from the Scriptures. 1 To God, its Source, my soul aspires ; Come, Lord, and fill my vast desires ; Be thou my portion ; here I rest. Since of my utmost wish possest. 2 O let thy sacred word impart Its gen'rous influence to my heart; With power and light and love divine, Assure my soul that thou art mine. 3 The blissful word, with joy replete, Shall bid my gloomy fears retreat ; And heaven-born hope, serenely bright, Shine cheerful through this mortal night. 4 Then shall my joyful spirit rise On wings of faith above the skies ; And when these transient scenes are o'er, And this vain world shall tempt no more, 5 O may I reach the blissful plains Where thy imclouded glory reigns. And dwell for ever near thy throne. In joys to mortal thought unknown. 2QQ L. M. Doddridge. Scripture Teachings, and their Happy Consequences. 1 Bright Source of intellectual rays, Father of spirits and of grace, O dart with energy unknown Celestial beamings from thy throne. 168 DIVINE REVELATION. 201 2 Thy sacred book we would survey, Enlightened with that heavenly day, And seek thine influence with the word To teach our souls to know the Lord. 3 So shall our children learn the road That leads them to their fathers' God, And formed by lessons so divine. Shall infant minds with knowledge shine. 4 So shall the haughtiest soul submit With children placed at Jesus' feet ; The noisy swell of pride shall cease, And thy sweet voice be heard in peace. 201 C. M. COWPER. The Light and Glory of the World. 1 What glory gilds the sacred page, Majestic like the sun ! It gives a light to every age, It gives, but borrows none. 2 The hand that gave it still supplies His gracious light and heat ; His truths upon the nations rise. They rise, but never set. 3 Let everlasting thanks be thine For such a bright display As makes a world of darkness shine With beams of heavenly day. 4 My soul rejoices to pursue The paths of truth and love, P 169 202, 203 DIVINE REVELATION. Till glory break upon my view In brighter w^orlds above. «2Q2 C. M. Watts. Delight in Scripture. 1 O HOW I love thy holy law ! 'Tis daily my delight, And thence my meditations draw Divine advice by night. 2 How doth thy word my heart engage ! How well employ my tongue, And in my tiresome pilgrimage Yield me a heavenly song ! 3 Am I a stranger or at home 'Tis a divine repast ; Not honey dropping from the comb So much allures the taste. 4 No treasures so enrich the mind, Nor shall thy word be sold For loads of silver well refined. Nor heaps of choicest gold. 5 When nature sinks and spirits droop, Thy promises of grace Are pillars to support my hope ; And there I write thy praise, 203 c. M. Reason a Divine Gift. 1 What heavenly wisdom has bestowed, O let not man despise ; 170 DIVINE REVELATION. 204 Reason's a gift our praise demands ; It lifts us to the skies. 2 How could we know or value truth Without this beam of light ? Or conscience feel of rio^ht and wronsf, Or in God's praise delight? 3 For reason and for conscience too Accept our praise, O Lord, May this be pure, and that be clear, And both embrace thy word. 204 ^- M. Scott. The Right and Duty of Private Judgment. 1 Imposture shrinks from light And dreads the curious eye. But sacred truths the test invite, They bid us search and try. 2 O may we still maintain A meek inquiring mind. Assured we shall not search in vain, But hidden treasures find. 3 With understanding blest. Created to be free. Our faith on man we dare not rest, Subject to none but thee. 4 Lord, give the light we need ; With soundest knowledge fill ; From noxious error guard our creed, From prejudice our will. 171 205 DIVINE REVELATION. 20^ L. M. Merrick. Religion without Superstition. 1 Far hence each superstition vain, Wild offspring of the human brain ; The truths that fill thy hallowed page My happier choice, great God, engage. •2 O ever faithful to thy word, Do thou thy vital strength afford ; Thy help impart. Eternal Sire, Nor let my hope in shame expire. 3 Sustained by thy almighty aid, What danger shall my soul invade ? Nor errors cloud, nor arts of sin My soul from thy obedience win. PART VIII. CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. ^0^ S. M. Watts. The Excellency of the Gospel. Behold, the morning sun Begins his glorious way ; His beams through all the nations run, And life and light convey. But where the gospel comes It spreads diviner light, It calls dead sinners from their tombs, And gives the blind their sight. How perfect is thy word ! And all thy judgments just ; For ever sure thy promise, Lord, And men securely trust. My gracious God, how plain Are thy directions given ! O may I never read in vain. But find the path to heaven ! While with my heart and tongue I spread thy praise abroad. Accept the worship and the song. My Father and my God. P* 173 207 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 207 P- M- Watts. The same subject. 1 I LOVE the volumes of thy word : What light and joy those leaves afford To souls benighted and distrest ! Thy precepts guide my doubtful way, Thy fear forbids my feet to stray, Thy promise leads my heart to rest. 2 From the discoveries of thy law The perfect rules of life I draw ; These are my study and delight ; Not honey so invites the taste, Nor gold that hath the furnace past Appears so pleasing to the sight. 3 Thy threatenings wake my slumbering eyes, And warn me where my danger lies ; But 'tis thy blessed gospel. Lord, That makes my guilty conscience clean, Converts my soul, subdues my sin. And gives a free but large reward. 4 Who knows the errors of his thoughts ? My God, forgive my secret faults. And from presumptuous sins restrain ; Accept my poor attempts of praise, That I have read thy book of grace, ' And book of nature not in vain. 174 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 208, 209 208 L. M. Watts. The Excellency of the Christian Religion. 1 Great God, how well thy truths agree ! How wise and holy thy commands ! Thy promises, how sure they be ! How firm our hope and comfort stands ! 2 Though we should trace the globe around, And every different system scan, There will be no religion found So just to God, so safe to man. 3 The various forms that men devise ' To shake my faith with treacherous art, I scorn as vanity and lies, And bind the gospel to my heart. 209 ^- M- Watts. Praise for the Gospel. 1 To our Almighty Maker, God, New honors be addrest ; His great salvation shines abroad, . And makes the nations blest. 2 He spake the word to Abraham first ; His truth fulfils the grace ; The Gentiles make his name their trust And learn his ris^hteouseess. O' 3 Let the whole earth his love proclaim With all her different tongues, And spread the honors of his name In melody and songs. 175 210, 211 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 2]^Q P. M. Salisbury Col. Praise to the God of our Salvation. 1 Hail the God of our salvation ! Triumph in redeeming love ; Let us with glad exultation Imitate the blest above. 2 Light of those whose dreary dwelUng Bordered on the shades of death, He hath, by his grace revealing, Scattered all the clouds beneath. 3 Father, thou art all compassion, Pure, unbounded love thou art; Hail the God of our salvation ! Praise him every thankful heart. 4 Joyfully on earth adore him, Till in heaven we take our place ; There enraptured fall before him, Lost in wonder, love and praise. gll L- M. Doddridge. The Christian Scheme of Salvation worthy of God. 1 Immortal God, on thee we call, The Great Original of all ; From thee we are, to thee we tend, Our sure support, our glorious end. 2 We praise that wise, that wondrous grace That pitied our revolted race, 176 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 212 And Jesus, our victorious head, The captain of salvation made. 3 He thine eternal love decreed Sliould many sons to glory lead ; And sinful worms to him are given A colony to people heaven. 4 Jesus for us (O gracious name !) Encountered agony and shame ; Jesus, the glorious and the great, Was by his sufferings made complete. 5 A scene of wonders here we see, Worthy thy Son, and worthy Thee ; And while this theme employs our tongues, All heaven unites its sweetest songs. 212 C. M. Watts. The Blessings of the Gospel. 1 Blest are the souls that hear and know The gospel's joyful sound ; Peace shall attend the path they go, And light their steps surround. 2 Their joy shall bear their spirits up Through God's eternal name ; His promises exalt their hope, And who shall dare condemn ? 3 The Lord, our glory and defence. Strength and salvation skives; Israel, thy King for ever reigns. Thy God for ever lives. 177 213, 214 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 2J3 S. M. Watts. The same subject. 1 How beauteous are their feet Who stand on Zion's hill ! Who bring salvation on their tongues, And words of peace reveal. 2 How charming is their voice ! How sweet the tidings are ! " Zion, thy King, thy God appears, He reigns and triumphs here." 3 How happy are our ears That hear the joyful sound, Which kings and prophets waited for And sought but never found ! D How blessed are our eyes That see this heavenly light ! Prophets and kings desired it long, But died without the sight. "&' The watchmen join their voice, And tuneful notes employ ; Far-distant lands break forth in songs, And deserts learn the joy. 214 L- M. Mr. J. Taylor. The Light of the Gospel. O HOW delightful is the road That guides us to thy temple. Lord ! With joy we visit thine abode. And seek the treasures of thy word. 178 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 215, 216 0 heavenly treasures, glorious light ! From ancient sages long concealed, Till Christ restored the feeble sight And God's unchanging word revealed. 215 S. M. Watts. The Birth of Christ. Behold, the .grace appears, The blessing promised long ; Angels announce the Saviour near In this triumphant song : " Glory to God on high, And heavenly peace on earth ; Good-will to men, to angels joy, At the Redeemer's birth." In worship so divine Let us employ our tongues ; With the celestial hosts we join, And loud repeat their songs : Glory to God on high, And heavenly peace on earth ; Good-will to men, to angels joy. At our Redeemer's birth. 210 P- ^- -^0"^ Taylor. Christmas Hymn. (Tune, Jldeste Fideles.) 1 Exulting, rejoicing, hail the happy morning. The morn of the day when our Christ was born ! 179 217 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. Angels of mercy, who his birth attended, O bear our loud hosannas through the sky ! 0 bear, &c. 2 Salvation proclaiming to the guilty nations, He comes in the glory and power of God ; Angels of mercy, who his steps attended, O bear our loud hosannas through the sky ! O bear, &c. 3 Devoted, submissive, on the cross expiring, He bows to the will of his Father, God ; Angels of pity, who his death attended, O bear our loud hosannas throucrh the skv ! O bear, &c. 217 S. M. Needham. Birth of Christ. 1 The Prince of peace is come ! Ye nations shout and sing ; Let men and angels join their songs. To hail this glorious King. 2 Light of the world, he comes ! The blind receive their sight ; The mind now feels his gladdening ray. And all within is light. 3 Evangelist divine. He makes the gospel known ; The poor the joyful tidings hear. And their great prophet own. 4 Whilst, gracious God, I hear The gospel's joyful sound, 180 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 218 May my glad heart, my tongue, my life, Be all obedience found. fJ^YS ^' ^- Needham. TTie same subject. 1 Glory to God on high be given, For peace to earth is brought ; Good-will to wretched, dying men. Surpassing human thought. 2 The time foretold by heaven is come, The year of Jubilee, The day which kings and saints so long, So much desired to see. 3 He's come, the mighty Saviour's come, Hear, and rejoice, thou earth ; Let every tongue the globe around. Hail the Redeemer's birth. 4 To universal empire born, The charge he well sustains : Nations, rejoice, the mighty Lord, Your king, Messiah, reigns. 5 Glory to God on high be given. For peace to earth is brought. Good-will to wretched, dying men, Surpassing human thought. Q 181 219, 220 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. I2J9 L. M. Watts. The same subject. 1 To those who fear and trust the Lord, His mercy stands for ever sure ; From age to age his promise lives, And the performance is secure. 2 He spake to Abra'm and his seed, In thee shall all the earth be blessed ; The memory of that ancient word Lay long in his eternal breast. 3 But now no more shall Israel wait, No more the Gentiles lie forlorn, Lo, the desire of nations comes. Behold, the promised seed is born. 22Q L. M. Merrick. TTie Promised Messiah. 1 Welcome the hope of Israel's race. The Messenger of truth and grace ; Your hearts in righteousness prepare ; Behold your wished redemption near. 2 See glory, bursting from the skies, O'er Judah's land effulgent rise ; And fix amidst her coasts its seat. Where justice, truth and mercy meet : 3 While faith and hope, their offspring dear. Attendant on their steps appear, And joined in friendly compact move, Blessed with philanthropy and love. 182 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 221 4 Truth in thy lands, O earth, shall spring-, And riohteousness her healing wing Expanding, downward cast her eye, While heaven's great Monarch from on high 5 The heathen gloom shall chase away, And usher in a glorious day ; And from his own propitious will The promised grace to man fulfil. 221 ^' ^- J<^«^ Taylor. The Mission of Christ. 1 " Prepare," the appointed herald cried, " The Lord's straight path prepare ; Let vftlleys rise, let hills subside, And rugged ways grow fair. 2 " Then shall the race of man behold Salvation from on high, Then shall the Saviour long foretold Commence his ministry." 3 Spotless the heaven-taught teacher stood, And meekly bowed his heati. While from old Jordan's sacred flood Baptismal rites were shed. 4 Now spake the announcing voice of heaven, While bright the glory shone : " To you the Christ of God is given, Jehovah's chosen Son. 5 " Him hear, with him my covenant stands, With power I him invest, 183 222 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. I place my sceptre in his hands. My truth inspires his breast." 222 ^- M. DODDRIDGK. The same subject. 1 Hark, the glad sound, the Saviour comes, The Saviour promised long ; Let every heart a throne prepare, And every voice a song. 2 On him the spirit largely poured Exerts its holy fire ; Wisdom and might and zeal and love His sacred breast inspire. 3 He comes the prisoners to release In wretched bondage held ; The gates of brass before him burst, The iron fetters yield. 4 He comes from thickest films of vice To clear the mental ray, And on the eye-balls of the blind To pour celestial day, 5 He comes the broken heart to bind, The v\^ounded soul to care, And with the treasures of his grace Enrich the humble poor. 6 Our songs of joy and gratitude His welcome shall proclaim ; Hail to the Prince of peace, who comes In God our Father's name ! 184 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 223, 224 223 C. M. Watts. The same subject. 1 Sing to the Lord, ye distant lands, Ye tribes of every tongue ; His new-discovered grace demands A new and noble song. 2 Say to the nations, Jesus came A guilty world to save ; From vice and error to reclaim, And rescue from the grave. 3 Let heaven proclaim the blissful day, Joy through the earth be seen ; Let cities shine in bright array, And fields in cheerful green. 4 With pleasure lift your wondering eyes. Ye islands of the sea ; Ye mountains, sink, ye valleys, rise, Prepare the Saviour's way. 5 Behold he comes, he comes to bless The nations from their God, To show the world his righteousness. And send his truth abroad. 224 ^- ^' Watts. Tlie Coming and Kingdom, of Christ. I Joy to the world, the Lord is come, The long-predicted king ; Let every heart prepare him room, And heaven and nature sing. Q* 185 226 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 2 Joy to the earth, the Saviour reigns ; Let men their songs employ ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains, Repeat the sounding joy. 3 No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground ; He comes to make his blessinors flow As far as guilt is found. 4 God rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of his faithfulness. And wonders of his love. 2|25 ^- ^^- Edinburgh Col. The same subject. 1 Behold, he comes, your leader comes With might and honor crowned, A witness who shall spread my name To earth's remotest bound. 2 The beam that shines from Zion's hill Shall lighten every land ; The king who reigns in Salem's towers Shall all the world command. 3 See, nations hasten to his call From every distant shore ; Isles yet unknown shall bow to him And Israel's God adore. 4 Come, then, O house of Jacob, come. To his blest laws incline, 186 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 226, 227 Still walking in the light of God, With holiness divine. 226 ^- ^- COWPER. Christ the Sun of Righteousness. 1 How blest thy creature is, O God, When with a single eye He views the lustre of thy word, The day-spring from on high ! 2 Through all the storms that veil the skies, And frown on earthly things. The sun of righteousness he eyes With healing on his wings. 3 The glorious orb whose golden beams The fruitful year control. Since first obedient to thy word He started from the goal, 4 Has cheered the nations with the joys His orient rays impart; But 'tis the light of Christ alone Can shine upon the heart. 22^ L- M. Doddridge. The same subject. 1 To thee, O God, we homage pay. Source of the light that rules the day ; Who, while he gilds all nature's frame, Reflects thy rays and speaks thy name. 2 In louder strains we singf that orrace Which gives the sun of righteousness, 187 228 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. Whose nobler liorht salvation brinf]rs And scatters healing from his wings. 3 Still on our hearts may Jesus shine With beams of light and love divine ; Quickened by him our souls shall live, And cheered by him shall grow and thrive. 4 O may his glories stand confessed From north to south, from east to west ; Successful inay his gospel run Wide as the circuit of the sun. 5 When shall that radiant scene arise, When, fixed on high, in purer skies, Christ all his lustre shall display On all his saints through endless day ! 228 S. M. Lindsey's Col. Christ the Light of the World. 1 Behold, the Prince of peace, The chosen of the Lord ; God's well-beloved Son fulfils The sure prophetic word. 2 No royal pomp adorns This king of righteousness. Meekness and patience, truth and love Compose his princely dress. 3 The spirit of the Lord, In rich abundance shed. On this great prophet gently lights, And rests upon his head. 188 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 229, 230 4 Jesus, the light of men, His doctrine life imparts ; O may we feel its quick' ning power To warm and glad our hearts. 5 Cheered by its beams, our souls Shall run the heavenly way ; The path which Christ hath marked and trod Will lead to endless day. OOO p. M. Wesley. Tlie Star of Jacob. 1 Sons of men, behold him far, Hail the long-expected star ; Jacob's star, that gilds the night. Guides bewildered nature right. 2 Fear not hence that ill should flow. Wars or pestilence below ; Wars it bids and tumults cease, Ushering in the Prince of peace. 3 Mild he shines on all beneath. Piercing through the shade of death ; Scattering error's wide-spread night. Kindling darkness into light. 2«^0 CM. Watts. Light and Salvation by Jesus Christ. 1 Be every vale exalted high, Sink every mountain low ; The proud must stoop, and humble souls Shall God's salvation know. 189 231, 232 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANm*. 2 Tlie heathen realms with Israel's land Shall jom in sweet accord, And all thats born of man shall see The glory of the Lord. 3 Behold the morning star arise, Ye that in darkness sit : He marks the path that leads to peace. , And guides our doubtful feet. 231 L- M. Watts. Salvation by Christ. 1 Salvation is for ever nigh The souls that fear and trust the Lord : And crrace. descending from on high. Fresh hopes of glory shall afford. 2 Now truth and honour shall abound, Religion dwell on earth again, And heavenlv inliuence bless the srround. ^ -- In our Redeemer's gentle reign. •>32 P- ^^- DODPRIDGK. Christ the Living Stone. 1 WiTH ecstacy of joy Extol his glorious name Who reared the spacious earth And raised our mortal frame ; He built the church who spread the skv. Shout and exalt his honors liigh. 2 See the foundation laid By power and love divine ; 190 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 233 In Christ, his best-loved Son, How bright his glories shine ! Who yields to death — in dust he lies That from his tomb a church might rise. 3 But he for ever lives, Nor for himself alone ; Each saint new life derives From him the living stone ; , His influence spreads through every soul, And in one house unites the whole. 4 To him with joy we move, In him cemented stand. The living temple grows And owns the founder's hand : That structure, Lord, still higher raise, Louder to sound its Builder's praise. 5 Descend and shed abroad The tokens of thy grace. And with more radiant beams Let glory fill the place. Our joyful souls shall prostrate fall. And own our God is all in all. 233 L- M. Butcher. 3Iiracles of Christ. 1 What works of wisdom, power and love Do Jesus' high commission prove, Attest his heaven-derived claim. And glorify his Father's name ! 2 On eyes that never saw the day He pours the bright celestial ray, 191 234 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. And deafened ears, by him unbound, Catch all the harmony of sound. 3 Lameness takes up its bed and goes Rejoicing in the strength that flows Through every nerve, and free from pain, Pours forth to God the grateful strain. 4 The shattered mind his word restores. And tunes afresh the mental powers ; The dead revive, to life return. And bid affection cease to mourn. 5 Canst thou, my soul, these wonders trace, And not admire Jehovah's grace ? Canst thou behold thy Prophet's power. And not the God he served adore ? 234 L- M. Mrs. Steele. The Example of Christ. 1 And is the gospel peace and love ? Such let our conversation be ; The serpent blended with the dove, Wisdom and meek simplicity. 2 Whene'er the angry passions rise, And tempt our thoughts or tongues to strife. On Jesus let us fix our eyes. Bright pattern of the Christian life ! 3 O how benevolent and kind ! How mild, how ready to forgive ! 192 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 235 Be his the temper of our mind, And his the rules by which we live. 4 To do his heavenly Father's will Was his employment and delight ; Humility and holy zeal Shone through his life divinely bright. 0 Dispensing good where'er he came, The labors of his life were love ; If then we love the Saviour's name. Let his divine example move. 235 C. M. [Watts. The same subject. 1 God of my mercy and my praise, Thy glory is my song ; ril speak the honors of thy grace With a rejoicing tongue. 2 When Christ among the sons of men In huml:)le form was found, W^ith cruel slanders false and vain They compass'd him around. 3 Their miseries his compassion moved, Their peace he still pursued ; They rendered hatred for his love, And evil for his sfood. & Their malice raged without a cause, Yet with his dying breath He prayed for murd'rers on his cross. And blest his foes in death. R 193 236, 237 ^CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 5 O may his conduct all-divine To me a model prove ; Like his, O God, my heart incline My enemies to love. 230 ^- ^- AVATT5. The same subject. 1 I READ my duty in the word Of my Redeemer and my Lord, But in his life the law appears Drawn out in living characters. 2 What zeal liis mission to fulfil ! What deference to his Father's will ! His love and meekness, how divine ! I would transcribe and make them mine. 3 Cold mountains and the midnight air Witnessed the fervor of his prayer ; The desert his temptations knew, His conflicts and his victories too. 4 He is my pattern ; may I bear More of his gracious image here. Then shall I find my humble name Amono- the followers of the Lamb. '& 237" CM. Dr. Enfikld. Tlic same subject. 1 Behold where, in a mortal form. Appears each grace divine ; The virtues, all in Jesus met, With mildest radiance shine. 194 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 238 2 To spread the rays of heavenly liirht, To irivc the mourner joy, To preach glad tidings to the poor, Was his divine employ. 3 Lowly in lieart, to all his friends A friend and servant found. He washed their feet, he wiped their tears, And healed each bleeding wound. 1 'Midst keen reproach and cruel scorn. Patient and meek he stood ; His foes ungrateful sought his life. He labored for their good. 5 To God he left his righteous cause, And still his task pursued ; While humble prayer and holy faith His fainting strength renewed. 6 In the last hour of deep distress, Before his Father's throne, With soul resigned he bowed, and said, " Thy will, not mine, be done !"' 7 Be Christ our pattern, and our guide, His image may we bear ! O may Ave tread his holy steps, His joy and glory share ! 238 L. M. Doddridge. ChrisTs Submission to his Father's JVill. 1 " Father divine," the Saviour cried. While horrors pressed on ev'ry side, 195 239 CHRIv^T AND CHRISTIANITY. And prostrate on the ground he lay, " Remove this bitter cup away. '2 '< But if these pangs must still be borne, And stripes and wounds and cruel scorn, I bow my soul Ijefore thy throne, And say — Thy will, not mine, be done/' *} Thus our submissive souls would bow, And, taught by Jesus, lie as low ; Our hearts, and not our lips alone Would say — Thy will, not ours, be done. 4 Then, though like him in dust we lie, We'll view the blissful moment nigh, Which, from our portion in his pains, Calls to the joy in which he reigns. 239 c. M. A. The Glory of the Mart Jesus. 1 Welcome the hope of Israel's race, Herald of love divine ! Jesus, great prophet, in whose face Celestial glories shine. 2 Offspring of David, son of man, Brother of human kind, First-born of the prophetic train, Ray of the Father's mind, 3 Sun of the mental world, he shone With beams of righteousness, Poured forth from the eternal throne, The fount of truth and grace. 196 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 240 4 Nor heavcn-dcsconded truth and grace Alone his glory showed ; Virtue illumined all his days, His life with virtue glowed. 5 In the sad hour of nature's dread, He sought his Father's throne ; Breathed out his soul, and meekly said. "Thy will, O God, be done." 6 Lo, king of terrors, there thy prey : But see heaven swift to save, The captive spurns captivity, The conqueror is the slave. 7 No more the man of griefs and cares ; Of life and glory Lord; He calls his ])rethren fellow-heirs. Their glory his reward. 8 Time, hasten on thy chariot wheels, Bring victory from the skies. Descend the everlasting hills, Bid prostrate nations rise. 24:0 ^* ^- DoDDRIDGK. Jlltraclivc Injluencc of a Crucified Saviour. 1 Behold the amazing sight, The Saviour lifted high, Behold the Son of God's delight Expire in agony. 2 For whom, for whom, my lieart. Were all these sorrows borne .' R* 197 241 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. Why did he feel that piercing- smart, And meet that various scorn ? 3 For love of us he bled, And all in torture died ; 'Twas love that bowed his fainting head And oped his gushing side. 4 In sympathy of love Let all the earth combine, And drawn by cords so gentle, prove The energy divine. 5 In him our hearts unite, Nor share his griefs alone. But from his cross pursue their flight To his triumphant throne. 241 P- M. The Death and Resurrection of Jesus. 1 He dies, the friend of sinners dies ; Lo, Salem's daughters weep around, A solemn darkness veils the skies, A sudden trembling shakes the ground. Here's love and grief beyond degree ; The Lord of glory dies for man ; But lo, what sudden joys we see, Jesus, the dead, revives again. •2 Break off your tears, ye saints, and tell How high our great deliverer reigns ; Sing how he spoiled the hosts of hell, And led the monster death in chains : 198 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 242, 243 Say, " Live for ever, wondrous kin|T, Born to redeem, and stronj^ to save!" Then ask the monster, " Where's thy sting? And Where's thy victory, boasting grave?" 242 ^- ^^- Watts. Christ Glorified in his Resurrection. 1 Lo, what a glorious corner-stone Tlio Jewish builders did neglect ! But God hath l)uilt his church thereon, Though Jacob's sons that stone reject. 2 Great God, the work is all divine, The joy and wonder of oiu* eyes ; This is the day that proves it thine, The day that saw our Saviour rise. 3 Sinners rejoice, and saints be glad ; Hosanna ! let his name be blest ; A thousand honors on liis head With peace, and light, and glory rest ! 4 In God's own name he comes to bring Salvation to our dying race ; Let the whole church revere their king, And celebrate his Father's grace. 243 p. M. Wesleys. Rcsurreclioa of Christ. 1 Christ, the Lord, is risen to-day, Sons of men and nnL]!:els say ; Raise your joys and trium])hs higli, Sing, ye heavens, and earth, reply. 199 244 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 2 Love's redeeming work is done, Fought the fight, the battle won : Lo, our sun's eclipse is o'er, Lo, he sets in blood no more. 3 Vain the stone, the watch, the seal ; Christ has burst the gates of hell ; Death in vain forbids his rise ; Christ has open'd Paradise. 4 Lives again our glorious king ; Where, 'O death, is now thy sting ? Dying once he all doth save ; Where thy victory, O grave? 2J.J. p. M. Scott. The same, subject. 1 Angel, roll the rock away ; Hallslujah ! Death, yield up thy mighty prey ; See, he rises from the tomb, Glowing in immortal bloom. 2 'Tis the Saviour ! angels, raise Fame's eternal trump of praise ; Let the world's remotest bound Hear the joy-inspiring sound. 3 Shout, ye saints, in rapturous song, Let the strains be sweet and strong ; Shout the Son of God this morn From his sepulchre new-born. 200 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 245 4 Hail, victorious Jesus, hail ! On thy cloud of glory sail In long triumph through the sky, Up to waiting worlds on high. 5 Heaven displays her portals wide, Glorious hero, through them ride ; King of glory, mount the throne. Thy great P^'ather's and thine own. 6 Hosts of heaven, seraphic fires. Raptured sweep your sounding lyres ; Sons of men, in humbler strain Sing your mighty Saviour's reign. 7 Every note with wonder swell ; Sin o'erthrown and captived hell : Where is now, O death, thy sting ? Where thy terrors, vanquish'd king ? 2,^^ C. M. Doddridge. He is not here, but is risen. 1 Ye humble souls that seek the Lord, Chase all your fears away. And bow with pleasure down to see The place where Jesus lay. 2 Thus low the Lord of life was brought. Such wonders love can do ; Thus cold in death that bosom lay Which throbbed and bled for you. 3 A moment give a loose to grief, Let grateful sorrows rise, 201 246 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. And wasli the bloody stains away With torrents from your eyes. 4 Then dry your tears and tune your songs, - The Saviour lives again ; Not all the bolts and bars of death The conqueror could detain. 5 High o'er the angelic bands he rears His once dishonored head, And through unnumbered years he reigns, Who dwelt among the dead. 6 With joy like his shall every saint His empty tomb survey ; Then rise with his ascending Lord Through all his shining way. 2^^ L. M. Butcher. The Resurrection of Christ. 1 HosANNA ! let us join to sing The glories of our rising king, Recount his victories and tell How Jesus trium.phed when he fell. 2 Soon as the morning's earliest ray Brings on the third, th' appointed day, Behold the angel cleave the skies. Roll back the stone, and Jesus rise. 3 With strength immortal forth he comes, And power and life from God resumes ; The days of pain and sorrow past, His triumph shall forever last. 202 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 247 4 Ye tribes of Adam, raise the song, And bid angelic harps prolong The triumphs of that day of grace Which sealed salvation to our race. 5 Salvation ! joy-inspiring theme, Best gift of him who reigns supreme ; Sweet balm of every human woe, And source of boundless joy below. 6 Salvation ! sons of men, record The glories of your rising Lord ; The triumphs of the Saviour tell, Who died, and conquered when he fell. 247 S. M. The same subject. 1 Christians, dismiss yoiir fear. Let hope and joy succeed ; The welcome news with gladness hear, The Lord is ris'n indeed. 2 The shades of death withdrawn. His eyes their beams display : So wakes the sun when rosy dawn Unbars the gates of day. 3 Angelic hosts above The rising victor sing, And all the blissful seats of love With loud hosannas ring. 4 Ye pilgrims too, below. Your hearts and voices raise ; 203 248, 249 CHRIST and Christianity. Let every breast with gladness glow, And every mouth be praise. rtJLg L. M. Edward Taylor. The same subject. 1 Our Lord is risen from the dead, Our Jesns is gone up on high ; The powers of hell are captive led, Dragg'd to the portals of the sky. 2 There his triuipphal chariot waits. And angels chant their solemn lay, " Lift up your heads, ye heavenly gates, Ye everlasting doors, give way." 3 Loose all your bars of massy light. And wide unfold th' ethereal scene ; He bursts the bands of death and night, And heav'n receives the conqu'ror in. 4 Whom did the Lord of life subdue ? The tyrant death his arm o'ercame. The world and hell his power o'erthrew ; And Jesus is the conqueror's name. 5 Who is the King of glory ? Who ? The Christ, with God's own power possest, And made our King and Saviour too ; Thanks be to Ggd, for ever blest. O^0 L. M. Watts. Tlie Ascension of Christ. 1 Rejoice, ye shining worlds on high, Behold the King of glory nigh : 204 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 250 Who can this King of glory be ? The mighty Lord, the Saviour's he. 2 Ye heav'nly gates, your leaves display To make the Lord, the Saviour v^ay : Laden with spoils from earth and hell, The conqu'ror comes with God to dwell. 3 Raised from the dead, he goes before, He opens heav'n's eternal door To give his saints a blest abode Near their Redeemer and 'their God. 250 ^- M. Watts. The Triumph of Christ'' s Kingdom. 1 Maker and sov'reign Lord Of heav'n and earth and seas. Thy providence confirms thy word And answers thy decrees. 2 Why did the Gentiles rage, And Jews with one accord Bend all their counsels to destroy Th' anointed of the Lord ? 3 Rulers and kings agree To form a vain design ; Against the Lord their powers unite, Against his Christ they join. 4 The Lord derides their rage, And will support his throne ; He that hath raised him from the dead. Hath own'd him for his son. S 205 251, 252 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 5 He asks, and God bestows A large inheritance ; Far as the earth's remotest ends His kingdom shall advance. 251 L- M. Watts. The Success of the Gospel. 1 Thus the Eternal Father spake To Christ his Son, " Ascend and sit At my right h^iid, till I shall make Thy foes submissive at thy feet. 2 " From Zion shall thy word proceed ; . Thy word, the sceptre in thy liand, Shall make the hearts of rebels bleed. And bow their wills to thy command. 3 ^' That day shall show thy power is great, When men shall flock with willing minds, And sinners crowd thy temple gate, Where holiness in beauty shines." 4 O blessed power, O glorious day ! What a great vict'ry shall ensue ! And converts who thy grace obey Exceed the drops of morning dew. 0^2 P- ^- Doddridge. Blessed Effects of the Gospel. 1 Mark the soft-falling snow, And the descending rain ; To heav'n from whence it fell, It turns not back again ; 206 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 252 But waters earth Thro' every pore, And calls forth all Her secret store. 2 Array'd in beauteous green The hills and valleys shine, And man and beast are fed By providence divine ; The harvest bows Its golden ears, The copious seed Of future years. 3 " So," saitli the God of grace, " My gospel shall descend. Almighty to effect The purpose I intend ; Millions of souls Shall feel its power. And bear it down To millions more. 4 '' Joy shall begin your march. And peace protect your ways, While all the mountains round Echo melodious praise : The vocal groves Shall sing the God, And ev'ry tree Consenting nod." 207 253 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 253 L. M. Watts. The Kingdom of Christ. 1 Great God, whose -universal sway The known and unknown worlds obey, Extend the kingdom of thy Son, Till ev'ry land his rule shall own. 2 The sceptre well becomes his hands, And wise and good are his commands ; His laws protect the humble poor, And bid oppression rage no more. 3 They form to righteousness the mind. To all that's candid, gentle, kind ; Inspire with love the human breast, And stormy passions soothe to rest. 4 As gentle rain on parching ground, His gospel sheds its influence round ; Its grace on fainting souls distils Like heav'nly dew on thirsty hills. 5 The heathen lands that lie beneath The shade's of darkness and of death. Revive at its first dawning light. And deserts blossom at the sight. 6 His throne immoveable shall stand. Upheld by thine almighty hand, Till all shall love thee and adore, And vice and mis'ry be no more. 208 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 254, 255 254L ^' ^' Needham. Prayer for the Spread of the Gospel. 1 Great God of grace, arise and shine. With beams of heav'nly light ; From this dark world of sin dispel The long and doleful night. 2 No more may senseless idols share The honors due to thee ; May ev'ry nation know thy name, And thy salvation see. 3 No more may persecution dare To lift her iron rod, No longer shed the blood of saints, And plead a zeal for God. 4 With its own pure and native light, Lord, may thy gospel shine ; May error fly like noxious mists Before this light divine. 5 Whilst heav'n-born truth her charms re- veals, May love each breast inspire. Nor one base passion ever mix, To quench this sacred fire. 255 L. M. Watts. Christ's Kingdom among the Gentiles. 1 To God let fervent prayers arise With ev'ry daily sacrifice, 8* 209 256 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY, The great Messiah's reign to spread, And with new honors crown his head. 2 Soon may he reign where'er the sun Doth his successive jonrneys run ; His kingdom stretch from shore to shore, Till moons shall wax and wane no more. 3 Great God, may realms of ev'ry tongue Dwell on thy love with sweetest song ; And with united hearts proclaim That grace and truth by Jesus came. 4 Blessings abound where'er he reigns, The pris'ner leaps to lose his chains, The weary find eternal rest, And contrite hearts with peace are blest. Where he displays his healing power, The sting of death is known no more ; In him the tribes of Adam boast More blessings than their father lost. o 6 Parent of good, to thee we trace These boundless stores of richest grace ; All have their source in love divine. And be the praise and glory thine. PER. 256 P- M- Com The Future Peace and Glory of the Church. 1 Hear what God, the Lord, hath spoken : O my people, faint and few, Comfortless, afflicted, broken, Fair abodes I build for you : 210 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 257 Themes of heartfelt tribulation Shall no more perplex your ways ; You shall name your walls Salvation, And your gates shall all be Praise. 2 There, like streams that feed the garden, Pleasures without end shall flow ; For the Lord, your faith rewarding. All his bounty shall bestow : Still in undisturb'd possession Peace and righteousness shall reign ; Never shall you feel oppression, Hear the voice of war again. 3 Ye, no more your suns descending. Waning moons no more shall see ; But, your griefs for ever ending, Find eternal noon in me : God shall rise, and shining o'er you, Change to day the gloom of night; He, the Lord, shall be your glory, God your everlasting light. 257 P- M. Doddridge. The Wilderness Transformed, or the Happy Effects of the Gospel. 1 Amazing, beauteous change ! A world created new ! Our thoughts with transport range The lovely scene to view. In all we trace. Father divine, 211 257 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. The work is thine, Be thine the praise. 2 See crystal fountains play Amidst the hnrninof sands ; The river's winding way Shines through the thirsty lands. New grass is seen, And o'er the meads Its carpet spreads Of livinsf orreen. o &' 3 Where pointed brambles grew Entwined with horrid thorn, Gay flowers, for ever new. The enamell'd fields adorn ; The blushing rose And lily there In union fair Their sweets disclose. 4 Where the bleak mountain stood All bare and disarrayed, See the wide-branching wood Diffuse its grateful shade. Tall cedars nod, And oaks and pines And elms and vines Confess the God. 5 The tyrants of the plain Their savage chase give o'er ; No more they rend the slain. And thirst for blood no more ; 212 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 258 But infant hands Fierce tigers stroke, And lions yoke In flowery bands. i O when, almighty Lord, Shall these glad scenes arise, To verify thy word. And bless our wond'ring eyes ? That earth may raise With all her tong^ues United songs Of ardent praise. 258 P- M. Doddridge. Glory of the Church in the latter day, O Zion, tune thy voice. And raise thy hands on high, Tell all the earth thy joys. And boast salvation nigh ; Cheerful in God Arise and shine, While rays divine Stream all abroad. He gilds thy mourning face With beams that cannot fade ; His all resplendent grace He sheds upon thy head ; The nations round Thy form shall view With lustre new Divinely crown'd. 213 259 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 3 In honor to his name Reflect that sacred lio-ht, And loud that grace proclaim Which makes thy darkness bright ; Pursue his praise Till sov'reign love In worlds above The glory raise. 4 There on his holy hill A brighter sun shall rise, And with his radiance fill Those fairer, purer skies ; While round his throne Ten thousand stars In nobler spheres His influence own. 259 ^' M. Mrs. Steele. The Love of God in the Gospel. 1 Lord, we adore thy boundless grace, The heights and depths unknown Of pardon, life and joy and peace, In thy beloved Son. 2 Come, all ye pining, hungry poor, Your Father's bounty taste ; Behold a never-failing store For ev'ry willing guest. 3 Here shall your num'rous wants receive A free and full supply ; God has unmeasured bliss to give. And joys that never die. 214 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 260, 261 4 Lord, bring unwilling sonls to thee, By thine all gracious power ; Thy boundless love let sinners see, And at thy feet adore. 260 L. M. Watts. Invitations. 1 Come hither, all ye weary souls. Ye heavy-laden sinners, come ; I'll give you rest from all your toils, And raise you to a heav'nly home. 2 They shall find rest who learn of me ; I'm of a meek and lowly mind ; But passion rages like the sea, And pride is restless as the wind. 3 Blest is the man whose shoulders take My yoke, and bear it with delight ; My yoke is easy to his neck. My grace shall make the burden light. 4 Great God, we come at this command ; With faith and hope and humble zeal ' Resign our spirits to thy hand, To mould and guide us at thy will. 261 P- M. Mrs. Barbauld. The same subject. , 1 Come, said Jesus' sacred voice. Come, and make my paths your choice : I will guide you to your home ; Weary pilgrim, hither come. 215 262 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 2 Thou, who houseless, sole, forlorn, Long hast borne the proud world's scorn, Long hast roam'd the barren waste, Weary pilgrim, hither haste. 3 Ye who, tost on beds of pain, Seek for ease, but seek in vain : Ye whose swoll'n and sleepless eyes Watch to see the morning rise : 4 Ye by fiercer anguish torn. Guilt, in strong remorse, who mourn ; Here repose your heavy care : Conscience wounded, who can bear ? 5 Sinner, come, for here is found Balm that flows for ev'ry wound, Peace that ever shall endure, Rest eternal, sacred, sure. O^O C. M. Watts. The same subject. 1 Let ev'ry mortal ear attend, And ev'ry heart rejoice ; The trumpet of the gospel sounds With an inviting voice. 2 Ho ! all ye hungry, starving souls. That feed upon the wind, And vainly strive with earthly toys To fill an empty mind : 3 Eternal wisdom has prepared A soul-reviving feast, 216 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 263 And bids your longing appetites The rich provision taste. 4 Ho ! ye that pant for living streams, And pine away and die, Here yon may quench your raging thirst With springs that never dry. 5 Rivers of love and mercy here In a rich ocean join ; Salvation in abundance flows Like floods of milk and wine. 6 The happy gates of gospel grace Stand open night and day : Lord, we are come to seek supplies, And drive our wants away. 203 C. M. Mrs. Steele. The same subject. 1 The Saviour calls — let ev'ry ear Attend the heav'nly sound ; Ye doubting souls, dismiss your fear, Hope smiles reviving round. 2 For ev'ry thirsty, longing heart Here streams of bounty flow. And life and health and bliss impart To banish mortal woe. 3 Here springs of sacred pleasure rise To ease your ev'ry pain ; (Immortal fountain, full supplies!) Nor shall you thirst in vain. T 217 ^4 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 4 Ye sinners, come, 'tis Mercy's voice ; The gracious call obey ; Mercy invites to heav'nly joys. And can yon yet delay ? 5 Freely approach, and welcome taste The blessings of his love. While hope attends the sweet repast . Of nobler joys above. 2^^ C. M. Wesleys. Tlie New Creation by Christ. 1 Father of Jesus Christ, my Lord, My Saviour and my head, I trust in thee, whose pow^'rful word Hath raised him from the dead. 2 Eternal life to all mankind Thou hast in Jesus given ; And all who seek through him shall find The happiness of heav'n. 3 Obedient faith that waits on thee, Thou never wilt reprove ; But thou wilt form thy Son in me, And perfect me in love. 4 To thee the glory of thy pow'r And faithfulness I give ; I shall in Christ at that glad hour, And Christ in me shall live. 218 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 265, 266 Og^ L. M. Doddridge. Christ's Second Appearing. 1 My waken'd soul, extend thy wings Beyond the verge of mortal things ; See this vain world in smoke decay, And rocks and mountains melt away. 2 Behold the fi'ry deluge roll Through heav'n's wide arch from pole to pole ; Pale sun, no more thy lustre boast ; Tremble and fall, ye starry host. 3 The wreck of nature all around, The angel's shout, the trumpet's sound, Loud the descending Judge proclaim, And echo his tremendous name. 4 Children of Adam, all appear With rev'rence round his awful bar ; For as his lips pronounce, ye go To endless bliss or unknown woe. 5 Lord, to my eyes this scene display, Frequent through each returning day ; And let thy grace my soul prepare To find complete redemption there. 200 L. M. Jervis. The same subject. 1 That solemn day will soon arrive, Th' important, the decisive day, When, from death's awful slumber roused, God's dread command all must obey. 219 267 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 2 Deep thunders usher in the morn, And through the heav'ns tremendous roll The wide expanse is all on fire, While lightnings blaze from pole to pole. 3 In glory, see, the Judge descends Array'd in majesty and might, Attended by ten thousand saints. And angels of celestial light. 4 The trumpet's loud and dreadful blast Sounds through the regions of the dead : With terror some, and some with joy, Rise from the dust, their lowly bed. 5 All-righteous and eternal Judge, When summon'd at thy bar to stand, May we, acquitted and approved. Be crown'd with bliss at thy right hand. O0i^ p. M. Salisbury Col. The same subject. 1 Lo, he comes from heav'n descending, Sent to judge both quick and dead ; 'Midst ten thousand saints and angels, See our great exalted head. Hallelujah ! Welcome welcome. Son of God. 2 Full of awful expectation. All before the Judge appear ; Truth and justice go before him ; Now the joyful sentence hear. Hallelujah ! Welcome, welcome. Judge divine, 220 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 267 " Come, ye blessed of my Father, Enter into life and joy, Banish all your fear and sorrow, Endless praise be your employ. Hallelujah ! Welcome, welcome, to the skies." Now at once they rise to glory, Jesus brings them to the King ; There with all the hosts of heav'n They eternal anthems sing. Hallelujah ! Glory be to God on high. PART IX. PENITENTIAL. 2^^ C. M. COWPER. Human Frailty acknowledged. 1 Weak and irresolute is man ; The purpose of to-day, Woven with pains into his plan, To-morrow rends away. 2 Some foe to his upright intent Finds out his weaker part ; Virtue engages his assent, But pleasure wins his heart. 3 Life's voyage is of awful length, Throuo;h danglers little known : A stranger to superior strength, Man vainly trusts his own. 4 But oars alone can ne'er prevail To reach the distant coast ; The breath of heav'n must swell the sail, Or all the toil is lost. 222 PENITENTIAL. 269 2^0 C. M. Doddridge. Inconstancy in Religion lamented. 1 Perpetual Source of light and grace, We hail thy sacred name ; Through ev'ry year's revolving round Thy goodness is the same. 2 On us, unv^^orthy as we are, Its wondrous mercy pours, Sure as the heav'n's establish'd course, And plenteous as the show'rs. 3 Inconstant service we repay, And treach'rous vows renew, False as the morning's scatt'ring cloud, And transient as the dew. 4 Low at thy feet our guilt we mourn. And loud implore thy grace To bear our feeble footsteps on In all thy righteous ways. 5 Arm'd with this energy divine. Our souls shall constant prove, And with increasing transport press On to thy courts above. 6 So by thy pow'r the morning sun Pursues his radiant way. Brightens each moment in his race, And shines to perfect day. 223 270, 271 PENITENTIAL. Oi^Q L. M. Blacklock. Reliance on God's Compassion to Human Weakness. 1 Great God. if nature, weak and frail, To strong temptations oft give way, If doubt or passion should prevail O'er wand'ring reason's feeble ray ; 2 On thy compassion I rely ; Let not thy frowns my faults reprove ; Regard me with a father's eye. And guide me with a father's love. i>^\ L. M. Watts. Penitence. 1 Show pity, Lord — O Lord, forgive, Let a repenting sinner live : Are not thy mercies large and free ? May not the contrite trust in thee ? 2 With shame my numerous sins I trace Against thy laws, against thy grace ; And tho' my pray'r thou shouldst not hear, My doom is just, and thou art clear. 3 Yet save a penitent, O Lord, Whose hope still hov'ring round thy word, Seeks for some precious promise there, Some sure support against despair. 4 My sins are great, but don't surpass The riches of eternal grace ; 224 PENITENTIAL. 272 Great God, thy nature hath no bound, So let thy pard'ning love be found. 5 O wash my soul from ev'ry stain, Nor let the guilt I mourn remain ; Give me to hear thy pard'ning voice, And bid my bleeding heart rejoice. 6 Then shall thy love inspire my tongue, Salvation shall be all my song ; And ev'ry pow'r shall join to bless The Lord, my strength and righteousness. 272 ^' M. Watts. 77ie same subject. 1 O Thou who hear'st when sinners cry. Though all my crimes before thee lie, Behold them not with angry look, But blot their mem'ry fr'om thy book. 2 Renew me, O my God, within, And form my soul averse to sin ; Thy freely pard'ning grace impart, And shed thy love through all my heart. 3 Though I have oft offended, Lord, Thy help and comfort still afford. And hear, while prostrate at thy throne, I plead, and trust thy grace alone. 4 A broken heart, my God, my King, Is all the sacrifice I bring ; The God of grace will ne'er despise A broken heart for sacrifice. 325 ■273 PENITENTIAL. 5 I cannot live without thy light, Cast out and banish'd from thy sis^ht : Th}- holy joys, my God, restore, And guard me that I fall no more. 6 Then will I teach the world thy grace ; Sinners shall learn to seek thy face, Forsake the evil ways thev trod. And love and serve a pard'ning God. 2T3 P- M. Merrick. Freedom from Error, Guilt and Folly implored. 1 Blest Instructor, from thy ways Who can tell how oft he strays ? Save from error's growth my mind, Leave not, Lord, one root behind. 2 Cleanse me from the guilt that lies Wrapt within my heart's disguise ; Let me thence, by thee renew'd, Each presumptuous sin exclude : 3 So my lot shall ne'er be join'd With the men whose impious mind, Fearless of thy just command. Braves the vengeance of thy hand. 4 Let my tongue, from error free, Speak the words approved by thee ; To thy all-observing eyes, Let my thoughts accepted rise. 5 AVhile I thus thy name adore, And thy healing grace implore, 226 PENITENTIAL. 274, 275 Blest Redeemer, bow thine ear, God, my strength, propitious hear. 274 C. M. AVatts. JVant of Religious Zeal lamented. 1 Long have I sat beneath the sound Of thy salvation, Lord, Yet still how weak my faith is found, And knowledo-e of thv word ! 2 Oft I frequent thy holy place, And hear almost in vain ; What faint impressions of thy grace My languid powers retain ! 3 How cold and feeble is my love ! How negligent my fear ! How low my hope of joys above ! How few affections there ! 4 Great God, thy gracious aid impart To give thy word success ; Write all its precepts on my heart. And deep its truths impress. 5 O speed my progress in the way That leads to joys on high, Where knowledge grows \vithout decay. And love shall never die. 275 C. M. .AIrs. Steelk. tibsencefrom God. 1 O THOU, whose tender mercy hears Contrition's humble sigh, 2-27 276 PENITENTIAL. Whose hand indulgent wipes the tears From sorrow's weeping eye ; 2 See, low before thy throne of grace, A wretched wand'rer mourn ; Hast thou not bid me seek thy face ? * Hast thou not said, Return? 3 Absent from thee, my guide, my light, Without one cheering ray. Through dangers, fears and gloomy night, How desolate my way ! 4 O shine on this benighted heart, With beams of mercy shine ; And let thy healing voice impart A taste of joys divine. 5 Thy presence only can bestow Delights which never cloy : Be this my solace here below. And my eternal joy. 2*70 ^- ^- Doddridge, Returning to God. 1 The Lord, how kind are all his ways. When most they seem severe ! He frowns and scourges and rebukes, That we may learn his fear. 2 With thorns he fences up our path. And builds a wall around, To guard us from the death that lurks In sin's forbidden ground. 228 PENITENTIAL. 277 3 Return, ye wand'ring souls ! return, And seek his tender breast ; Call back the mem'ry of the days When there you found your rest. 4 Behold, O Lord, we fly to thee, Though blushes veil our face, Constrain'd our last retreat to seek In thy much injured grace. 277 C- M. Doddridge. Hearing the Voice of God's Hod. 1 Attend, my soul, with rev'rent awe The dictates of thy God ; Silent and trembling hear the voice Of his appointed rod. 2 Now let me search and try my ways, And prostrate seek his face, Conscious of guilt, before his throne In dust my soul abase. 3 Teach me, my God, what's yet unknown, And all my crimes forgive ; Those crimes I would no more repeat. But to thy honor live. 4 My wither'd joys too plainly show That all on earth is vain ; In God my wounded heart confides. True rest and bliss to gain. 5 Father, I wait thy gracious call To leave this mournful land, U 229 278 PENITENTIAL. And bathe in rivers of deliglit That flow at thy right hand. 2^§ C. M. Mrs. Carter. Mercy to the Penitent. 1 0 Thou, the wretched's sure retreat, Who dost our cares control, And with the cheerful smile of peace Revive the fainting soul ; 2 Did ever thy propitious ear The humble plea disdain ? Or when did plaintive mis'ry sigh Or supplicate in vain ? 3 Opprest with grief and shame, dissolved In penitential tears, Thy goodness calms our anxious doubts And dissipates our fears. 4 New life from thy refreshing grace Our sinking hearts receive; Thy gentlest, best-loved attribute, To pity and forgive, 5 From that blest source, propitious hope Appears serenely bright. And sheds her soft and cheering beam O'er sorrow's dismal nio-ht *■&' 6 Our hearts adore thy mercy. Lord, And bless the friendly ray Which ushers in the smiling morn Of everlasting day. 230 PENITENTIAL. 279, 280 2*^0 C. M. Jervis. Peace to the Returning Penitent. 1 Sweet is the friendly voice that speaks The words of life and peace ; Which bids the penitent rejoice, And sin and sorrow cease. 2 No healing balm on earth like this Can cheer the contrite heart ; No flatt'ring- dreams of earthly bliss Such pure delight impart. 3 Thou still art merciful and kind ; Thy mercy, Lord, reveal ; The broken heart 'tis thou canst bind. The wounded spirit heal. 4 Let thy bright presence, Lord, restore Peace to my anxious breast ; Conduct me in the path that leads To everlasting rest. Penitent Supplication. 1 Thou, Lord, in mercy wdlt regard The upright and sincere ; Thou wilt with gracious eye behold The penitential tear. 2 Thou canst restrain wild passion's sway, The pow^'r of vice control. Restore bright reason's ray divine, To purify the soul. 231 281 PENITENTIAL. 3 0 God, from error turn my feet, That I no more may stray ; And guide my steps direct and safe In virtue's peaceful way. 4 Let me no more with wilful mind Thy righteous laws offend ; Then shall I know nor guilt nor fear, If thou be still my friend. 2§J L. M. . Jervis. The Guilty Mind Relieved by the Hope of Forgiveness. 1 While, with remorse and woe opprest, Distraction haunts the guilty breast. The broken heart, the troubled mind, In God alone shall succor find. 2 'Tis his the wounds of vice to heal, The charms of mercy to reveal ; He grants the penitent relief, And cheers the soul o'er whelm' d with grief 3 When by temptation's billows^ost, On rocks of ruin well nigh lost, Still, hope, the anchor of the soul. Shall folly's beating wave control. 4 To all the world's delusive joys. Ensnaring wiles and empty noise. The sinner bids a long farewell, And loves with purity to dwell. 232 PENITENTIAL. 28*2, 283 6 In her secure and calm retreat, He now enjoys a tranquil state, Conscious that God will deign to hear The contrite, humble, and sincere. 2§2 ^' ^* Merrick. Imploring Divine Protection. 1 Thine eyes in me the sheep behold Whose feet have wander'd from the fold ; That guicleless, helpless, strives in vain To find its safe retreat again : 2 Now listens, if perchance its ear The shepherd's well known voice may hear ; Now, as the tempests round it blow, In plaintive accents vents it woe. 3 Great Ruler of this earthly ball, Do thou my erring steps recall ; O seek thou him who thee has sought, Nor turns from thy decrees his thought. 2S3 S. M. Waits, Forgiveness of Sin upon Confession. 1 O BLESSED souls are they, "Whose sins are cover'd o'er ; Divinely blest to whom the Lord Imputes their guilt no more. 2 They mourn their follies past. And keep their hearts with care ; u* 233 283 PENITENTIAL. Their lips and lives without deceit, Shall prove their souls sincere. 3 While I conceal' d my guilt, I felt the fest'ring wound ; But I renounced my former sins, And peace and pardon found. 4 Let sinners learn to pray ; Let all keep near the throne ; Our help in time of deep distress, Is found in God alone. PART X. DEVOUT AFFECTIONS AND GOOD RESOLUTIONS. 284: ^" ^- Merrick. The Pleasures of Devotion. 1 God of my strength, to thee I cry, To thee, my surest refuge, fly ; O may thy light attend my way, Thy truth afford its cheering ray. 2 Conduct me to thy hallow'd seat, Where wisdom, trutli and mercy meet ; And there, in all its best array, My heart its richest gifts shall pay. 3 Thy mercies, to my heart reveal'd, A theme of endless transport yield ; Thy love does all my bosom fire, Thy praise does all my song inspire. 4 In all our cares, in all our woes, On God our steadfast hopes repose ; To God our thanks shall still be paid, Our sure defence, our constant aid. 285 C. M. Miss H. M. Williams. Habitual Devotion. 1 While thee I seek, protecting Pow'r, Be my vain wishes still'd ; 235 286 DEVOUT AFFECTIONS AND And may this consecrated hour With better hopes be fill'd. 2 Thy love the pow'r of thought bestovi^'d, To thee my thoughts would soar ; Thy mercy o'er my life has flow'd, That mercy I adore. 3 In each event of life, how clear Thy ruling hand I see ! Each blessing to my soul more dear Because conferr'd by thee. 4 In ev'ry joy that crowns my days, In ev'ry pain I bear. My heart shall find delight in praise, Or seek relief in prayer. 5 When gladness wings my favor'd hour, Thy love my thoughts shall fill ; Resign'd, when storms of sorrow low'r, My soul shall meet thy will. 6 My lifted eye without a tear The low'ring storm shall see ; My steadfast heart shall know no fear ; That heart shall rest on thee. 2§^ S. M. Watts. Daily Devotion. While thoughtless sinners choose The road that leads to death, I in the service of my God Will spend my daily breath. 236 GOOD RESOLUTIONS. 287 2 I'll worship at his throne, When morning brings the light ; I'll seek his blessing ev'ry noon, And pay my vows at night. 3 With all my anxious cares, I'll lean upon the Lord ; I'll cast my burdens on his arm. And rest upon his word. 4 His arm shall well sustain The children of his love ; The ground on which their safety stands, No earthly pow'r can move. 2§y L. M. • Walker. Communion ivith God. 1 Enough of life's vain scene I've trod, Sweet is this interval of rest ; With cheerful heart I meet my God, His presence makes me truly blest. 2 Father and Friend, relations dear. Rejoicing to the human soul ; They lift us above ev'ry fear. And ills (if ills there be) control. 3 Pleasant is life, and sweet the light That pours from the bright orb of day. Revealing to our raptured sight The world in all its rich display. 4 Pleasant is life, and sweet its ties, The touching charities of man ; 237 288 DEVOUT AFFECTIONS AND Friend, fellow, child and parent rise, Endearing life's progressive plan. 5 But light and life would soon he vile, And all their dearest pleasures fall, Nor sun would shine, nor life would smile, Without thy presence gladd'ning all. 288 C- M. Watts. God our only Happiness. 1 My God, my Portion, and my Love, My everlasting All, I've none hut thee in heav'n ahove. Or on this earthly ball. • 2 In vain the bright meridian sun Scatters his feeble light ; Thy brighter beams create my noon ; If thou withdraw, 'tis night. 3 And while upon my restless bed, Amongst the shades I roll. If God his light around me shed, 'Tis morning with my soul. 4 To thee I owe my wealth and friends, And health, and safe abode ; Thanks to thy name for meaner things ; But they are not my God. 5 Were I possessor of the earth, And call'd the stars my own. Without thy mercy and thy love, I were a wretch undone. 238 GOOD RESOLUTIONS. 289, 290 6 Let others stretch their arms like seas, And grasp th' extended shore. Grant me to see thy blissful face, And I desire no more. 2^9 C. M. Watts. Support and Counsel from God. 1 Let heathens to their idols haste. And worship wood or stone. But my delightful lot is cast Where the true God is known. 2 His hand provides my constant food. He fills my daily cup ; Much am I pleased with present good, But more rejoice in hope. 3 God is my portion and my joy ; His counsels are my light ; He gives me kind advice by day. And gentle hints by night. 4 My soul w^ould all her thoughts approve To his all-seeing eye ; Nor death itself my hope shall move, While such a friend is nigh. 290 C. M. Watts. God our Portion Here and Hereafter. 1 God, my Supporter and my Hope, My Help forever near, Thine arm of mercy held me up. When sinking in despair. 239 291 DEVOUT AFFECTIONS AND 2 Thy counsels, Lord, shall guide my feet Through this dark wilderness ; Thy hand conduct me near thy seat, To dwell before thy face. 3 Were I in heav'n without my God, 'Twould be no joy to me ; And while this earth is my abode, I long for none but thee. 4 What if the springs of life were broke. And flesh and heart should faint ? God is my soul's eternal rock, The strength of ev'ry saint. 5 Behold, the sinners that remove Far from thy presence, die ; Not all the idol-gods they love Can save them when they cry. 6 But to draw near to thee, my God, Shall be my sweet employ ; , My tongue shall sound thy works abroad, And tell the world my joy. 29]^ S. M. Watts. Safety in God. 1 When overwhelm'd with grief. My heart within me dies, Helpless, and far from all relief, To heav'n I lift mine eyes. 2 O lead me to the rock That's high above my head ; 240 \ J GOOD RESOLUTIONS. 292 And make the covert of thy wings My shelter and my shade. 3 Within thy presence, Lord, For ever I'll abide ; Thou art the tower of my defence, The refuge where I hide. 4 Thou givest me the lot Of those that fear thy name ; If endless life be their reward, ' I shall possess the same. ' 292 C. M. Mrs. Steele. Refuge and Strength in the Mercy of God. 1 My God, 'tis to thy mercy-seat My soul for shelter flies ; 'Tis here I find a safe retreat When storms and tempests rise. 2 My cheerful hope can never die. If thou, my God, art near ; Thy grace can raise my comforts hiffh And banish ev'ry fear. 3 My great Protector and my Lord, Thy constant aid impart. And let thy kind, thy gracious word, feustam my trembling heart. 4 0 never let my soul remove From this divine retreat • Still let me trust thy pow'r and love, And dwell beneath thy feet. V 241 i 293 DEVOUT AFFECTIONS AND 293 L. M. Mrs. Steele. Hope in the Contemplation of the Divine Perfections. 1 Why sinks my weak desponding mind ? Why heaves my heart the anxious sigh ? Can sov'reign goodness be unkind ? Am I not safe, if God be nigh ? 2 He holds all nature in his hand ; That gracious hand on which I live Does life and time and death command, And has immortal joys to give. 3 'Tis he supports this fainting frame, On him alone my hopes recline ; The wondrous glories of his name, How wide they spread, how bright they shine ! 4 Infinite wisdom ! boundless power ! Unchanging faithfulness and love ! Here let me trust while I adore. Nor from my refuge e'er remove. 5 My God, if thou art mine indeed. Then I have all my heart can crave ; A present help in times of need, Still kind to hear, and strong to save. 6 Forgive my doubts, 0 gracious Lord, And ease the sorrows of my breast ; Speak to my heart the healing word, That thou art mine, and I am blest. 342 GOOD RESOLUTIONS. 294 20^ C. M. Mrs. Steele. God the only Eefuge of the Troubled Mind. 1 Almighty refuge of my soul, On thee when sorrows rise, On thee when waves of trouble roll My fainting hope relies. 2 While hope revives, though press'd with fears. And I can say, " My God," Before thy throne I spread my cares, And pour my woes abroad. 3 To thee I tell each rising grief, For thou alone canst heal ; Thy word can bring a sweet relief For ev'ry pain I feel. 4 But O when gloomy doubts prevail, I fear to call thee mine ; The springs of comfort seem to fail. And all my hopes decline. 5 Yet, gracious God, where shall I flee ? Thou art my only trust ; And still my soul would cleave to thee. Though prostrate in the dust. 6 Thy mercy-seat is open still ; Here let my soul retreat, With humble hope attend thy will, And wait beneath thy feet. 343 295, 296 DEVOUT affections and 20^ C. M. Mrs. Steele. Desiring Assurance of the Favor of God. 1 Eternal Source of joys divine, To thee my soul aspires ; O could I say, " The Lord is mine," 'Tis all my soul desires. 2 Thy smile can give me real joy, Unmingled and refined. Substantial bliss without alloy. And lasting as the mind. 3 Thy smile can gild the shade of woe, Bid stormy troubles cease. Spread the fair dawn of heav'n below, And sweeten pain to peace. 4 My Hope, my Trust, my Life, my Lord, Assure me of thy love ; O speak the kind transporting word, And bid my fears remove. 5 Then shall my thankful powers rejoice And triumph in my God, Till heav'nly rapture tune my voice To sound thy praise abroad. 290 p. M. Mrs. Barbauld. Devout Aspirations. 1 God, our kind Master, merciful as just, Knowing our frame, remembers man is dust; His ear is open to the softest cry, His grace descends to meet the lifted eye. 244 GOOD RESOLUTIONS. 297, 298 2 He reads the language of the silent tear, And sighs are incense from a heart sincere ; He marks the dawn of ev'ry virtuous aim, And fans the smoking flax into a flame. 3 O set me from all earthly bondage free ; Still ev'ry wish that centres not in thee ; Bid my fond hopes, my vain disquiets cease, And point my path to everlasting peace. 297 P- M. Mrs. Barbauld. The same subject. 1 If friendless in the vale of tears I stray, Where briars wound and thorns perplex my way, Still let my steady soul thy goodness see, And with strong confidence lay hold on thee. 2 In every creature. Lord, I own thy power. In each event thy providence adore ; Thy promises shall cheer my drooping soul, Thy precepts guide me and thy fear control. 3 Then when at last I quit this transient scene, Help me to leave it with a heart serene ; Teach me to fix my ardent hopes on high, And having lived to thee, in thee to die^ 298 C. M. ExKTER Col. The Lord's Prayer imitated. 1 Father of all. Eternal Mind, Supremely good and great, V* 245 298 DEVOUT AFFECTIONS AND Thy children, form'd and blest by thee, Approach thy heav'nly seat. 2 Thy name in hallow'd strains be sung- ; We join the solemn praise ; To thy great name with heart and tongue Our cheerful homage raise. 3 Thy mild, thy wise and righteous reign, Let ev'ry being own, And in our minds, thy work divine. Erect thy gracious throne. 4 As angels in the heav'nly worlds Thy blest commands fulfil. So may thy creatures here below Perform thy holy will. 5 On thee we day by day depend ; Our daily wants supply ; With truth and virtue feed our souls. That they may never die. () Extend thy grace to ev'ry fault ; O let thy love forgive ; Teach us divine forgiveness too, Nor let resentments live. ? Where tempting snares bestrew the way. Permit us not to tread ; Or turn all real evil far From our unguarded head. S Thy sacred name we would adore With cheerful, humble mind, 246 GOOD RESOLUTIONS. 299, 300 And praise thy goodness, pow'r and truth, Eternal, unconfined. 299 C. M. Doddridge. The Prayer of Jacob. 1 O God of Jacob, by whose hand Thine Isr'el still is fed. Who through this weary pilgrimage Hast all our fathers led ; 2 To thee our humble vows we raise. To thee address our prayer. And in thy kind and faithful breast Deposit all our care. 3 If thou through each perplexing path Wilt be our constant guide, If thou wilt daily bread supply, And raiment wilt provide ; 4 If thou wilt spread thy shield around, Till these our wand'rings cease, And at our Father's loved abode Our soids arrive in peace ; 5 To thee, as to our cov'nant-God, We'll our whole selves resig-n, And thankful own that all we are And all we have is thine. 300 ^- M. Select Col. .Aspirations after the Christian Temper. 1 Almighty Maker, Lord of all. Of life the only Spring, 247 300 DEVOUT AFFECTIONS AND Creator of unnumber'd worlds, Supreme, eternal King, 2 Drive from the confines of my heart Impenitence and pride, Nor let me in forbidden paths With thoughtless sinners glide. 3 Whate'er thine all-discerning eje Sees for thy creature fit, I'll bless the good, and to the ill Resignedly submit. 4 With gen'rous pleasure let me view The prosp'rons and the great ; Malignant envy let me fly, And odious self-conceit. 5 Let not despair nor fell revenge Be to my bosom known ; O give me tears for others' woes. And patience for my own. 6 Feed me with necessary food ; I ask not wealth or fame ; Give me an eye to see thy will, A heart to bless thy name. 7 May still my days serenely pass Without remorse or care. And growing holiness my soul For life's last hour prepare. 248 GOOD RESOLUTIONS. 301,302 301^ S. M. Patrick. Virtuous Desires. God, who is just and kind, Will those who err instruct, And to the paths of righteousness Their wand'ring steps conduct. The humble soul he guides, Teaches the meek his way, Kindness and truth he shows to all Who him in truth obey. Give me the tender heart That mixes fear with love, And lead me through whatever path Thy wisdom shall approve. O ever keep my soul From error, shame, and guilt. Nor suffer the fair hope to fail Which on thy truth is built. ^Q<2 C. M. Watts. Desire of Virtue. O THAT the Lord would guide my ways To keep his statutes still ; O that my God would grant me grace To know and do his will ! Order my footsteps by thy word. And make my heart sincere ; Let sin have no dominion. Lord, But keep my conscience clear. 249 303 DEVOUT AFFECTIONS AND 3 Assist my soul, too apt to stray, A stricter watch to keep ; ^ And since I've not forgot thy way, Restore thy wand'ring sheep. 4 Make me to walk in thy commands ; 'Tis a delightful road ; Nor let my head or heart or hands Offend against my God. 303 ^' ^^' Watts. Desire of Knoivledge. 1 Thy mercies fill the earth, O Lord ; How good thy works appear ! Open my eyes to read thy word, And see thy wonders there. 2 My heart was fashion'd by thy hand ; My service is thy due ; 0 make thy servant understand The duties he must do. 3 Since I'm a stranger here below, Let not thy path be hid ; But mark the road my feet should go, And be my constant guide. 4 If God to me his statutes show. And heav'nly truth impart, His work for ever I'll pursue, His law shall rule my heart. 5 This was my comfort when I bore Variety of grief ; 250 GOOD RESOLUTIONS. 304, 305 It made me prize thy word the more, And fly to that relief. 304: ^- ^- Merrick. Desire of Instruction. 1 Teach me, O teach me, Lord, thy way, That to my life's remotest day, By thy unerring precepts led, My feet thy heav'nly paths may tread. 2 Inform' d by thee, with sacred awe My heart shall meditate thy law, And with celestial wisdom fiU'd, To thee a pure obedience yield. 3 Give me to know thy will aright. Thy will, my glory and delight ; That raised above the world, my mind In thee its highest good may find. 4 O turn from vanity mine eye ; To me thy quick' ning strength supply ; And with thy promised mercy cheer A heart devoted to thy fear. 305 ^' M- Cappe's Skl. Prayer for Spiritual and Eternal Blessings. 1 Eternal Source of life and light, Supremely good and wise. To thee we bring our grateful vows, To thee lift up our eyes. 251 306 DEVOUT AFFECTIONS AND 2 Our dark and erring minds illume With truth's celestial rays ; Inspire our hearts with sacred love, And tune our lips to praise. 3 Safely conduct us by thy grace Through life's perplexing road, To pleasures which forever flow At thy right hand, O God. o#||« C. M. Salisbury Col. Divine Influence. 1 Thine influence, mighty God, is felt Through nature's ample round ; In heav'n, on earth, through air and skies, Thine energy is found. 2 Father of lights, thine aid dispense To guide our doubtful way ; Thy truth shall scatter ev'ry cloud And make a glorious day. 3 Supported by thy heav'nly grace. We'll do and bear thy will ; Thy grace shall make each burden light, And ev'ry murmur still. 4 Cheer'd by thy smiles, we'll fearless tread The gloomy path of death ; And with the hope of endless bliss. Resign to thee our breath. 252 GOOD RESOLUTIONS. 307, 308 307 L. M. II. M. Heavenly Guidance implored, 1 Amidst a world of hopes and fears, A wild of cares and toils and tears, Where foes alarm and dangers threat, -And pleasures kill and glories cheat, 2 Shed down, 0 Lord, a heav'nly ray To guide me in the doubtful way. And o'er me hold thy shield of power, To guard me in the dang'rous hour. 3 Teach me the flatt'ring paths to shun In which the thoughtless many run. Who for a shade the substance miss. And grasp their ruin in their bliss. 4 May never pleasure, wealth or pride. Allure my wand'ring soul aside ; But through this maze of mortal ill. Safe lead me to thy heav'nly hill. 308 ^ ^-M. Watts. Christian Zeal and Diligence. 1 Are not thy mercies sov'reign still, And thou a faithful God ? Wilt thou not grant me warmer zeal To run the heav'nly road ? 2 I need the influence of thy grace To speed me in thy way, Lest I should loiter in my race Or turn my feet astray. W 253 309 DEVOUT AFFECTIONS AND 3 Does not my heart thy precepts love, And long to see thy face ? And yet how slow my spirits move, Without enliv'nino- o-race ! 4 Then shall I love thy gospel more, And ne'er forget thy word, When I have felt its quick'ning power To draw me near the Lord. «|Q0 C. M. Watts. Virtuous Resolutions. 1 O THAT thy statutes ev'ry hour May dwell upon my mind ! Thence I derive a quick'ning power, And daily peace I find. 2 To meditate thy precepts, Lord, Shall he my sweet employ ; My soul shall ne'er forget thy word ; Thy word is all my joy. 3 How w^ould I run in thy^ommands, If thou my heart discharge From vice and passion's hateful bands. And set my feet at large ! 4 My lips with courage shall declare Thy statutes and thy name, Whatever loss or scorn I bear. Nor yield to sinful shame. 5 Depart from me, ye wicked race. Whose hands and hearts are ill ; 254 GOOD RESOLUTIONS. 310, 311 I love my God, I love his ways, And must obey his will. 310 C. M. Watts. Parting with Worldly Joys. 1 My soul forsakes each vain delight, And bids the world adieu : How mean, thy boasted joys appear, And full of danger too ! 2 No longer will I ask your love, Nor seek your friendship more ; The happiness that I approve Is not within your power. 3 There's nothing round this spacious earth That suits my large desire ; To nobler and more lasting joys My rising thoughts aspire : 4 Where pleasure rolls its living flood. From sin and sense refined, Still springing from the throne of God To cheer th' enraptured mind. 311 L. M. Watts. Devout Profession of Sincerity. 1 Let sorrow. Lord, my bosom fill. When impious men transgress thy will ; Teach me to mourn when lips profane Take thy tremendous name in vain. 2 With indignation may I treat The works of malice and deceit ; 255 312 DEVOUT AFFECTIONS AND And ever from their friendship flee Who dare to scorn thy laws and thee. 3 Lord, search my soul, try ev'ry thought ; If my own heart accuse me not Of walking in a vain disguise, I seek the trial of thine eyes. 4 Doth secret mischief lurk within? Do I indulge some unknown sin ? O turn my feet whene'er I stray, And lead me in thy perfect way. 312 C. M. Doddridge. The Heart laid open before God. 1 Searcher of hearts, before thy face I all my soul display ; And conscious of its innate arts, Entreat thy strict survey. . 'Z If lurking in its inmost folds I any sin conceal, O let a ray of light divine The secret guile reveal. 3 If in these fatal fetters bound, A wretchpd slave I lie, Smite off my chains, and wake my soul To light and liberty. 4 To humble penitence and prayer Be gentle pity given ; Speak ample pardon to my heart, And seal its claim to heav'n. 256 GOOD RESOLUTIONS. 313 3J*} CM. Watts. Professions of Sincerity, Repentance and Obedience. 1 Thou art my portion, O my God, Soon as I know thy way My heart makes haste t' obey thy word, And suffers no delay. 2 I choose the path of heav'niy truth, And glory in my choice ; Not all the riches of the earth Could make me so rejoice. 3 The testimonies of thy grace I set before mine eyes ; Thence I derive my daily strength, And there my comfort lies. 4 Whene'er I wander from thy path, I think upon my ways ; Then turn my feet to thy commands. And trust thy pard'ning grace. 5 Now I am thine, for ever thine ; O save thy servant, Lord, Thou art my shield, my hiding-place, My hope is in thy word. 6 Thou hast inclined this heart of mine Thy statutes to fulfil ; And thus till mortal life shall end Would I perform thy will. w* 257 314, 315 DEVOUT AFFECTIONS AND gj^^ S. M. Doddridge. Tlie Living Sacrifice. 1 And will tlie eternal King So mean a gift reward ? That ofF'ring,"^Lord, with joy we bring, Which thy own hand prepared. 2 We own thy various claim, And to thine altar move, The willing victims of thy grace, And bound with cords of love. 3 Descend, celestial fire, The sacrifice inflame ; So shall a grateful odor rise Through our Redeemer's name. •{J5 C. M. Watts. Holy Fear, and Tenderness of Conscience. 1 With my whole heart I've sought thy face; O let me never stray From thy commands, O God of grace. Nor tread the sinner's way. 2 Thy word I've hid within my heart, To keep me pure within. And be an everlasting guard From ev'ry rising sin. 3 My God, I long, I hope, I wait For thy salvation still ; While thy whole law is my delight. And I obey thy will. 258 GOOD RESOLUTIONS. 316 810 L. M. Doddridge. Tlie Wandering Sheep Recovered. 1 Lord, we have wander 'd from tliy way, Like foolish sheep have gone astray, Our pleasant pastures we have left, And of their guard our souls bereft : 2 Exposed to want, exposed to harm, Far from our gentle shepherd's arm ; Nor will these fatal wand'rings cease, Till thou reveal the paths of peace. 3 O seek thy thoughtless servants. Lord, Nor let us quite forget thy word ; Our erring^ feet do thou restore, And keep us that we stray no more. PAKT XI. MOTIVES TO A VIRTUOUS CONDUCT. o-|iy C. M. Doddridge. Value of the Knowledge of God. 1 Shine fortli, Eternal Source of light, And make thy glories known ; Fill our enlarged, adoring sight, With lustre all thy own. 2 Vain are the charms and faint the rays The brightest creatures boast, And all their grandeur and their praise Are in thy presence lost. 3 To know the Author of our frame Is our sublimest skill ; True science is to learn his name. True life to do his will. 4 For this I long, for this I pra}^ ; This let me still pursue, Till visions of eternal day Fix and complete the view. 260 MOTIVES TO A VIRTUOUS CONDUCT. 318, 319 31§ C. M. Mrs. Steele. The Pearl of Great Price. 1 Ye glitt'ring toys of earth, adieu : A nobler choice be mine ; A real prize attracts my view, A treasure all divine. 2 Begone, unworthy of my cares, Ye specious baits of sense ; Inestimable worth appears, The pearl of price immense. 3 Should both the Indies at my call Their boasted stores resign, With joy I would renounce them all To make this jewel mine. 4 Should earth's vain treasures all depart, * Of such a gift possess'd, I'd clasp it to my joyful heart. And be for ever bless'd. 319 PM. H. M. Unfading Beauty. All earthly charms, however dear, Howe'er they please the ej'e or ear. Will quickly fade and fly ; Of earthly glory faint the blaze, And soon the transitory raj^s In endless'darkness die. 2G1 320, 321 MOTIVES TO 2 The nobler beauties of the just Shall never moulder m the dust Or know a sad decay ; Their honors time and death defy, And round the throne of heav'n on high Beam everlasting day. 020 ^- M. AVatts. Voluntary Obedience. 1 Not by the terrors of a slave Thy sons perform thy will ; But with the noblest pow'rs they have, Thy blest commands fulfil. 2 They find access at ev'ry hour To God within the veil ; Hence they derive a quick'ning pow'r, And joys that never fail. 3 O happy men, O glorious state Of thy abounding grace ; To dwell so near their Father's seat. And see his blissful face ! 321 C. M. Watts. Progressive Virtue. Mere human pow'rs shall fast decay. And youthful vigor cease ; But those who wait upon the Lord, In strength shall still increase. 2G2 A VIRTUOUS CONDUCT. 322, 323 2 They with unwearied feet shall tread The path of life divine ; With o^rowinof ardor onward move, With growing brightness shine. 3 On eagles' wings they mount, they soar, The wings of faith and love, Till past the cloudy regions here, They rise to heav'n above. Happiness seated in the Mind. 1 In vain, alas, from shore to shore, In search of bliss we roam, In strange delights abroad explore ; Our best reside at home. 2 Within the just and pious heart Our truest joy we find. Which calm and sweet repose impart. And leave no stinsf behind. ■■& 1123 C. M. Mrs. Steele. Religion the Way to Happiness. O HAPPINESS, thou pleasing dream, Where is thy substance found ? Sought through the varying scenes in vain Of earth's capacious round. Religion's sacred lamp alone Unerring points the way. Where happiness for ever shines With unpolluted ray : 263 324, 325 MOTIVES to 3 To regions of eternal peace, Beyond the starry skies, Where pure, sublime and perfect joys In endless prospect rise. U2I4: ^' ^' HeGINBOTHAM. Virtue the Source of Peace. 1 Forsake, my soul, the tents of sin ; How false her joys appear ! Noise and confusion dwell within ; Peace is a stranger there. 2 The men who keep the laws of God, His choicest blessings share ; Or if he lifts his chast'ning rod, 'Tis with a Father's care. 3 His mighty pow'r shall guard the just. His wisdom point their way. His eye shall watch their sleeping dust, His hand revive their clay. 4 O then begin the joyful task. His praise employ your tongue ; And soon eternity will ask A more exalted song. gg^ P. M. Mrs. Masters. The Pleasures of Religion. 1 'Tis religion that can give Sweetest pleasures while Ave live ; 'Tis religion must supply Solid comforts when we die. 264 A VIRTUOUS CONDUCT. 326 2 After death its joys will be Lasting as eternity : Let me then make God my friend, And on. all his ways attend. «|23 S. M. Watts. 77ie same subject. 1 Come, ye who love the Lord, And let your joys be known : Join in a song of sweet accord, And thus approach his throne. 2 The sorrows of the mind Be banish'd from this place ; Religion never was design'd To make our pleasures less. 3 Th' eternal God is ours. The God whose name is Love ; He will send down his quick' ning pow'rs To carry us above. 4 There shall we see his face, And never more shall sin ; There, from the rivers of his grace. Drink endless pleasures in. 5 The sons of God have found Glory begun below ; Celestial fruits on earthly ground. From faith and hope may grow. 6 Then let our joys increase. And ev'ry tear be dry, X 265 327 MOTIVES TO We're trav'lling through the paths of peace To fairer worlds on high. 32*7 ^- M. Mrs. Steele. The Comforts of Religion. 1 When gloomy thoughts and boding fears The trembling heart invade, And all the face of nature wears An universal shade : 2 Religion's dictates can assuage The tempest of the soul, And ev'ry fear shall lose its rage At her divine control. 3 Through life's bewilder'd, darksome way, Her hand unerring leads. And o'er the path her heav'nly ray A cheering lustre sheds. 4 When feeble reason, tired and blind, Sinks helpless and afraid. Thou blest supporter of the mind, How pow'rful is thine aid ! 5 O let my heart confess thy pow'r And find thy sweet relief. To brighten ev'ry gloomy hour And soften ev'ry grief 266 A VIRTUOUS CONDUCT. 328 328 PM. H. M. The wirivalled Beauty and Glory of Religion. 1 Soft are the fruitful show'rs that bring The welcome promise of the spring, And soft the vernal gale ; Sweet the wild warblings of the grove, The voice of nature and of love, That gladden every vale. •Z But softer in the mourner's ear Sounds the mild voice of mercy near, That whispers sins forgiv'n ; And sweeter far the music swells, When to the raptured soul she tells Of peace and promised heav'n. 3 Fair are the flow'rs that deck the ground. And groves and gardens blooming round Unnumber'd charms unfold : Bright is the sun's meridian ray, And bright the beams of setting day That robe the clouds in gold. 4 But far more fair the pious breast, In richer robes of goodness drest, Where heav'n's own graces shine ; And brighter far the prospects rise That burst on faith's delighted eyes From glories all divine. • 267 329 MOTIVES TO 329 L. M. Cotton. Ji Good Conscience the best Support. 1 While some in folly's pleasures roll, And court the joys which hurt the soul, Be mine that silent calm repast, A peaceful conscience to the last : 2 That tree which bears immortal fruit, Without a canker at the root ; That friend who never fails the just When other friends betray their trust. 3 With this companion in the shade, My soul no more shall be dismay'd, But fearless meet the midnight gloom. And the pale monarch of the tomb. 4 Though heav'n afflict, I'll not repine ; The noblest comforts still are mine, Comforts which over death prevail, And journey with me through the vale. 5 Amidst the various scene of ills, Each stroke some kind design fulfils ; And shall I murmur at my God, When love supreme directs the rod ? 6 His hand will smooth my rugged way, And lead me to the realms of day. To milder skies and brighter plains, Where everlasting pleasure reigns. 268 A VIRTUOUS CONDUCT. 330, 331 33Q L. M. Butcher. Ji Good and Evil Conscience. 1 A WOUNDED conscience, what a foe ! It poisons every bliss below : A peaceful conscience, what a friend ! It leads to joys that never end. 2 Supported by an honest mind, What rich relief can mis'ry find ! How doubly joyful is success. When conscience ev'ry step can bless ! 3 Almighty God, thine aid we pray To guard us in the trying day ; Wherever duty bids us go, A smiling conscience may we know. 33J C. M. Salisbury Col. God the Christian's Refuge. 1 When storms hang o'er the Christian's head, He flies imto his God, And under his refreshing shade Finds a secure abode. 2 When foes without and fears within Seek to disturb his peace, To God he makes his sorrows known, And straight his sorrows cease. 3 When winds of strong temptation blow, And floods of trouble roll, X* 269 332 MOTIVES TO God is the help and refuge too Of his distressed soul. 4 But when tremendous terrors seize, Where will the sinner fly ? He feels a thousand agonies, And no deliv'rer nigh ! 332 ^- ^- Watts. Difference between the Righteous and the Wicked. 1 The man is ever blest Who shuns the sinners' ways. Amongst their counsels never stands, Nor takes the scorner's place : 2 But makes the law of God His study and delight Amidst the labours of the day And watches of the night. 3 He like a tree shall thrive. With waters near the root, Fresh as the leaf his name shall live. His works are heav'nly fruit. 4 Not so th' ungodly race. They no such blessings find ; Their hopes shall fly like empty chaff" Before the driving wind. 5 God knows and he approves The way the righteous go, 270 I A VIRTUOUS CONDUCT. 333, 334 But sinners and their works shall meet A dreadful overthrow. 3*J*J L. M. Blacklock. The same subject. 1 How blest the man, how more than blest, Whose heart no guilty thoughts employ ! God's endless sunshine fills his breast, And conscience whispers peace and joy. 2 Pure rectitude's unerring way His heav'n-conducted steps pursue ; While crowds in guilt and error stray, Unstain'd his soul and bright his view. 3 By God's almighty arm sustain'd, True virtue soon or late shall rise, Enjoy her conquest, nobly gain'd, And share the triumph of the skies. 4 But fools, to sacred wisdom blind, Who vice's tempting call obey, A diff 'rent fate shall quickly find, To ev'ry storm an easy prey. 334 L, M. Watts. Tlie Character of a Good Man. 1 Who shall ascend thy heav'nly place, Great God, and dwell before thy face ? The man who seeks thy will to know, And humbly walks with thee below : 2 Whose hands are pure, whose heart is clean, Whose lips still speak the thing they mean ; 271 335 MOTIVES TO No slanders dwell upon his tongue, Nor will he do his neighbor wrong. 3 Firm to his word he ever stood, And always makes his promise good ; Nor dares to change the thing he swears, Whatever pain or loss he bears. 4 He never deals in bribing gold, And mourns that justice should be sold ; While others gripe and grind the poor, Sweet charity attends his door. 5 He doth to all men still the same That he would hope or wish from them : This is the man thy face shall see, And dwell for ever. Lord, with thee. 335 L. M. Watts. The Character and Happiness of Good Men. 1 Th' Almighty reigns, exalted high O'er all the earth, o'er all the sky : Though clouds and darkness veil his feet, His dwelling is the mercy-seat. '2 O ye that love his holy name. Hate ev'ry work of sin and shame ; He guards the souls of all his friends, And from the snares of vice defends. 3 Immortal light and joys unknown Are for the just in darkness sown ; Those glorious seeds shall spring and rise. And the bright harvest bless our eyes. 272 A VIRTUOUS CONDUCT. 336 4 Rejoice, ye righteous, and record The sacred honors of the Lord ; None but the men who feel his grace Can triumph in his hohness. 3S6 ^' M. Mrs. Steele. Heaven the Beward of Virtuous Exertions. 1 There is a glorious world on high, Resplendent with eternal day ; Faith views the blissful prospect nigh, While God's own word reveals the way. 2 There shall the fav'rites of the Lord With never-fading lustre shine ; Surprising honor, vast reward ! Conferr'd on man, by love divine. 8 How blest are those, how truly wise. Who learn and keep the sacred road ! Happy the men whom heav'n employs To turn rebellious hearts to God, 4 To win them from the fatal way Where erring folly thoughtless roves, And that blest righteousness display Which Jesus taught and God approves. 5 The shining firmament shall fade. And sparkling stars resign their light. But these shall know nor change nor shade. For ever fair, for ever bright. 6 On wings of faith and strong desire, O may our spirits daily rise, 273 337, 338 MOTIVES to And reacli at last the shining choir, In the bright mansions of the skies. 387 p. M. Walker's Col. The Voyage of Human Life. 1 The man whose heart from vice is clear, Whose deeds are honest and sincere, Whom God and goodness guide. With cautious circumspection v^ise. The rudest storms of life defies, And stems the mighty tide. 2 He hears the winds tumultuous rise In adverse combat 'midst the skies, But hears without dismay ; His pilot, God, the vessel guides. And o'er the steady helm presides, And points the destined way. 3 At length he sees the promised land, He hails aloud the wish'd-for strand, With heav'nly joy possest ; His labor past, his toil now o'er' He lands, O Peace, on thy fair shore, And in his God is blest. *J3S CM. Watts. The Reward of the Righteous. 1 My God, the steps of pious men Are order 'd by thy will ; Though they should fall, they rise again, Thy hand supports them still. 274 A VIRTUOUS CONDUCT. 339 2 The Lord delights to see then' ways, Their virtue he approves ; He'll ne'er deprive them of his grace, Nor leave the men he loves. 3 The heav'nly heritage is theirs, Their portion and their home ; He feeds them now, and makes them heirs Of blessings long to come. 4 Mark then the man of righteonsness, His sev'ral steps attend ; True pleasure runs through all his ways. And peaceful is his end. 3g0 L. M. Doddridge. The One Thing Needful. 1 Why will you waste on trifling cares The lives divine compassion spares, While in the various range of thought The one thing needful is forgot ? 2 Shall God invite you from above, Shall Jesus urge his dying love, Shall troubled conscience give you pain, And all these pleas unite in vain ? 3 Not so your eyes will always view The objects which you now pursue ; Not so eternity appear When death's decisive hour is near. 4 Almighty God, thine aid impart To fix conviction on the heart ; 275 340, 341 MOTIVES TO Thy light can clear the darkest eyes, And make the haughtiest scorner wise. g^Q L. M. Doddridge. The Wise Choice. 1 Beset with snares on ev'ry hand, In life's uncertain path I stand ; Father Divine, diffuse thy light To guide my doubtful footsteps right. 2 Engage this frail, this wav'ring heart, Wisely to choose the better part, To scorn the trifles of a day. For joys that never fade away. 3 Then let the wildest storms arise, Let tempests mingle earth and skies, No fatal shipwreck shall I fear, But all my treasures with me bear. 4 If thou, my Father, still be nigh. Cheerful I live, and joyful die ; Secure, when mortal comforts flee. We find ten thousand worlds in thee. g4.1 C. M. Doddridge. Seeking first the Kingdom of God. 1 Now let a true ambition rise And ardor fire our breast. To reign in worlds above the skies, In heav'nly glories drest. 2 Behold Jehovah's royal hand A radiant crown display, 276 A VIRTUOUS CONDUCT. 341 Whose gems witli vivid lustre shine While suns and stars decay. 3 No more I seek for transient good, Nor longer call it mine ; I spring to seize superior joys Immortal and divine. 4 Ye hearts with youthful vigor warm, The glorious prize pursue ; Nor shall ye want the goods of earth While heav'n is kept in view. Y PART XII. THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 3J.2 ^- ^- Liverpool Col. Tlie Duties of Piety. 1 My soul, before thy Maker bow, His wondrous works admire. Till rev'rence and religious awe Thine inmost thoughts inspire. 2 With humble trust dismiss thy cares, And on his love depend ; Leave him to manage thine affairs, To him thyself commend. 3 Let high esteem affection raise, Devotion warm thy breast ; Let thankful love excite thy praise ; In him alone be blest. 4 To him thy solemn homage pay. His constant aid implore ; Give thanks for mercies ev'ry day. And thus prepare for more. 5 Without reserve to him submit. All his commands fulfil ; Acknowledge all his actions fit, Nor e'er oppose his will. 278 j THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 343, 344 3^3 L. M. Doddridge. Faith in the Invisible God. 1 Eternal and immortal King, Thy peerless splendors none can bear. But darkness veils seraphic eyes When God with all his glory's there. 2 Yet faith can pierce the awful gloom, The great Invisible can see, And with its tremblings mingle joy, In fix'd regards, great God, to thee. 3 Then ev'ry tempting form of sin. Awed b}^ thy presence, disappears, And all the glowing raptured soul The likeness it contemplates wears. 4 O ever conscious to my heart, Witness to its supreme desire ; Behold it presses on to thee. For it hath caught the heav'nly fire. 5 This one petition would it urge. To bear thee ever in its sight, In life, in death, in worlds unknown, Its only portion and delight. U^^ L. M. Doddridge. God's Name the Encouragement of Faiths 1 Sing to the Lord, who loud proclaims His various and his saving names ; O may they not be heard alone, But by our sure experience known. 279 345 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 2 Let great Jehovah be adored, Th' eternal, all-sufficient Lord ; He through the world most high confess'd, By whom 'twas form'd and is possess'd. 3 Awake, our noblest pow'rs, to bless The God of Abr'am, God of peace ; Now by 9- dearer title known, Father and God of Christ his Son. 4 Through ev'ry age his gracious ear Is open to his servants' prayer. Nor can one humble soul complain That it hath sought its God in vain. 5 What unbelieving heart shall dare In whispers to suggest a fear, While still he owns his ancient name. The same his pow'r, his love the same ? 6 To thee our souls in faith arise, To thee we lift expecting eyes. And boldly through the desert tread. For God will guard where God shall lead. 345 C. M. Watts. Trust in God. 1 Thy judgments, Lord, are deep and high, Unsearchable thy deeds. Thy glory spreads beyond the sky, And all our praise exceeds. 280 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 346 2 The men that know thy name will trust In thy abundant grace, For thou didst ne'er forsake the just Who humbly sought thy face. 3 Salvation to the Lord belongs, His arm alone can save ; Blessings attend thy people here, And reach beyond the grave. 340 C. M. Watts. The Divine Power and Wisdom a Ground of Trust. 1 Hast thou not heard, hast thou not known That firm remains on high The everlasting throne of Him Who form'd the earth and sky ? 2 Art thou afraid his pow'r shall fail When comes thy evil day ? And can an all-creating arm Grow weary or decay ? 3 Supreme in wisdom as in pow'r The Rock of ages stands ; Though him thou canst not see, nor trace The working of his hands. 4 He gives the conquest to the weak. Supports the fainting heart, AM courage in the evil hour His heav'nly aids impart, V* 281 347, 348 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 347 C. M. Watts. Trust in the Divine Goodness. 1 I TO my God my ways commit, And cheerful wait his will ; Thy hand, which guides my doubtful feet, Shall my desires fulfil. 2 All my desires to thee are known, Thine eye counts ev'ry tear. And ev'ry sigh and ev'ry groan Is noticed by thine ear. 3 Mine innocence wilt thou display, And make thy judgments known. Fair as the light of dawning day, And glorious as the noon. 4 The meek at last the earth possess, And are the heirs of heav'n ; True riches, with abundant peace, To humble souls are given. 34.^ L. M. Watts. Confidence in the Promises of God. 1 Praise, everlasting praise, be paid To him who earth's foundation laid ; Praise to the God whose sov'reign will All nature's laws and pow'rs fulfil. 2 Praise to the goodness of the Lord, Who rules his people by his word, Where faith contemplates his decrees. And ev'ry gracious promise sees. 282 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 349 3 O for a strong and lasting faith, To credit what th' Almighty saith, T' embrace the message of his Son, And call the joys of heav'n our own. 4 Then should the earth's vast pillars shake. And all the wheels of nature break, Our steady souls should fear no more Than solid rocks when billows roar. 5 Our everlasting hopes arise Above the perishable skies. And firm their basis shall remain When these to chaos sink ao^ain. O' 34:9 ^- ^- Merrick. Trust in God, under the Trials of Virtue. 1 O HOW my fears the dangers move That virtue's paths inclose ! While I the wise pursuit approve, Alas, what toils oppose ! 2 For see, ah see, while yet her ways With doubtful step I tread, A hostile world its terrors raise, Its snares delusive spread. 3 O how shall I with heart prepared Those terrors learn to meet ; How from the thousand snares to guard, And to restrain my feet ? 4 But why art thou cast down, my soul ? Say why, distrustful still, 283 350 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. Thy thoughts with vain impatience roll O'er scenes of future ill ? 5 Let faith suppress each rising fear, Each anxious doubt exclude ; Thy Maker's will hath placed thee here, Thy Maker wise and good. 6 He to thy ev'ry trial knows Its just restraints to give, Attentive to behold thy woes. And faithful to relieve. 7 Though griefs unnumber'd throng thee round. Still in thy God confide. Whose finger marks the seas their bound, And curbs the headlong tide. O^Q C, M. Jervis. * Confidence in God. 1 Great God, thine attributes divine, Thy glorious works and ways, The wonders of thy pow'r and might, The universe displays. 2 In safety may thy children rest On thy sustaining arm, Extended still, and strong to save From danger and alarm. 3 0 may thy gracious presence, Lord, Chase anxious fears away. Amidst the ruins of the world Our guardian and our stay. 284 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 351 g^J[ L. M. Doddridge. Glorying in God Alone. 1 The righteous Lord, supremely great, Maintains his universal state, O'er all the earth his pow'r extends, All heav'n before his footstool bends. 2 Yet justice still with pow'r presides. And mercy all his empire guides ; Such works are pleasing in his sight, And such the men of his delight. 3 No more, ye wise, your wisdom boast. No more, ye strong, your valour trust, Nor let the rich survey his store, Replete with heaps of shining ore. 4 Glory, my soul, in this alone. That God, thy God, to thee is known. That thou hast own'd his sov'reign sw^ay. That thou hast felt his cheering ray. 5 My wisdom, wealth and pow'r I find In one Jehovah all combined ; On him I fix my roving eyes. Till all my soul in rapture rise. 6 All else which I my treasure call. May in one fatal moment fall ; But what his happiness can move Whom God the blessed deis^ns to love ? 285 352 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. •J^2 C. M. Mrs. Steele. Confidence in God our Father. 1 My God, my Father, clieering name ! 0 may I call thee mine ? Give me with humble hope to claim A portion so divine. 2 This only can my fears control And bid my sorrows fly ; What real harm can reach my soul Beneath my Father's eye ? 3 Whate'er thy providence denies 1 calmly would resign. For thou art just and good and wise : O bend my will to thine. 4 Whate'er thy sov'reign will ordains, O give me strength to bear ; Still let me know a Father reigns, And trust a Father's care. 5 If pain and sickness rend this frame, And life almost depart, Is not thy mercy still the same To cheer my drooping heart? 6 Thy ways, great God, are little known To my weak, erring sight ; Yet shall my soul believing own That all thy ways are right. 7 My God, my Father, blissful name ! Beyond expression dear, 286 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 353, 354 If thou admit my humble claim, I bid adieu to fear. 353 L. M. Browne. Dependence upon Providence. 1 Great Lord of earth and seas and skies. Thy wealth the needy world supplies, And safe beneath thy guardian arm We live secured from ev'ry harm. 2 To thee perpetual thanks we owe For all our comforts here below ; Our daily bread thy bounty gives. And ev'ry rising want relieves. 3 To thee we cheerful homage bring, In grateful hymns thy praises sing, On thee we ever will depend. The rich, the sure, the faithful friend. 4 And should thy measures seem severe, Calmly may we thy chast'ning bear ; Without complaint to thee submit, Th' unerring judge of what is fit. 35 J: ^- ^- Merrick. Acquiescence in the Will of God. 1 Author of good, we rest on thee ; Thine ever watchful eye Alone our real wants can see, Thy hand alone supply. 2 0 let thy pow'r within us dwell, Thy love our footsteps guide ; 29Z 855 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. That love shall vainer loves expel, That fear, all fears beside. 3 And since, by passion's force subdued. Too oft v^ith stubborn will We blindly shun the latent good And grasp the specious ill ; 4 Not what we wish, but what we want, Let mercy still supply : The good unask'd let mercy grant. The ill though ask'd deny. «J^^ C. M. COWPER. Submission. 1 0 Lord, my best desires fulfil, And help me to resign Life, health and comfort to thy will, And make thy pleasure mine. 2 Why should I shrink at thy command, Whose love forbids my fears ? Or tremble at thy gracious hand, That wipes away my tears ? 3 No, let me rather freely yield What most I prize to thee. Who never hast a good withheld Or wilt withhold from me. 4 Wisdom and mercy guide my way ; Shall I resist them both ? Short-sighted creature of a day. And crush'd before the moth. 288 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 356, 357 5 But ah, my heart within me cries, Still bind me to thy sway, Else the next cloud that veils the skies Drives all these thoughts away. 350 C. M. Watts. Love to God. 1 Where love and all the graces reign The mind is truly blest, For love, the noblest of the train. Aids and exalts the rest. 2 Knowledge, alas, 'tis all in vain, And all in vain our fear ; Rude passions will their sway maintain If love be absent there. 3 'Tis love that makes our willing feet In swift obedience move ; This is the grace that lives and reigns In the bright realms above. Q^y ^' ^* ^^^' Steele. Gratitude. 1 Lord, when my thoughts delighted rove Amidst the wonders of thy love. Sweet hope revives my drooping heart. And bids my fears and doubts depart. 2 Be all my heart and all my ways Devoted to thy fervent praise, Z 289 358, 359 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. And let my glad obedience prove How much I owe, how much I love. ofCi^ C. M. Jervis. The same subject. 1 Great Source of all that we enjoy. From whom our comforts flow. To thee, who dost our souls reclaim. Eternal thanks we owe. 2 Though the vast debt we ne'er can pay Of gratitude and love, Yet grant us, Lord, thine aid divine. Thy goodness to improve. 3 Be this on earth our chief delight. Our feeble songs to join ; In heav'n we'll celebrate thy praise In anthems more divine. o^O L. M. Watts. Love to God and Man. 1 Thus saith the first, the great command : Let all thy inward pow'rs unite To love thy Maker and thy God With utmost vigor and delight. 2 Then, shall thy neighbor next in place Share thy affections and esteem. And let thy wishes for thyself Measure and rule thy love to him. 3 Alas, how base our passions are ! How cold our charity and zeal ! 290 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 360, 361 Lord, warm our souls with heav'nly fire, And mould our spirits to thy will. 30Q C. M. Edinburgh Col. Chanty Essential to the Christian Character. 1 Though perfect eloquence adorn'd The sweet persuasive tongue, Though I could speak in higher strains Than ever angels sung : 2 Though prophecy my soul inspired, And made all myst'ries plain, Yet were I A^oid of christian love, These gifts were all in vain. 3 Although with lib'ral hands I gave My goods the poor to feed, Or gave my body to the flames. Still fruitless were the deed. 4 Nay, though my faith with boundless pow'r Ev'n mountains could remove, I still am nothing if I'm void Of charit}^ and love. 30X ^- ^^- Doddridge. The Law of Love. 1 Far from thy servants, God of grace, Th' unfeeling heart remove. And form in our obedient souls The image of thy love. 2 O may our sympathising breasts The gen'rous pleasure know 291 362 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. Kindly to share in others' joy, And weep for others' woe. 3 Where'er the helpless sons of grief In low distress are laid. Soft be our hearts their pains to feel, And swift our hands to aid. 4 0 be the law of love fulfill'd In ev'ry act and thought, Each angry passion far removed, Each selfish view forg-ot. 'O 5 Be thou, my heart, dilated wide With this kind social grace. And in one grasp of fervent love All earth and heav'n embrace. 302 ^- M- Drennan. Tlie same subject. 1 All nature feels attractive pow'r, A strong embracing force ; The drops that sparkle in the show'r, The planets in their course. 2 Thus in the universe of mind Is felt the law of love, The charity, both strong and kind, For all that live and move. 3 In this fine sympathetic chain All creatures bear a part. Their ev'ry pleasure, ev'ry pain Link'd to the feeling heart. 292 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 363 4 More perfect bond, the christian plan Attaches sonl to soul ; Our neighbor is the suff'ring man, Though at the farthest pole. 5 To earth below, from heav'n above. The faith in Christ profess'd More clear reveals that God is love. And whom he loves is blest. 363 ^- ^- Browne. Love to all Mankind. 1 O God, my Saviour and my King, Of all I have or hope the spring. Send down thy spirit from above. And warm my heart with holy love. 2 May I from ev'ry act abstain That gives another grief or pain ; Still may I feel my heart inclined To be the friend of all mankind. 3 With pity let my breast o'erflow When I behold a brother's woe. And bear a sympathising part Whene'er I meet a wounded heart. 4 And let my neighbor's prosp'rous state A mutual joy in me create, His virtuous triumph let me join, His peace and happiness be mine. 5 Yea, though my neighbor's hate I prove, Still let me vanquish hate with love ; z* 293 364 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. Slow to resent, though, he would grieve, But always ready to forgive. 6 Let love through all my conduct shine An image fair though faint of thine ; Let me thy humble follower prove, Father of men, great God of love. 364: P- ^* *^°"^ Taylor. Charily. 1 O YE who seek Jehovah's face, Bow at his throne and feel his grace ; Who ask in pray'r and own in praise That bounteous love which gilds your days ; Catch from above the hallow'd flame. And dignify the christian name. 2 Where'er distress and pain appear, Let pity's ready hand be there ; With cheering wine and fragrant oil Bid languor glow and anguish smile : Though woe her lowliest form may wear. Yet God has stamp'd his image there. 3 When he the sov'reign Judge draws nigh And holds th' unerring beam on high, Then shall sweet charity prevail. And angels mark the sinking scale : Jesus shall call his followers home, " Ye blessed of my Father, come !" Hallelujah, amen ! 294 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 365 305 C. M. Hampson. The same subject. 1 Daughters of pity, tune the lay, To mourners joy belongs. While he that wipes all tears away, Accepts our thankful songs. 2 No altars smoke, no off'rings bleed. No guiltless lives expire ; To help a brother in his need Is all our rites require. 3 Our oflf'ring is a willing mind To comfort the distrest, In others' good our own to find, In others' blessings blest. 4 Go to the pillow of disease, Where night gives no repose. And on the cheek where sickness preys Bid health to plant a rose. 5 Go where the friendless stranger lies ; To perish in his doom ; Snatch from the grave his closing eyes And bring his blessing home. 6 Thus what our heav'nly Father gave Shall we as freely give ; Thus copy him who lived to save, And died that we might live. 295 866, 367 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 3^^ P. M. Blacklock. Benevolence. 1 Hail, Source of pleasures ever new, While thy kind dictates I pursue I taste a joy sincere, Too high for little minds to know Who on themselves alone bestow Their wishes and their care. 2 By thee inspired, the gen'rous breast, In blessing others only blest. With kindness large and free, Delights the widow's tear to stay, To teach the blind their smoothest way, And aid the feeble knee. 3 O God, with sympathetic care In others' joys and griefs to share Do thou my heart incline ; Each low, each selfish wish control, Warm with benevolence my soul. And make me wholly thine. ggty C. M. Drennan. Tlie Luxury of Doing Good. 1 O SWEETER than the fragrant flow'r At ev'ning's dewy close. The will united with the pow'r To succor human woes. 2 And softer than the softest strain Of music to the ear, 296 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 368 Tliat placid joy we give and gain By gratitude sincere. 30§ C. M. Watts. Justice and Equity. 1 Come, let ns search our ways and try ; Have they been just and right ? Is the great rule of equity Our practice and delight? 2 What we would have our neighbor do, Have WQ still done the same ? From others ne'er withheld the due Which we from others claim ? 3 Have we ne'er envied others' good, Ne'er envied others' praise ? In no man's path malignant stood, Nor used detraction's ways ? 4 Have we not, deaf to his request, Turn'd from another's woe ? The scorn which wrings the sufF'rer's breast Have we abhorr'd to show ? 5 Then may we raise our modest pray'r To God, the just and kind ; May humbly cast on him our care, And hope his grace to find. 6 Religion's path they never trod Who equity contemn ; 297 369 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. Nor ever are they just to God Who prove unjust to men. 3^9 C. M. Walker. The Virtuous Love of Country. 1 Parent of all, Omnipotent In heav'n, and earth below, Through all creation's vast extent Whose streams of goodness flow, 2 Teach me to know from whence I rose, And unto what design'd ; No private aims may I propose, Since link'd witli human kind. 3 But chief to hear my country's voice May my best thoughts incline ; 'Tis reason's law, 'tis virtue's choice, 'Tis nature's call and thine. 4 Me from fair freedom's sacred cause May nothing e'er divide, Nor grandeur, gold nor vain applause. Nor friendship false, misguide. 5 To duty, honor, virtue true. In all my country's weal, Let me my public walk pu.rsue; So, God, thy favor deal. 298 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 370, 371 *JiyQ L. M. Watts. Christian Zeal Tempered by Charity. 1 Great God, whose all-pervading eye Sees ev'ry passion in my soul, When sunk too low or raised too high, Teach me those passions to control. 2 Temper the fervors of my frame ; Be charity their constant spring ; And O let no nnhallow'd flame Pollute the offerings I bring. 3 Let peace with piety unite To mend the bias of my will, "While hope and heav'n-eyed faith excite And wisdom regidates my zeal : 4 That wisdom which to meekness turns, Wisdom descending from above ; And let my zeal whene'er it burns Be kindled by the fire of love. 371 L. M. Scott. Jlgainst Persecution and Intolerance. 1 Absurd and vain attempt, to bind With iron chains the free-born mind ; To force conviction, and reclaim The wand'ring by destructive flame. 2 Bold arrogance, to snatch from heav'n Dominion not to mortals given ; 299 372 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. O'er conscience to usurp the throne, Accountable to God alone. :- 3 Jesus, thy gentle law of love Doth no such cruelties approve ; Mild as thyself, thy doctrine wields No arms but what persuasion yields. 4 By proofs divine and reason strong It draws the willing mind along, And conquests to thy church acquires By eloquence which heav'n inspires. gty^ ^- ^- Scott. Candour. 1 All-seeing God, 'tis thine to know The springs whence wrong opinions flow. To judge from principles within When frailty errs and when we sin. 2 Who among men, great Lord of all, Thy servant to his bar shall call, Judge him for modes of faith thy foe. And doom him to the realms of woe ? 3 Who with another's eye can read ? Or worship by another's creed? Trusting thy grace we form our own, And bow to thy commands alone. 4 If wrong, correct ; accept, if right ; While faithful we improve our light, Condemning none, but zealous still To learn and follow all thy will. 300 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 373, 374 3^3 S. M. Birmingham Col. Christian Unity. Let party names no more The Christian world o'erspread, Gentile and Jew and bond and free Are one in Christ their head. Among his friends on earth Let mutual love be found, Heirs of the same inheritance, With mutual blessings crown'd. Envy and strife be gone, And only kindness known Where all one common Father have, One common Master own. Thus will the church below Resemble that above, Where springs of purest pleasure rise And ev'ry heart is love. 3'7'4L ^- ^- Doddridge. Compassionate Intercession for the Thoughtless. Indulgent God, with pitying eye The sons of men survey ; Alas, how thoughtless mortals sport In sin's destructive way ! Ten thousand dangers lurk around To bear them to the tomb ; 2 A 301 375 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. Each passing hour may place them where Repentance cannot come. 3 Reclaim, O Lord, their wand'ring minds, Amused by airy dreams, That heav'nly wisdom may dispel Their visionary schemes. 4 Guide and direct them by thy word Their dang'rous state to see, That they may seek and find the path That leads to heav'n and thee. •{175 C. M. Neediiam. Christian Virtues. 1 Happy the man whose cautious steps Still keep the golden mean. Whose life by wisdom's rules well form'd Declares a conscience clean. 2 Not of himself he highly thinks, Nor acts the boaster's part ; His modest tongue the language speaks Of his still humbler heart. 3 Not in base scandal's arts he deals, For truth dwells in his breast ; With grief he sees his neighbor's faults, And thinks and hopes the best. 4 What blessings bounteous heav'n bestows He takes with thankful heart; With temp'rance he both eats and drinks, And gives the poor a part. 302 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 376 5 To sect or party his large soul Disdains to be confined ; The good he loves of ev'ry name, And prays for all mankind. 6 Not on the world his heart is set, His treasure is above ; Nothing beneath the Sov'reign Good Can claim his highest love. 376 L- M. Bristol Col. Personal Virtues. 1 Awake, my soul, rouse ev'ry pow'r, Thy native dignity display, Let lust and passion reign no more, No longer own their lawless sway. ' 2 Thy temper meek and humble be. Content and pleased with ev'ry state, From dire revenge and envy free. And wild ambition to be P-reat 3 Confine thy roving appetites. From this vain world withdraw thine eyes Fix them on those divine delights ' Which angels taste above the°skies. 4 With eager zeal pursue the prize, Each fleeting hour of life improve ; This course will speak thee truly wise And raise thee to the world above. 303 377, 378 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. oiy»y S. M. Doddridge. The Excellency of the Righteous. 1 How glorious, Lord, art thou 1 How bright thy splendors shine ! Whose rays reflected gild thy saints With ornaments divine. « With lowliness and love, Wisdom and courage meet ; The grateful heart, the cheerful eye. How amiable, how sweet I 3 In beauties such as these Thy children now are drest ; But brighter habits shall they wear In reo-ions of the blest. 4 O God of Isr'el, hear. And make this bliss our own ; Make us the children of thy care, The members of thy Son. Oi^fi C. M. Watts. Prudence and Benevolence. 1 O 'tis a lovely thing to see A man of prudent heart. Whose thoughts and lips and life agree To act a useful part. 2 When envy, strife and war begin In little angry souls, Mark how the sons of peace come in And quench the kindling coals. 304 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTEH. 379 3 Their minds are humble, mild and meek ; No furious passions rise ; Nor malice moves their lips to speak, Nor pride exalts their eyes. 4 Their lives arc prudence mix'd with love ; Good works employ their day ; They join the serpent with the dove, But cast the sting away. 5 Such was the Saviour of mankind, Such pleasures he pursued ; His manners gentle and refined, His soul divinely good. 379 L. M. Scott. Meekness. 1 Mark, when tempestuous winds arise, The wild confusion and uproar ; All ocean mixing with the skies, And wTecks are dash'd upon the shore. 2 Not less confusion racks the mind By its own fierce ideas tost; Calm reason is to rage resign'd. And in the whirl of passion lost. 3 O self-tormenting child of pride. Anger, bred up in hate and strife, Ten thousand ills by thee supplied Mingle the cup of bitter life. 4 Happy the meek, whose gentle breast, Clear as the summer's ev'ning ray, 2 A* 30& 380 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. Calm as the regions of tlie blest, Enjoys on earth celestial day. 5 No friendships broke their bosoms sting, No jars their peaceful tent invade ; Secure beneath th' Almighty wing, And foes to none, of none afraid. 6 Spirit of grace, all meek and mild, Inspire our breasts, our souls possess ; Repel each passion rude and wild, And bless us as we aim to bless. <^^Q L. M. Watts. i^e^- Government. 1 O THOU whose scales the mountains weigh. Whose will the raging seas obey. Thou who canst boist'rous winds control, Subdue the tumults of my soul. 2 May I with equal mind sustain My lot of pleasure and of pain ; May joys and sorrows gently flow. Nor rise too high nor sink too low. 3 Do thou my passions. Lord, restrain. And in my soul unrivall'd reign ; Then with whatever loads oppress'd, Center 'd in thee, my soul shall rest. 4 O when shall my still wav'ring mind This sweetest self-possession find ! Fountain of joy, I long to see In thee my peace — my heav'n in thee. 306 o THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 381, 882 381 L- M. Dr. Enfield. Humility. Wherefore should man, frail child of claj, Who from the cradle to the shroud Lives but the insect of a day — O why should mortal man be proud ? His brightest visions just appear, Then vanish and no more are found ; The stateliest pile his pride can rear' A breath may level with the ground. 3 By doubt perplex'd, in error lost, With trembling step he seeks his way ; How vain of wisdom's gift the boast ! Of reason's lamp how faint the ray ! 4 Follies and crimes, a countless sum, Are crowded in life's little span ; How ill, alas, does pride become That erring, guilty creature, man ! 5 God of my life, Father divine, Give me a meek and lowly mind ; In modest worth O let me shine, ' And peace in humble virtue find. 382 L. M. Humility and Retirement. 1 How vain is grandeur's purple pride ! And guards and roofs of gold how vain \ Through circling guards may sorrow glide, And gilded roofs are claim'd by pain. 307 383 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 2 Give me, great God, unknown to dwell, Remote from pomp and care and strife ; Secure from passions that rebel, And shelter'd from the storms of life. 3§S L. M. Doddridge. Communing with our Hearts. 1 Return, my roving heart, return, And chase these shadowy forms no more ; Seek out some solitude to mourn, And thy forsaken God implore. 2 Wisdom and pleasure dwell at home ; Retired and silent seek them there ; True conquest is ourselves t' o'ercome, True strength to break temptation's snare, 3 And thou, my God, whose piercing eye Distinct surveys each deep recess, In these abstracted hours draw nigh. And with thy presence fill the place. 4 Through all the mazes of my heart. My search let heav'nly wisdom guide, And still its radiant beams impart. Till all be search'd and purified. 5 Then with the visits of thy love Vouchsafe my inmost soul to cheer, Till ev^ry grace shall join to prove That God hath fix'd his dwelling there. 308 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 384, 385 38J: ^' ^^' Enfield's Col. Worldly Anxiety Reproved. Why should I thus perplex My life with fruitless care, With fears and hopes which idly vex, And oft the heart ensnare ? Can anxious thoughts increase My years' appointed sum ? Why waste I then my health and peace To hoard for days to come ? To him these low desires, This sordid gain I leave. Who to no higher good aspires Than what this world can give. Then let to-morrow's cares Until to-morrow stay ; The trouble which to-day prepares Suffices for to-day. 3^5 p. M. Cotton. Contentment. If solid happiness we prize. Within our breasts this jewel lies. And they are fools who roam ; The world has little to bestow, From our own selves our joys must flow, Our bliss begins at home. We'll therefore relish with content Whate'er kind providence hast sent, Nor aim beyond our pow'r ; 309 386 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. And if our store of wealth be small, With thankful hearts improve it all, Nor waste the present hour. 3 To be resign'd when ills betide, Patient when favors are denied, And pleased with favors giv'n, This is the wise, the virtuous part. This is that incense of the heart Whose fragrance reaches heav'n. 4 Thus thro' life's changing scenes we'll go, Its chequer'd paths of joy and woe With cautious steps we'll tread ; Quit its vain scenes Avithout a tear, Without a trouble or a fear, And mingle with the dead : 5 While conscience, like a faithful friend, Shall through the gloomy vale attend. And cheer our dying breath ; Shall, when all other comforts cease, Like a kind angel, whisper peace. And smooth the bed of death. 3S0 L. M. Watts. A Conversation Becomhig the Gospel. 1 So let our lips and lives express The holy gospel we profess. So let our works and virtues shine To prove the doctrine all divine. 2 Thus shall we best proclaim abroad The honors of our Saviour God, 310 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 387 When his salvation reigns within, And grace subdues the pow'r of sin. 3 Our flesh and sense must be denied, Passion and envy, lust and pride ; While justice, temp'rance, truth and love, Our inward piety approve. 4 Religion bears our spirits up, While we expect that blessed hope. The bright appearance of our Lord, And faith stands leaning on his word. 387 L. M. Jervis. Integrity, Fortitude, and Hope. 1 The man whose firm and equal mind To solid glory is inclined, Determined will his path pursue, And keep the godlike prize in view. 2 His calm, undaunted, manly breast, Of virtue, honor, truth possest. Will stem the torrent of the age. And fearless tread this mortal stage. 3 Amidst th' assailing ills of life. Pride, passion, malice, envy, strife, He'll act his part without disguise. Intrepid, gen'rous, just and wise. 4 In conscious rectitude secure, 41 This man unshaken shall endure Of human woes the num'rous train. Oppression, bondage, sickness, pain. 311 388 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 5 And when at last th' eternal Pow'r Shall fix th' irrevocable hour, That solemn hour which none can fly, Since 'tis decreed that all must die : 6 Conscious of sovereign mercy near, Its voice shall banish ev'ry fear, While faith and hope in joys to come Waft him to realms beyond the tomb. 3g§ L. M. Mrs. Steele. Exemplary Virtue. 1 Ah wretched souls, who strive in vain, Slaves to the world and slaves to sin ; A nobler toil may I sustain, A nobler satisfaction win. 2 May I resolve with all my heart, With all my pow'rs to serve the Lord, Nor from his precepts e'er depart, Whose service is a rich reward. 3 O be his service all my joy. Around let my example shine. Till others love the blest employ And join in labors so divine. 4 Be this the purpose of my soul. My solemn, my determined choice, To yield to his supreme control, ^nd in his kind commands rejoice. 5 O may I never faint nor tire. Nor wandering, leave his sacred ways ; 312 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 389, 390 Great God, accept my soul's desire, And give me strength to live thy praise. 389 L. M. Watts. Christian Fortitude. 1 Courage, my soul, while God is near. What enemy hast thou to fear ? How canst thou want a sure defence, Whose refuge is omnipotence ? 2 Though thickest dangers crowd my way, My God can chase my fears away ; My steadfast heart on him relies, And all those dangers still defies! 3 Though billows after billows roll To overwhelm my sinking soul, Firm as a rock my faith shall stand Upheld by God's Almighty hand. 4 In life his presence is my aid. In death 'twill guide me through the shade, Chase all my rising fears away, And turn my darkness into day. 390 L. M. Jer,.,,. Fidelity in the Cause of Truth and Virtue. 1 Shall I forsake that heav'nly Friend On whom my noblest hopes depend ? forbid It that my wand'ring heart h rom God and virtue should depart. 2B 313 391 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 2 First let the wheels of life stand still, E'er I forget my Father's will, Or dare submit to guilty shame, And bring dishonor on his name. 3 Faithful to him and to his laws. With zeal I would maintain his cause, The cause of truth and righteousness, 'Midst trial, suff' ring and distress. 4 If e'er I'm call'd t' encounter death For him, may I resign my breath. And reap at last the bright reward Which waits the servants of the Lord. 30J L. M. Doddridge. Paul's Solicitude to Finish his Course ivith Joy. 1 Assist us. Lord, thy name to praise For this rich gospel of thy grace, And that our hearts may love it more, Teach them to feel its vital pow'r. 2 With joy may we are course pursue, And keep the crown of life in view. That crown which in one hour repays The labor of ten thousand days. 3 Should bonds or death obstruct our way, Unmoved their terrors we'll survey, And the last hour improve for thee, The last of life or liberty. 4 Welcome those bonds which may imite Our souls to their supreme delight ; 314 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 392 Welcome that death whose painful strife Bears \is to Christ our better life. *|92 ^- ^^- ^I^s- Barbauld. The. Chi'istian Jfarfare. 1 Awake, my soul, lift up thine eyes, See w^here thy foes against thee rise In long array, a num'rous host ; Awake, my soul, or thou art lost. 2 Here giant danger threat'ning stands, Must'ring his jiale terrific bands ; There pleasure's silken banners spread, And willing souls are captives led. 3 See where rel^ellious passions rage, And fierce desires and lusts engage ; The meanest foe of all the train Has thousands and ten thousands slain. 4 Thou tread'st upon enchanted ground. Perils and snares beset thee round ; Beware of all, guard ev'ry part, But most the traitor in thy heart. 5 Come then, my soul, now learn to wield The weight of thine immortal shield ; Put on the armor from above Of heav'nly truth and heav'nly love. 6 The terror and the charm repel. And pow'rs of earth and pow'rs of hell ; The man of Calv'ry triumph'd here. Why should his faithful followers fear ? 315 393 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 30*} C. M. Mrs. Barbauld. The Pilgrimage of Life. 1 Our country is Immanuel's ground. We seek that promised soil ; The songs of Zion cheer onr hearts, While strangers here we toil. '2 Oft do our eyes with joy o'erflow, And oft are bathed in tears ; Yet nought but heav'n our hopes can raise, And nought but sin our fears. 3 The flow'rs that spring along the road, We scarcely stoop to pluck ; We walk o'er beds of shining ore, Nor waste one wishfal look. 4 We tread the path our Master trod. We bear the cross he bore ; And ev'ry thorn that wounds our feet, His temples pierced before. 5 Our pow'rs are oft dissolved away In ecstacies of love, And while our bodies wander here, Our souls are fix'd above. 6 We purge our mortal dross away, Refining as w^e run ; But while we die to earth and sense, Our heav'n is here begun. 316 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 394 30^ CM. Doddridge. TTie High- Way to Zion. 1 Sing, ye redeemed of the Lord, Your great deliv'rer sing. Pilgrims, for Zion's city bound. Be joj^ful in your King. 2 See the feiir way his hand hath raised, How holy and how plain! Nor shall the simplest trav'ller err. Nor ask the track in vain. 3 No rav'ning lion shall destroy, Nor lurking serpent wound ; Pleasure and safety, peace and praise, Through all the path are found. 4 A hand divine shall lead you on Along the blissful road, Till on the sacred mount you see The glory of your God. 5 There garlands of immortal joy Shall bloom on ev'ry head. While sorrow, sighing and distress Like shadows all are fled. 6 Jesus your leader's gone before. Pursue his footsteps still, And let the prospect cheer your eye. While lab'ring up the hill. 2 B* 317 395 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. *^0^ S. M. Doddridge. Singing in the Ways of God. 1 Now let our voices join, To form one pleasant song ; Ye pilgrims in Jehovah's ways, With music pass along. ' 2 How straight the path appears, How open and how fair ! No lurking gins entrap our feet. No fierce destroyer there. 3 But flow'rs of paradise In rich profusion spring ; The sun of glory gilds the path, And dear companions sing. 4 See Salem's golden spires In beauteous prospect rise. And brighter crowns than mortals wear, Which sparkle through the skies. 5 All honor to his name Who drew the shining trace, To him who leads the wand'rers on, And cheers them with his orrace. &■■ Reduce the nations. Lord, Teach all their kings thy ways. That earth's full choir the notes may swell. And heav'n resound the praise. 318 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 396, 397 <^0^ L. M. Doddridge. Peace Proclaimed, and the Fruit of the Lips Created. 1 Hark, for the great Creator speaks. In silence let tlie earth attend, And when his words of grace are heard, In grateful adoration bend. 2 " 'Tis I create the fruit of praise, And give the broken heart to sing ; Peace, heav'nly peace, my lips proclaim, Pleased with the happy news they bring." 3 Receive the tidings with delight, Ye Gentile nations from afar. And you, the children of his love, Whom grace hath brought already near. 4 To these, to those, his sov'reign hand Its healing energy imparts ; Peace, peace be chanted from your tongues. And echo'd from consentinor hearts. 'G 5 Enjoy the health which God hath wroughjt, Nor let the daily tribute cease. Till changed for more exalted son^s In regions of eternal peace. 39^ L. M. Watts. Walking by Faith and not by Sight. 1 'Tis by the faith of joys to come, We walk through deserts dark as night ; 319 398 THE CHRISTIAN CHAEACTER. Till we arrive at lieav'n our home, Faith is our guide, and faith our light. 2 The want of sight she well supplies ; She makes the heav'nly gates appear ; Far into distant worlds she pries, And brings eternal glories near. 3 Cheerful we tread the desert through. While faith inspires a heav'nly ra};^, Though lions roar and tempests blow. And rocks and dangers fill the way. 4 So Abr'am by divine command Left his own house to Avalk with God ; His faith beheld the promised land. And fired his zeal along the road. 39§ C. M. Salisbury Col. The Power of Faith. 1 Faith adds new charms to earthly bliss, And saves us from its snares, Its aid in ev'ry duty brings, And softens all our cares : 2 Extinguishes the thirst of sin. And lights the sacred fire Of love to God and heav'nly things, And feeds the pure desire. 3 The wounded conscience knows its pow'r The healing balm to give ; That balm the saddest heart can cheer. And make the dying live. 320 1 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 399 Wide it unveils celestial worlds, Where deathless pleasures reign, And bids us seek our portion there, Nor bids us seek in vain. 399 C. M. Mrs. Steele. Faith. Ah why should this mistaken mind Still rove with restless pain ? V Delight on earth expect to find, Yet still expect in vain ? •2 .Faith rising upward points her view To regions in the skies ; There lovelier scenes than Eden knew In bright perspective rise. 3 O if this heav'n-born grace were mine, Would not my spirit soar, Transported gaze on joys divine, And cleave to earth no more ? 4 If in my heart true faith appears. Yet weak the sacred ray, Feebly aspiring, press'd with fears, Almost it dies away. 5 O Thou from whose almighty breath It first began to rise, Purge off these mists, these dregs of earth. And bid it reach the skies. 6 Let this weak erring mind no more On earth bewilder 'd rove, 321 400 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. But with celestial ardor soar To endless joys above. 400 ^- M. Mrs. Steele. 77/e Christian'' s Prospect. 1 Happy the man whose wishes climb To mansions in the skies ; He looks on all the joys of time With midesiring eyes. •2 In vain soft pleasure spreads her charms And throws her silken drain, And wealth and fame invite his arms And tempt his ear in vain. 3 He know^s that all these glitt'ring things Must yield to sure decay, And sees on time's extended wings How swift they flee away. 4 Nor low to earth in sorrow bends. When pains and cares invade ; With cheerful wing his faith ascends Above the gloomy shade. 5 To things unseen by mortal eyes A beam of sacred light Directs his view, his prospects rise All permanent and bright. G His hopes are fix'd on joys to come ; Those blissful scenes on high Shall flourish in immortal bloom Wlien time and nature die. 322 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 401, 402 J.0]^ L. M. Watts. The Christian Race. 1 Awake our souls, away our fears, Let ev'ry trembling thought begone ; Awake and run the heav'nly race, And put a cheerful courage on. 2 True, 'tis a strait and thorny road. And mortal spirits tire and faint. But they forget the mighty God, Who strength imparts to ev'ry saint : 3 The mighty God whose matchless pow'r Is ever new and ever young, And firm endures while endless years Their everlasting circles run. 4 Swift as an eagle cuts the air We'll mount aloft to thine abode ; On wings of love our souls shall fly. Nor tire amidst the heav'nly road. 402 C. M. B. B. The same subject. 1 On wings of love the christian flies And upward speeds his way ; The empty world neglected lies, Nor can it tempt his stay. 2 Though rav'nous beasts of prey surround, Yet onward still he goes, And resolute maintains his ground When multitudes oppose. 323 403 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 3 Amidst ten thousand lurking snares He treads the heav'nly road, Drops as he goes his pains and cares, And makes his way to God. 4 From reahns of bliss he shall review The labors of the way ; No sad event his grief renew, Nor shall his joys decay. 403 ^' ^' Doddridge. T7ie same subject. 1 Awake, my soul, stretch ev'ry nerve, And press with vigor on ; A heav'nly race demands thy zeal, And an immortal crown. 2 A cloud of witnesses around Hold thee in full survey ; Forget the steps already trod, And onward urge thy way. 3 'Tis God's all-animating voice That calls thee from on high ; 'Tis his own hand presents the prize To thine aspiring eye : 4 That prize with peerless glories bright. Which shall new lustre boast When victors' wreaths and monarchs' gems Shall blend in common dust. 324 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 404 404 P- M. Wesley. The Cross and Crown. Beyond the bounds of time and space, Look forward to that heav'nly place, The saint's secure abode ; On faith's strong eagle-pinions rise, And force your passage to the skies, And scale the mount of God. Though suff'ring with our Master here, We shall before his face appear, And by his side sit down ; To patient faith the prize is sure. And all that to the end endure The cross shall wear the crown. 2C PART XIII. AFFLICTIONS AND CHANGES OF LIFE. ^Q^ C. M. AValker's Col. Praise to God through all the Changes of Life. 1 Father of mercies, God of love, My Father and my God, I'll sing the honors of thy name. And spread thy praise abroad. 2 My soul in pleasing wonder lost, Thy various love surveys ; Where shall my grateful lips begin. Or v^^here conclude thy praise ? 3 In ev'ry period of my life Thy thoughts of love appear. Thy mercies gild the transient scene, And crown each passing year. 4 In all these mercies may my soul A father's bounty see, Nor let the gifts thy grace bestows Estrange my heart from thee. 6 Teach me in times of deep distress To own thy hand, O God, And in submissive silence hear The lessons of thy rod. 326 AFFLICTIONS, ETC. 406 6 Through ev'ry changing state of life, Each bright, each clouded scene. Give me a meek and humble mind, Still equal and serene. 7 Then may I close my eyes in death, Free from all anxious fear. For death itself is life, my God, If thou art with me there. 406 P- M- Mrs. Barbauld. Praise to God in Prosperity and Adversity. 1 Praise to God, immortal praise. For the love that crowns our days ; Bounteous Source of ev'ry joy, Let thy praise our tongues employ : 2 For the blessings of the field, For the stores the gardens yield. For the vine's exalted juice. For the gen'rous olive's use. 3 Flocks that whiten all the plain. Yellow sheaves of ripen'd grain, Clouds that drop their fatt'ning dews, Suns that temp 'rate warmth diffuse ; 4 All that Spring with bounteous hand Scatters o'er the smiling land. All that lib'ral Autumn pours From her rich o'erflowinor stores ; 5 These to thee, our God, we owe. Source whence all our blessings flow, 327 407 AFFLICTIONS AND And for these our souls shall raise Grateful vows and solemn praise. 6 Yet should rising whirlwinds tear From its stem the rip'ning ear; Should the fis^-tree's blasted shoot Drop her green untimely fruit ; 7 Should the vine put forth no more, Nor the olive yield her store ; Though the sick'ning^ flocks should fall, And the herds desert the stall ; 8 Should thine alter' d hand restrain Vernal show'rs and latter rain, Blast each op'ning bud of joy, And the rising year destroy ; 9 Yet to thee our souls shall raise Grateful vows and solemn praise ; And, when ev'ry blessing's flown, Love thee — for thyself alone. /^Q^ C. M. Enfield's Col. Praise to God in Life and Death. 1 My soul shall praise thee, O my God, Through all my mortal days, And to eternity prolong Thy vast, thy boundless praise. 2 In each bright hour of peace and hope Be this my sweet employ ; Devotion heightens all my bliss And sanctifies my joy. 328 CHANGES OF LIFE. 408 3 When g-loomy care or keen distress Invades my throbbing breast, My tongue shall learn to speak thy praise, And soothe my pains to rest. 4 Nor shall my tongue alone proclaim The honors of my God, My life, with all my active pow'rs, Shall spread thy praise abroad. 5 And though these lips shall cease to move, Though death shall close these eyes, Yet shall my soul to nobler heights Of joy and transport rise. 6 Then shall my pow'rs in endless strains Their grateful tribute pay ; The theme demands an angel's tongue, And an eternal day. ^0§ L. M. Doddridge. Praise to God through the whole of our Existence. 1 God of my life, through all its days My grateful pow'rs shall sound thy praise ; Thy song shall wake with op'ning light. And warble to the silent night. 2 When anxious cares would break my rest. And griefs would tear my throbbing breast. Thy tuneful praises raised on high. Shall check the murmur and the sigli. 2 c* 329 409 AFFLICTIONS AND 3 When death o'er nature shall prevail^ And all its pow'rs of language fail, Joy through my swimming eyes shall break, And mean the thanks I cannot speak. 4 But O wlien that blest morn is come Which breaks the slumbers of the tomb. With what glad accents shall I rise To join the music of the skies ! 5 Soon shall I learn th' exalted strains Which echo o'er the heav'nly plains, And emulate with joy unknown The glowing seraphs round thy throne. 6 " Praise shall employ my noblest pow'rs While immortality endures;" A work so sweet, a theme so high. Demands and crowns eternity. 4Q9 C. M. John Taylor. Trust in God through all the Changes of Life. 1 Father divine, before thy view All worlds, all creatures lie ; No distance can elude thy search, No action 'scape thine eye. 2 From thee our vital breath we draw, Our childhood was thy care. And vig'rous youth and feeble age Thy kind protection share. 3 Whate'er we do, where'er we turn, Thy ceaseless bounty flows ; 330 CHANGES OF LIFE. 410 Oppress'd with woe, when nature faints, Thine arm is our repose. 4 To thee we look, thou Pow'r Supreme, 0 still our wants supply ; Safe in thy presence may we live, Aiid in thy favor die. 410 C. M. Darwix. Trust in God in Prosperity and Adversity. 1 The Lord, how tender is his love ! His justice, how august ! Hence all her fears my soul derives, There anchors all her trust. 2 He show'rs the manna from above To feed the barren waste. Or points with death the fiery hail. And famine waits the blast. 3 Crowns, realms and worlds, his wrath in- censed, Are dust beneath his tread ; He blights the fair, unplumes the proud, Lays low the learned head. 4 He bids distress forget to groan. The sick from anguish cease. In dungeons spreads his healing wing, And softly whispers peace. 5 Thy vengeance rides the rushing wind, Or tips the bolt with flame ; 331 411 AFFLICTIONS AND Thy goodness breathes in ev'ry breeze, And warms in ev'ry beam. 6 For me, O Lord, whatever lot The hours commission'd bring ; Do all my with'ring blessings die, Or fairer clusters spring, 7 O grant that still with grateful heart My years resign'd may run; 'Tis thine to give or to resume, And may thy will be done. 4.11 C. M. Bristol Col. Hope in Affliction. 1 Lord, in this wTctched vale of tears. What various woes we feel ! Diseases, pains, and doubts and fears Surround thy children still. 2 Darkness and dangers fill the road. And storms and tempests roar ; But we march onward to our God, And trust his guardian pow'r. 3 What though no lasting comfort's found Through this long wilderness ? When we arrive on heav'nly ground. Pleasures shall never cease. 4 Lord, give us patience in thy way. And let our faith be strong ; Direct our footsteps lest we stray, And guard our souls along. 333 CHANGES OF LIFE. 412, 413 5 Death shall convey thy children home ; Thither onr hearts aspire ; There no disease shall ever come, But joy shall be entire. 4.J2 ^- M- Watts. Hope in God. 1 The Lord can clear the darkest skies, Can give ns day for night, Make drops of sacred sorrow rise To rivers of delight. 2 The seed though buried long in dust Shall not deceive our hope ; The precious grain can ne'er be lost, Since God insures the crop. 3 The seeds of joy and glory sown For those in darkness here. Shall rise and spring in worlds unknown. And a rich harvest bear. ^J3 C. M. Doddridge. The Divine Mercy Moderating Affliction. 1 Great Ruler of all nature's frame, We own thy pow'r divine ; We hear thy breath in every storm, For all the winds are thine. 2 Wide as they sweep their sounding way, They work thy sov'reign will, 333 414, 415 AFFLICTIONS AND And awed by thy majestic voice, Confusion shall be still. 3 Thy mercy tempers every blast To those who seek thy face, And mingles with the tempest's roar The whispers of thy grace. 4 Let me those gentle whispers hear Till all the tumult cease. Sleep in thine arms, and wake in realms Of everlasting peace. 4.U. ' C. M. Doddridge. Divine Mercy in ..Affliction. 1 In thy rebukes, all-gracious God, What soft compassion reigns ! What gentle accents of thy voice Assuage thy children's pains ! 2 '' When I correct my chosen sons, A father's bowels move ; One transient moment bounds my wrath, But endless is my love." 3 Our faith shall look through every tear, And view thy smiling face ; And hope amidst our sighs shall tune An anthem to thy grace. ^]l5 C. M. Drennan. The Use of .Affliction. 1 Why does the will of heav'n ordain A world so mix'd with woe ? 334 CHANGES OF LIFE. 415 Why pour down want, disease and pain, On wretched men below ? 2 It was by sympathetic ties The human race to bind ; To warm the heart, to fill the eyes With pity for our kind : 3 Pity, that like the heav'nly bow On darkest clouds doth shine ; And makes with her celestial glow The human face divine. 4 Where mercy takes her custom'd stand, To bid her flock rejoice, 'Tis there with grace extends the hand. There music tunes the voice. 5 And he who speaks in mercy's name No fiction needs nor art ; The still small voice of nature's claim Re-echoes through each heart. 6 Where pity's frequent tear is shed. There God is seen, is foimd ; Descends upon the hallow'd head, And sheds a glory round. 7 But charity itself may fail Which does not active prove ; Nor will the pray'r of faith avail Without the works of love. 335 416, 417 AFFLICTIONS AND ^J[0 L. M. Salisbury Col. Patience. 1 Patience, O 'tis a grace divine, Sent from the God of pow'r and love, That leans upon its father's arm As through the wilds of life v^e rove. 2 By patience we serenely bear The troubles of our mortal state. And wait contented our discharge, Nor think our glory comes too late. 3 O for this grace to aid us on. And arm with fortitude the breast. Till life's tumultuous voyage o'er. We reach the shores of endless rest. ^Jiy C. M. Mrs. Steele. Submission to God under ^Sjffliction. 1 Peace, my complaining, doubting heart, Ye busy cares, be still, Adore the just, the sov'reign Lord, Nor murmur at his will. 2 Unerring wisdom guides his hand. Nor dares my guilty fear Amid the sharpest pains I feel Pronounce his hand severe. 3 To soften ev'ry painful stroke, Indulgent mercy bends. And unrepining when I plead. His gracious ear attends. 336 CHANGES OF LIFE. 418 Let me reflect with humble awe Whene'er my heart complains, Compared with what my sins deserve, How light and few my pains ! Yes, Lord, I own thy sov'reign hand, Thou just and wise and kind ; Be ev'ry anxious thought supprest, And all my soul resign'd. 4.J§ L. M. Mrs. Steele. Trust in God under Afflictions. 1 Why is my heart with grief opprest ? Can all the pains I feel or fear Make thee, my soul, forget thy rest, Forget that God, thy God, is near? 2 Mortality's unnumber'd ills Are all beneath his sov'reign hand ; Each pain which this frail body feels Attends obedient his command. 3 Lord, form my temper to thy will ; If thou my faith and patience prove, May ev'ry painful stroke fulfil Thy purposes of faithful love. 4 O may this weak, this fainting mind, A father's hand adoring see ; Confess thee just and wise and kind. And trust thy word and cleave to thee. 2D 337 419, 420 AFFLICTIONS AND ^-flO C. M. Mrs. Steele. Filial Submission. 1 And can my heart aspire so high To say, " My Father, God?" Lord, at thy feet I fain would lie, And learn to kiss the rod. 2 I would submit to all thy will, For thou art good and wise ; Let ev'ry anxious thought be still, Nor one faint murmur rise. 3 Thy love can cheer the darkest gloom. And bid me wait serene, Till hopes and joys immortal bloom And brighten all the scene. Ji O^ S. M. Doddridge. > TTie same subject. 1 How gracious and how wise Is our chastising God ! And O how rich the blessings are That blossom from his rod ! 2 He lifts it up on high With pity in his heart. That ev'ry stroke his children feel May grace and peace impart. 3 Instructed thus, they bow And own his sov'reign sway, They turn their erring footsteps back To his forsaken way. ^ 338 CHANGES OF LIFE. 421 4 His cov'nant love they seek, And seek the happy bands That closer still engage their hearts To honor his commands. 5 Submissive, Lord, we yield To discipline divine, And bless the pains that make us still More uniformly thine. 421 CM. Watts. Submission to Afflictive Providences. 1 Naked as from the earth wq came And crept to life at first, We to the earth return again And mingle with our dust. 2 The dear delights we here enjoy And fondly call our own, Are but short favors borrow'd now To be repaid anon. 3 'Tis God who lifts our comforts high Or sinks them in the grave ; He gives, and blessed be his name, He takes but what he gave. 4 Peace, all our angry passions then, Let each rebellious sigh Be silent at his sov'reign will. And ev'ry murmur die. 5 If smihng mercy crown our lives, Its praises shall be spread ; 339 422, 423 AFFLICTIONS AND Nor will we call unjust the hand That strikes our comforts dead. 422 ^' M. Toplady's Col. Ti'ue Resignation. 1 With God my friend, the radiant sun Sheds a more lively ray, Each object smiles, all nature charms ; I sing my cares away. 2 I cannot doubt his bounteous love, Unmeasurably kind ; To his unerring, gracious will Be ev'ry wish resign'd. 3 Good when he gives, supremely good. Nor less when he denies ; Afflictions from his gracious hand Are blessings in disguise. 4:2s ^- ^- M^^' Steele. The same subject. 1 Weary of these low scenes of night, My fainting heart grows sick of time, Sighs for the dawn of sweet delight, Sighs for a distant, happier clime. 2 'Tis just, 'tis right ; thus he ordains Who form'd this animated clod. That needful cares, instructive pains. May bring the restless heart to God. 340 CHANGES OF LIFE. 424 3 In him, my soul, behold thy rest, Nor hope for bliss below the sky ; Come, resignation, to my breast, And silence ev'ry plaintive sigh. 4 Then cheerful shall my heart survey The toils and dangers of the road. And patient keep the heav'nly way Which leads me homeward to my God. ^24: P- M. Mrs. Steele. Complete Happiness not designed for Man on Earth. 1 Providence, profusely kind, Wheresoe'er you turn your eyes Bids you with a grateful mind View a thousand blessings rise. 2 But perhaps some friendly voice Softly whispers to your mind, Make not these alone your choice, Heav'n has blessings more refined. 3 Thankful own what you enjoy, But a changing world like this, Where a thousand fears annoy. Cannot give you perfect bliss. 4 Perfect bliss resides above. Far above yon azure sky, Bliss that merits all your love, Merits ev'ry anxious sigh. 3 D* 34X 425 AFFLICTIONS AND 5 What like this hath earth to give ? O ye righteous, in your breast Let the admonition live, Nor on earth desire to rest. 6 When your bosom heaves a sigh Or your eye emits a tear, Let your vtdshes rise on high, Ardent rise to bliss sincere. 4-25 L. M. Mrs. Steele. True and Lasting Happiness. 1 In vain my roving thoughts would find A portion worthy of the mind ; On earth my soul can never rest, For earth can never make me blest. 2 Can lasting happiness be found Where seasons roll their hasty round, " And days and hours with rapid flight Sweep cares and pleasures out of sight ? 3 Arise, my thoughts, my heart, arise. Leave this vain world, and seek the skies ; There joys for evermore shall last When seasons, days and hours are past. 4 Thy mercy, Lord, to me impart : O raise my thoughtless, wand'ring heart To pleasures perfect and sublime, Unmeasured by the wings of time, 5 Let those bright worlds of endless joy My thoughts, my hopes, my cares employ ; 342 CHANGES OF LIFE. 426, 427 No more, ye restless passions, roam, God is my bliss and heav'n my liome. ^2t6 ^- ^- Doddridge. Creatures Vain, and God the Salvation of his People. 1 How long shall dreams of creature bliss Our flatt'ring hopes employ. And mock our fond, deluded eyes With visionary joy ? 2 Why from the mountains and the hills Is our salvation sought, While our Eternal Rock's disovi^n'd And Isr'el's God forgot? 3 The living spring neglected flows Full in our daily view, Yet we with anxious, fruitless toil Our broken cisterns hew. 4 These fatal errors, gracious God, With gentle pity see, To thee our roving eyes direct, And fix our hearts on thee. 42*^ L- M. Watts. TTie Vanity of Earthly Desires. 1 Man has a soul of vast desires. He burns within with restless fires ; Tost to and fro, his passions fly From vanity to vanity. 343 428 AFFLICTIONS AND 2 In vain on earth we hope to find Some solid good to fill the mind ; We try new pleasures, but we feel The inward thirst and torment still. 3 So when a raoring- fever burns, We shift from side to side by turns. And 'tis a poor relief we gain. To change the place, but keep the pain. 4 Great God, subdue this vicious thirst, This love to vanity and dust ; O cure the fever of the mind. And feed our souls with joys refined. ^28 ^'^- Watts. Earthly Pleasures Dangerous. 1 How vain are all things here below. How false, and yet how fair ! Each pleasure has its poison too, And ev'ry sweet a snare. 2 The brightest things below the sky Give but a flatt'ring light; We should suspect some danger nigh, Where we possess delight. 3 The fondness of a creature's love, How strong it strikes the sense ! Thither the warm affections move, 'Tis hard to call them thence. 4 Be faith and hope and love divine My soul's eternal food ; 344 CHANGES OF LIFE. 429, 430 And wean my fond, my anxious heart From all created good. 429 C. M. Watts. The Temptations of the World. 1 When in the light of things divine We look on things below, Honor and gold and sensual joy How vain and dang'rous too ! 2 Honor's a puff of empty breath, Yet men pour out their blood And venture everlasting loss To gain that airy good. 3 Whilst others starve the nobler mind And feed on shining dust, They sacrifice eternal bliss To mean and sordid lust. 4 God is my all-sufficient good, My portion and my choice ; In him my vast desires are fill'd And all my powers rejoice. 430 C. M. Mrs. Steele. True Pleasure. 1 How vain a thought is bliss below ! 'Tis all an airy dream ; How empty are the joys that flow On pleasure's smiling stream ! 2 Transparent now and all serene The gentle current flows ; 345 431 AFFLICTIONS AND While fancy draws the flatt'ring scene, How fair the landscape shows ! 3 But soon its transient charms decay, When ruffling tempests blow ; The soft delusions fleet away, And pleasure ends in woe. 4 O let my nobler wishes soar Beyond these seats of night, In heav'n substantial bliss explore And permanent delight. 5 There pleasure flows for ever clear, And rising to the view Such dazzling scenes of joy appear As fancy never drew. 6 No fleeting landscape cheats the gaze Nor airy forms beguile, But everlasting bliss displays Her undissembled smiles. ^•JJ[ C. M. Newton The Instability of Worldly Enjoyments. 1 The evils that beset our path Who can prevent or cure ? We stand upon the brink of death When most we seem secure. 2 If we to-day sweet peace possess. It soon may be withdrawn ; Some change may plunge us in distress Before to-morrow's dawn. 346 CHANGES OF LIFE. 432 3 Disease and pain invade our health, And find an easy prey ; And oft, when least expected, wealth Takes wings and flies away. 4 The grounds from which we look for fruit Produce us often pain ; A worm unseen attacks the root, And all our iiopes are vain. 5 Since sin has fill'd the earth with woe, And creatures fade and die. Lord, wean our hearts from thing-s below And fix our hopes on high. J.*52 L. M. Doddridge. God the Happiness and Support of his People. 1 My God, whose all-pervading eye Views earth beneath and heav'n above, Witness if here or there thou seest An object of mine equal love. 2 Not the gay scenes where mortal men Pursue their bliss and find their woe Detain my rising heart, which springs The nobler joys of heav'n to vicAv. 3 Not all the fairest sons of light That lead the army round thy throne Can bound its flight ; it presseth on And seeks its rest in God alone. 4 Fix'd near th' immortal Source of bliss. Dauntless and joyous it surveys 347 433 AFFLICTIONS AND Each form of horror and distress That all its deadliest foes can raise. 5 This feeble flesh shall faint and die, This heart renew its pnlse no more ; Ev'n now it views the moment nigh When life's last movements all are o'er. 6 Bnt come, thou vanquish'd king of dread. With thy own hand thy pow'r destroy ; 'Tis thine to bear me to my God, My portion, my eternal joy. 403 C. M. Bristol Col. Happiness in God alone. 1 The great Creator, wise and good, Who forms th' unerring plan, Implants a strong desire of bliss Within his creature man. 2 But still these grov'ling minds of ours Forget their noble birth. And with incessant labor toil For happiness on earth. 3 Pleasure's delusive form we trace Or dig for shining ore, At honor's gaudy shrine we bow Or grasp at boundless pow'r. 4 Ah cease, my soul, these wild pursuits. And upwards turn thine eyes ; See where thy gracious Maker's hand Holds forth the glorious prize. 348 CHANGES OF LIFE. 434, 435 This precious gem is found alone In his paternal love ; Be this the centre of my hopes, Nor hence my passions rove. 434 C. M. Watts. The Hope of Heaven our Support under Trials on Earth. 1 When I can read my title clear To mansions in the skies, I bid farewell to ev'ry fear And dry my weeping eyes, 2 Should earth against my peace engage, And all its darts be hurl'd, Then could I smile to see its rage And face a frowning w^orld. 3 Though cares like a wild deluge come. And storms of sorrow fall. May I but safely reach my home. My God, my heav'n, my All. 4 In those bright realms, thou, O my soul, Shalt find eternal rest, Nor shall a wave of trouble roll Across my peaceful breast. 435 ^- M- Doddridge. Present Sufferings and Future Glory. 1 How rich thy favors, God of grace. How various, how divine ! 2 E 349 436 ' AFFLICTIONS AND Full as the ocean they are poiir'd, And bright as heav'n they shine. 2 God to eternal glory calls, And leads the wondrous way To his own palace, where he reigns In uncreated day. 3 The songs of everlasting years That mercy shall attend. Which leads through sufF'rings of an hour To joys that never end. ^*}g L. M. Mrs. Steele. God the Life and Light of the Soul. 1 My God, my hope, if thou art mine, Why should my soul with sorrow pine ? On thee alone I cast my care ; O leave me not in dark despair. 2 Though ev'ry comfort should depart, And life forsake this drooping heart, . One smile from thee, one blissful ray, Can chase the shades of death away. 3 My God, my life, if thou appear. Not death itself can make me fear ; Thy presence cheers the sable gloom, And gilds the horrors of the tomb. 4 Not all its horrors can affright. If thou appear, my God, my light. Thy love shall all my fears control, And glory dawn around my soul. 350 CHANGES OF LIFE. ' 437, 438 437 C. M. Mrs. Steele. The same subject. 1 My God, to thee my soul aspires ; Dispel the shades of night, Enlarge and fill my vast desires With infinite delight. 2 Immortal joy thy smiles impart, Heav'n dawns in ev'ry ray ; One glimpse of thee will cheer my heart And turn my night to day. 3 Not all the good which earth bestows Can fill the craving mind ; Its highest joys have mingled woes, And leave a stinsf behind. "-Q 4 Should boundless wealth increase my store, Can wealth my cares beguile ? I should be wretched still and poor Without thy blissful smile. 438 ^- M- Mrs- Steele. God our Portion in the Loss of Earthy Comforts. 1 Should famine o'er the mourning field Extend her desolating- reiorn, Nor sprmg her blooming beauties yield, Nor autumn swell the fruitful grain : 2 Should lowing herds and bleating sheep Around their famisii'd master die, And hope itself despairing weep. While life deplores its last supply : 351 439 AFFLICTIONS AND 3 Amid the dark, the deathful scene, If I can say, the Lord is mine, The joy shall triumph o'er the pain, And glory dawn though life decline. 4 The God of my salvation lives ; My nobler life he w^ill sustain. His word immortal vio^or sfives, Nor shall my glorious hopes be vain. 5 Thy presence, Lord, can cheer my heart, Though ev'ry earthly comfort die. Thy smiles can bid my pains depart And raise my sacred pleasures high. 6 0 let me hear thy blissful voice. Inspiring life and joys divine ; The barren desert shall rejoice ; 'Tis paradise if thou art mine. ^*Jt| L. M. Doddridge. The Weeping Seed-time and Joyful Harvest. 1 The darken'd sky, how thick it low'rs ! Troubled with storms and big with show'rs No cheerful gleam of light appears. But nature pours forth all her tears. 2 Yet let the sons of grace revive ; God bids the soul that seeks him live, And from the ploomiest shade of nig-ht Galls forth a morning of delight. 3 The seeds of ecstacy unknown Are in these water'd furrows sown, 352 CHANGES OF LIFE. 439 See the green blades, liow quick they rise ! And with fresh verdure bless our eyes. 4 In secret foldings they contain Unnumber'd ears of golden grain ; And heav'n shall pour its beams around Till the ripe harvest load the ground. 5 Then shall the trembling mourner come, And find his sheaves and bring them home; The voice long broke with sighs shall sing Till heav'n with hallelujahs ring. 2e* PART XIV. LIFE, DEATH, JUDGMENT, AND A FUTURE STATE. 440 C. M. Watts. The Shortness of Life and the Goodness of God. 1 Time, what an empty vapor 'tis ! Our days, liow swift they are ! ^ Swift as an Indian arrow flies, Or like a shooting star. 2 Successive moments just appear, Then sUde away in haste ; Nor can we ever say, "They're here," But^only "They are past." 3 Our Hfe is ever on the wing, And death is ever nigh ; To live no sooner we begin Than we begin to die. 4 Yet, mighty God, our fleeting days Thy constant favors share ; Thy bounties in ten thousand ways Still crown the rolling year. 5 His goodness runs an endless round ; All glory to the Lord ; His mercy never knows a bound, And be his name adored. 354 LIFE, DEATH, JUDGMENT, ETC. 441 6 Thus we begin the lasting song ; And when in dust we lie, Let age to age thy praise prolong Till time and nature die. 441 C. M. Watts. Man Mortal, and God Eternal. 1 Our God, our help in ages past. Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home : 2 Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received her frame, From everlasting thou art God, To endless years the same. 3 Thy word commands our flesh to dust, " Return, ye sons of men ;" All nations rose from earth at first, And turn to earth again. 4 The busy tribes of flesh and blood, With all their hopes and fears, Are carried downwards by tiie flood, And lost in foll'wing years. 5 Like flow'ry fields the nations stand, Pleased with the morninof liVht : The flow'rs beneath the mower's hand Lie with'ring ere 'tis night. 6 Our God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, 355 442 LIFE, DEATH, AND Be thou our guard while troubles last, And our eternal home. 4:4:2 ^* ^- Doddridge. Mutability of the Creation and Immutability of God. 1 Great Former of this various frame, We reverence thine awful name, And bow and tremble while we praise The Ancient of eternal days. 2 Thou, Lord, with unsurprised survey Saw'st nature rising yesterday, And as to-morrow shall thine eye See earth and stars in ruin lie. 3 Beyond an angel's vision bright. Thou dwell'st in self-existent light, Which shines with undiminish'd ray While suns and worlds in smoke decay. ' 4 Our days a transient period run. And change with ev'ry circling sun ; And in the firmest state we boast A moth can crush us into dust. 5 But let the creatures fall around. Let death consio^n us to the ground , Let the last gen'ral flame arise. And melt the arches of the skies ; 6 Calm as the summer's ocean we Can all the wreck of nature see, 356 A FUTURE STATE. 443, 444 While grace secures us an abode Unshaken as the throne of God. 443 C. M. Watts. Life, Old ^ge, and Preparation for Death. Life like a vain amusement flies, A fable or a song ; By swift degrees our nature dies, Nor can our joys be long. Time like an ever flowing stream Bears all its sons away ; They fly forgotten, as a dream Dies at the op'ning da}^. There are but few whose days amount To threescore years and ten. And oft beyond that short account 'Tis sorrow, toil and pain. Teach us, O God, the heav'nly art T' improve the hours we have. That we may choose the better part, And live beyond the grave. 444 C. M. Watts. The Vanity of Human Life. Teach me the measure of my days. Thou Maker of my frame ; I would survey life's narrow space, And learn how frail I am. 357 445 LIFE, DEATH, AND 2 A span is all that we can boast, A fleeting hour of time ; Man is but vanity and dust In all his flow'r and prime. 3 See the vain race of mortals move Like shadows o'er the plain ; They rage and strive, desire and love. But all the noise is vain. 4 Some walk in honor's gaudy show, Some dig for golden ore ; They toil for heirs, they know not who, And straight are seen no more. 5 What should I wish or wait for then. From creatures, earth and dust? They make our expectations vain And disappoint our trust. 6 Now I resign my earthly hope, My fond desires recall ; I give my mortal int'rest up, And make my God my all. 445 C. M. H. M. Tlie same subject. , 1 Our life is but an idle play. Various as winds that blow ; We laugh and sport our hours away. Nor heed approaching woe. 2 See the fair cheek of beauty fade, Frail glory of an hour ; 358 A FUTURE STATE. 446 And blooming youth with sick'ning head Droop like the dying flow'r. 3 Our pleasures like the morning sun Diffuse a tlatt'ring light, But gloomy clouds obscure their noon, And soon they sink in night. 4 Wealth, pomp and honor we behold With an admiring eye, Like summer insects dress' d in gold, That flutter, shine and die. 5 Then rise, my soul, and soar away Above the thoughtless crowd, Above the pleasures of the gay. And splendors of the proud ; G Up where eternal beauties bloom And pleasures all divine. Where wealth that never can consume And endless glories shine. , 44g C. M. Watts. The Precarious Tenure of Life. 1 Thee we adore. Eternal name, And humbly own to thee How feeble is our mortal frame, What dying worms are we. 2 Our wasting lives are short'ning still As months and days increase. And ev'ry beating pulse we tell Leaves but the number less. 359 447 LIFE, DEATH, AND 3 The year rolls round and steals away The breath that first it gave ; Whate'er we do, where'er we be, We're traveling to the grave. 4 Dangers stand thick through all the ground To push us to the tomb. And fierce diseases wait around To hurry mortals home. 5 Yet while a world of joy or woe Depends on ev'ry breath. Thoughtless and unconcern'd we go Upon the brink of death. 6 Waken, O Lord, our drowsy sense To walk this dang'rous road. That we may find when summon'd hence The grave the path to God. ^^^ C. M. Doddridge. GocVs Compassion to Human Frailty. 1 Lord, we adore thy wondrous name, And make that name our trust, Which raised at first this curious frame • From mean and lifeless dust. 2 Awhile these frail machines endure, The fabric of a day. Then know their vital pow'rs no more, But moulder back to clay, 3 Yet, Lord, whate'er is felt or fear'd, This thought is our repose, 360 A FUTURE STATE. 448 That he by whom onr frame was rear'd Its various frailties knows. 4 Thou view'st us with a pitying eye While struggling with our load, In pains and dangers thou art nigh, Our Father and our God. 5 Gently supported by thy love, We tend to realms of peace, Where ev'ry pain shall far remove And ev'ry danger cease. ^^g L. M. Mrs. Steele. Warnings of Mortality. 1 That awful hour will soon appear, Swift on the wings of time it flies, When all that pains or pleases here Will vanish from my closing eyes. 2 Death calls my friends, my neighbors hence, And none resist the fatal dart ; Continual warnings strike my sense, And shall they fail to strike my heart ? 3 Think, O my soul, how much depends On the short period of to-day : Shall time, which heav'n in mercy lends, Be negligently thrown away ? 4 Thy remnant minutes strive to use, Awake, rouse ev'ry active pow'r, 2 F 361 449 LIFE, DEATH, AND And not in dreams and trifles lose This little, this important hour. 5 Lord of my life, inspire my heart With heav'nly ardor, grace divine. Nor let thy presence e'er depart, For strength and life and death are thine. 6 0 teach me the celestial skill Each awful warning to improve; And while my days are short'ning still, Prepare me for the joys above. ^^0 S. M. Doddridge. Reflections on the State of our Fathers. 1 How swift the torrent rolls That bears us to the sea, The tide that bears our thoughtless souls To vast eternity ! 2 Our fathers, where are they. With all they call'd their own ? Their joys and griefs and hopes and cares And wealth and honor — gone. 3 There where the fathers lie Must all the children dwell, Nor other heritage possess But such a gloomy cell. 4 God of our Fathers, hear, Thou everlasting Friend, While we as on life's utmost verge Our souls to thee commend. 363 A FUTURE STATE. 450, 451 5 Of all the pious dead May we the footsteps trace, Till with them in the land of light We dwell before thy face. 450 L- M. Doddridge. Our Lives in the Hand of God. 1 Sov'reign of life, before thine eye, Lo, mortal men by thousands die ;' . One glance from thee at once brings down The proudest brow that wears a crown. 2 Banish'd at once from human sight To the dark grave's unchanging nio-ht, Imprison'd in that dusty bed, ° "^ We hide our solitary head. 3 The friendly band no more shall greet, Accents familiar once and sweet. No more tlie well-known features trace, No more renew the fond embrace. 4 Yet if my Father's faithful hand Conduct me through this gloomy land, My soul with pleasure shall obey. And follow where he leads the way. 451 L. M. Doddridge. The Great Journey. 1 Behold the path which mortals tread Down to the regions of the dead, Nor will the fleeting moments stay, Nor can we measure back our way. 363 452 LIFE, DEATH, AND 2 Our kindred and our friends are gone, Know, O my soul, this doom thy own ; Feeble as theirs thy mortal frame, The same thy way, thy home the same. 3 From vital air, from cheerful light, To the cold grave's perpetual night, From scenes of duty, means of grace, Must I to God's tribunal pass. 4 Awake, my soul, thy way prepare, And lose in this each meaner care ; With steady feet that path be trod Which through the grave conducts to God. 5 Father, to thee my all I trust ; And if my flesh return to dust, 'Tis thy decree, I bless thy hand, And die resign' d at thy command. /J_52 ^- M- Edinburgh Col. The Peace of the Grave. 1 How still and peaceful is the grave ! Where, life's vain tumults past, Th' appointed house by heav'n's decree Receives us all at last. 2 The wicked there from troubling cease, Their passions rage no more. And there the weary pilgrims rests From all the toils he bore. 3 There rest the pris'ners now released From slav'ry's sad abode ; 364 A FUTURE STATE. 453 No more they hear th' oppressor's voice, Or dread the tyrant's rod. 4 There servants, masters, small and great, Partake the same repose ; And there in peace the ashes mix Of those w^ho once were foes. 5 All, levell'd by the hand of death. Lie sleeping in the tomb, Till God in judgment call them forth To meet their righteous doom. ^^♦J L. M. Doddridge. The Wisdom of Redeeming Time. 1 God of eternity, from thee Did infant time his being draw ; Moments and days and months and years Revolve by thy unvaried law. 2 Silent and slow they glide away'; Steady and strong the current flows, Lost in eternity's wide sea. The boundless gulf from which it rose. 3 Thoughtless and vain, our mortal race Along the mighty stream are borne On to their everlasting home. That country whence there's no return. 4 Yet, while the shore on either side Presents a gaudy flatt'ring show. We gaze, in fond amusement lost, Nor think to what a world we go. 2 F* 365 454 LIFE, DEATH, AND 5 Great Source of wisdom, teach my heart To know the price of ev'ry hour, That time may bear me on to joys Beyond its measure and its pow'r. 454 L. M. The Lapse of Time Improved. 1 Swift ghde the hours of life away ; So shall our vital pow'rs decay : Momentous moral to mankind ! Deep be it fix'd in ev'ry mind ! 2 Time and its joys will soon be past ; But virtue, freedom, truth shall last : Let these inspire the glowing breast, For these alone can make man blest. 3 The lessons of the good and wise Let not vain mortals dare despise : And while we view time's silent stream, O may it be our steadfast aim, 4 From passion free, and free from strife, 'Midst the tumultuous ills of life, Still calm, unruffled and serene, To fill our part in this great scene : 5 And while life's sands are running out, Prepared without or fear or doubt T' obey the mandate from on high. The awful summons — Thou must die. 366 A FUTURE STATE. 465 ^^^ S. M. Doddridge. Ji Timely Improvement of Life. The swift-declining day, How fast its moments fly ! While ev'ning's broad and gloomy shade Spreads o'er the western sky. Ye mortals, mark its pace. Improve the hours of light, And know your Maker can command An instantaneous night. His word blots out the sun In its meridian blaze. And cuts from smiling vig'rous youth The remnant of its days. On the dark mountain's brow Your feet shall quickly slide, And from its airy summit dash Your momentary pride. Give glory to the Lord, Who rules the rolling sphere ; Submissive at his footstool bow, And seek salvation there. Then shall new lustre break Through horror's darkest gloom, And lead you to unchanging light In a celestial home. 367 456, 457 LIFE, DEATH, AND 4,^0 ^' ^- Doddridge. The Near Approach of Salvation a Motive to Diligence. 1 Christians, awake, and raise your eyes, And raise your voices high ; Awake, and praise your Maker's love. Which shows salvation nigh. 2 Swift on the wings of time it flies, Each moment brings it near ; Then welcome each declining day. Welcome each closing year. 3 Not many years their round shall run Nor many mornings rise, Ere all its glories stand reveal'd To our admiring eyes. 4 Ye wheels of nature, speed your course. Ye mortal pow'rs, decay ; Sure as ye bring the night of death, Ye bring eternal day. /^^^ S. M. Doddridge. TTie Watchful Christian. Ye servants of the Lord, Each in his office wait. Observant of his heav'nly word, And watchful at his gate. Let all your lamps be bright, And trim the golden flame, 368 A FUTURE STATE. 458 Gird up your loins, as in his sight, For awful is his name. Watch, 'tis your Lord's command ; And while we speak he's near ; Mark the first signal of his hand, And ready all appear. O happy servant he In such a posture found ; He shall his Lord with rapture see, And be with honor crown'd. 4-^8 C. M. Doddridge. Christian TVatchfulness. Awake, my drowsy soul, awake, And view the threat'ning scene ; Legions of foes encamp around. And treach'ry lurks within. 'Tis not this mortal life alone These enemies assail ; How canst thou hope for future bliss If their attempts prevail ? Now to the work of God awake ; Behold thy master near ; The various, arduous task pursue With vigor and with fear. The awful register goes on, Th' account will surely come ; And op'ning day or closing night May bear me to my doom. 369 469 LIFE, DEATH, AND 5 Tremendoiis thought, how deep it strikes Yet like a dream it flies, Till God's own voice the slumbers chase From these deluded eyes. 459 L. M. S. Wesley. The Frailty of Life, and Unchangeableness of Truth. 1 The morning flow'rs display their sweets And gay their silken leaves unfold. As careless of the noon-day heats, And fearless of the ev'ning cold. 2 Nipt by the wind's tiDkindly blast, Parch'd by the sun's directer ray, The momentary glories waste. The short-lived beauties die away. 3 So blooms the human face divine When youth its pride and beauty show s ; Fairer than spring the colors sliine, And sweeter than the virgin rose. 4 Or worn by slowly rolling years, Or broke by sickness in a day. The fading glory disappears. The short-lived beauties die away. 5 Yet these new rising from the tomb, With lustre brighter far shall shine, Kevive with ever-during bloom. Safe from diseases and decline. 370 A FUTURE STATE. 460 6 Let sickness blast and death devour Since heav'n will recompense our pains, Perish the grass and fade the flow'r Since firm the Avord of God remains. 400 -P- M- Watts. Life, Death, and the Resurrection. 1 Eternal God, how frail is man, How few his hours, how short his span ! Short from the cradle to the grave ; Who can secure his vital breath Against the bold demands of death. With skill to fly or pow'r to save ? 2 But shall it therefore. Lord, be said The race of man was only made For sickness, sorrow and the dust? Or if thy servants day by day Sink to their graves and turn to clay. Thou hast no kindness for the just ? 3 Hast thou not given to thy Son An endless life, a heav'nly crown ? Why then should flesh and sense despair? For ever blessed be the Lord, That we can read his holy word, And find a resurrection there. 4 For ever blessed be the Lord, Who gives his servants a reward For all their toil, reproach and pain : Let all below and all above Join to proclaim thy wondrous love, And each repeat their loud Amen. 371 461 LIFE, DEATH, AND 4-01 ^' M- Merrick. Death and the Resurrection. 1 Ye nations, hear, ye sons of earth Of highest or obscurest birth, Ye who from wealth's full board are fed. And ye who eat with toil your bread. 2 Cease, mortals, cease your pride, nor dream That riches shall from death redeem ; In vain would friendship's zeal essay The full equivalent to pay : 3 For man, with erring pride elate. And high in pow'r, in honor great, Shares with the brute an equal doom, And sleeps forgotten in the tomb. 4 Together now behold them laid As sheep when night extends her shade, While death within the vaulted rock. Stern shepherd, guards the slumb'ring flock. 5 Ye just, exulting lift your eyes. Behold the promised morn arise That bids you o'er each haughty foe Exalted endless triumphs know. 6 My soul amidst your happy train The wish'd redemption shall obtain, By God adopted, death shall brave. And mock the disappointed grave. 372 A FUTURE STATE. 462, 463 ^02 ^- ^' Merrick. Hope of a Resurrection. 1 Father of all, my soul defend, On thee my steadfast hopes depend, Thee let me bless, the faithful guide Whose counsels o'er my life preside. 2 Though to the grave I must descend. For thus has heav'n's high will ordain'd. Yet hope e'en there my constant guest. Shall smooth the pillow of my rest. 3 Though death awhile reign o'er my frame. Thou from the grave my life wilt claim, And to my eyes in full survey The op'ning paths of life display. 4 Those paths that to thy presence bear ; For plenitude of bliss is there ; And pleasure's streams unmix'd with woe At thy right hand for ever flow. 4^3 L. M. Watts. 77*6 same subject. 1 My faith and hope in God are strong, If with his gracious presence blest. Be glad, my heart, rejoice, my tongue. My dying flesh in hope shall rest. 2 Though in the dust I lay my head, Yet, gracious God, thou wilt not leave 2 G 373 464 LIFE, DEATH, AND My soul for ever with the dead. Nor lose thy children in the grave. 3 My flesh shall thy first call obey, Shake off the dust and rise on high ; Then shalt thou lead the wondrous way Up to thy throne above the sky. ^0^ C. M. Edinburgh Col. The Vegetable Creation an Emblem of the Resurrection. 1 All nature dies, and lives again ; The flow'r that paints the field. The trees, that crown the mountain's brow And boughs and blossoms yield, 2 Resign the honors of their form At winter's stormy blast. And leave the naked, leafless plain A desolated waste. 3 Yet soon reviving plants and flow'rs Anew shall deck the plain, The woods shall hear the voice of spring And flourish green again. 4 So to the dreary grave consign'd, Man sleeps in death's dark gloom. Until th' eternal morning wake The slumbers of the tomb. 6 O may the grave become to me The bed of peaceful rest, 374 A FUTURE STATE. 465, 466 Whence I shall gladly rise at length, And mingle with the blest. 6 Cheer'd by this hope, with patient mind I'll wait heav'n's high decree, Till the appointed period come When death shall set me free. 465 C. M. Watts. Triumph over Death. 1 Great God, I own thy sentence just, And nature must decay ; I yield my body to the dust, To dwell with fellow-clay. 2 Yet faith may triumph o'er the grave, And trample on the tombs, Since God, my Father, ever lives, And my Redeemer comes. 3 The mighty conqu'ror shall appear High on a royal seat, And death, the last of all his foes, Lie vanquish'd at his feet. 466 C. M. Mrs. Steele. Victory over Death through Christ. 1 When death appears before my sio-ht In all his dire array, " Unequal to the dreadful fight. My courage dies away. 2 How shall I meet this potent foe, Whose frown my soul alarms ? 375 467 LIFE DEATH, AND Dark horror sits upon his brow, And vict'ry waits his arms. 3 But see, my glorious leader nigh, Jesus my Saviour lives ; Before him death's pale terrors fly. And my faint heart revives. 4 O God, be thou my sure defence, My guard for ever near. And faith shall triumph over sense, And never yield to fear. 6 O may I meet the dreadful hbiu' With fortitude divine ; Sustain'd by thy almighty pow'r. The conquest must be mine. 407 L. M. Watts. A Happy Resurrection. 1 No, I'll repine at death no more, But calm and cheerful will resign To the cold dungeon of the grave These dying, with'ring limbs of mine. 2 Let worms devour my wasting flesh And crumble all my bones to dust ; My God shall raise my frame anew At the revival of the just. 3 Break, sacred morning, through the skies, And usher in that glorious day ; Come quickly, Lord, cut short the hours ; Thy ling'ring wheels, how long they stay ! 376 A FUTURE STATE. 468, 469 4 O haste upon the wings of love, Rouse all the pious sleeping clay, That we may join in heav'nly joys And sing the glories of the day. 468 L. M. Merrick. God the Supreme Judge. 1 O TELL to all whom earth sustains, O tell them that Jehovah reigns. That all who issue from its womb Shall hear from him th' unerring doom. 2 Exult, ye heav'ns, exult, O earth, And, partner in the sacred mirth, Let ocean in its fulness rise And thunder to the distant skies. 3 Rich in his gifts, ye fields, rejoice, Whde in his praise the woods their voice Exalt and hail with lowly nod The presence of th' approaching God. 4 He comes in awful pomp array'd. He comes to judge the world he made • Truth shall with him the cause decide And equity his sentence guide. 469 C. M. DODDRIDOE. Death and Judgment. 1 Heav'n has confirm'd the great decree, 1 hat Adam's race must die ; 2 G* 377 470 LIFE, DEATH, AND One gen'ral ruin sweeps them down, And low in dust they lie. 2 Ye living men, the tomb survey. Where you must quickly dwell ; Hark how the awful summons sounds In ev'ry fun'ral knell. 3 Once you must die, and once for all ; The solemn purport weigh ; For know that heav'n and hell are hung On that important day. 4 Those eyes so long in darkness veil'd Must wake the judge to see. And ev'ry word and ev'ry thought Must pass his scrutiny. 5 O may I in the judge behold My Saviour and my friend, And far beyond the reach of death With all his saints ascend. 4|^iyQ L. M. Merrick. The Just Judgment of God. 1 The Lord, th' Almighty Monarch, spake, And bade the earth the summons take ; Far as his eye the realms survey Of rising and declining day. 2 Reveal'd from Zion's sacred bound. The seat with matchless beauty crown'd, Our God his course shall downward bend. Nor silent to his work descend. 378 A FUTURE STATE. 471 3 Heav'n from above shall hear his call, And thou, the vast terrestrial ball, While man's whole race their judge shall meet In countless throngs before his seat. 4 Th' applauding heav'ns the changeless doom. While God the balance shall assume, In full memorial shall record, And own the justice of their Lord. 471 p. M. Watts. The same subject. ^ J"n ^?^ °^ ^^^^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ summons forth, Calls the south nations and awakes the north ; From east to west his sov'reio-n orders spread, ^ Through distant worlds and regions of the dead. The trumpet sounds, hell trembles, heav'n rejoices ; Lift up your heads, ye saints, with cheerful voices. 2 No more shall atheists mock his lono- delay His vengeance sleeps no more ; behold the day, Behold the Judge descends, his guards are nigh; Tempest and fire attend him down the sky. 379 472 LIFE, DEATH, AND When God appears all nature shall adore him, While sinners tremble, saints rejoice before him. 3 Sinners, awake betimes, ye fools, be wise. Awake before this dreadful morning rise ; Change your vain thoughts, your crooked works amend, Fly to the Saviour, make the Judge your friend ; Then join the saints, wake ev'ry cheerful passion ; When Christ returns, he comes for your salvation. 472 ^- M- Watts, Hypocrisy Detected and Exposed. 1 The Lord, the Judge, his churches warns, Let hypocrites attend and fear. Who place their hopes in rites and forms, But make not faith and love their care. 2 They dare rehearse his awful name With lips of falsehood and deceit ; A friend or brother they defame, And soothe and flatter those they hate. 3 They watch to do their neighbors wrong, Yet dare to seek their Maker's face; They take his cov'nant on their tongue, But break his laws, abuse his grace. 380 A FUTURE STATE. 473 4 And while his jtidgments long delay, They grow secure and sin the more ; N They think he sleeps as well as they, And put far off the evil hour. 5 O dreadful hour, when God draws near And sets their crimes before their eyes ; Anguish their guilty souls shall tear, And no deliv'rer dare to rise. ^iy*5 P. M. Doddridge. The Transitory Nature of the World. Spring up, my soul, with ardent flight. Nor let this earth delude thy sight With glitt'ring trifles, gay and vain ; Wisdom divine directs thy view To objects ever grand and new, And faith displays the shining train. Be dead, my hopes, to all below, Nor let unbounded torrents flow^ When mourning o'er my wither'd joys So this deceitful world is known ; Possess'd I call it not mine own, Nor glory in its painted toys. The empty pageant rolls along. The giddy, inexperienced throng Pursue it wdth enchanted eyes ; It passeth in swift march away ; Still more and more its charms decay, Till the last gaudy color dies. 381 474, 475 LIFE, DEATH, AND 4 My God, to thee my soul shall turn, For thee my noblest passions burn. And drink in bliss from thee alone ; I fix on that unchanging home Where never-fading pleasures bloom. Fresh-springing round thy radiant throne. 474 C. M. Watts. The End of the World. 1 Why should this earth delight us so ? Why should we fix our eyes On these low grounds where sorrows grow And ev'ry pleasure dies ? 2 While time his sharpest teeth prepares Our comforts to devour. There is a land above the stars, And joys above his pow'r. 3 Nature shall be dissolved and die, The sun must end his race. The earth and sea for ever fly Before my Maker's face. 4 When will that glorious morning rise, When the last trumpet's sound Shall call the nations to the skies From underneath the ground ? 475 L. M. Watts. The Hope of the Christian. 1 What sinners value, I resign ; Lord, 'tis enough that thou art mine ; 382 A FUTURE STATE. 476 I shall behold thy blissful face, And stand complete in righteousness. 2 This life's a dream, an empty show. But the bright world to which I go Hath joys substantial and sincere ; When shall I wake and find me there ! 3 O glorious hour, O blest abode ; I shall be near, and like my God, And flesh and sin no more control The sacred pleasures of the soul. 4 My flesh shall slumber in the ground Till the last trumpet's joyful sound, Then burst the chains with glad surprise, And in my Saviour's image rise. 476 L. M. Browne. Seeking the Things Move. 1 To heav'n, my longing soul, aspire, And soar aloft with strong desire ; Here choose thy lot, here fix thy rest, And aim for ever to be blest. 2 Still keep yon blissful world in view, And close the glorious chase pursue ; The way leads up to rest above. Through paths of purity and love. 3 This track pursue with ardent zeal. Each lust subdue, each foe repel. Still stretch thy wings, and upward rise, Eternal glory is the prize. 383 477 LIFE, DEATH, AND ^^^ L. M. Mrs. Steele. The Christian's Inheritance. 1 Ye humble souls, complain no more, Let faith survey your future store ; How happy, how divinely blest, The sacred words of truth attest. 2 When conscious grief laments sincere, And pours the penitential tear, Hope points to your dejected eyes A bright reversion in the skies. 3 In vain the sons of wealth and pride Despise your lot, your hopes deride. In vain they boast their little stores. Trifles are theirs, a kingdom yours ; 4 A kingdom of immense delight. Where health and peace and joy unite. Where undeclining pleasures rise. And ev'ry wish hath full supplies ; 6 A kingdom which can ne'er decay. Though time sweep earthly thrones away The state which pow'r and truth sustain, Unmoved forever must remain. 6 Great God, to thee we breathe our pray'r ; If thou confirm our int'rest there, Enroll'd among thy happy poor. Our largest wishes ask no more. 384 A FUTURE STATE. 478, 479 478 C. M. Butcher. The same subject. 1 With transport, Lord, we view the page Where all thy mercies shine, And joy to tell the rising age What boundless grace is thine. 2 The world with all its shifting schemes, Time with its fleeting hours, Life with its gay and flatt'ring dreams, Its hopes and fears, is ours. 3 Death also at our Father's word Lays all his terrors by, Gently divides the " silver cord," And calls us to the sky. 4 Fain would our hearts a tribute bring Before our Father's throne, A tribute worthy of our Kino-, Whose mercies are unknown. 479 C. M. Watts. Hope of Heaven from the Resurrection of Christ. 1 Blest be the everlasting God, The Father of our Lord ; Be his abounding mercy praised, His majesty adored. 2 When from the dead he raised his Son And called him to the sky, 2H 385 480 LIFE, DEATH, AND He gave our souls a lively hope That they should never die. 3 What though the frame of man requires That he should see the dust, Since Christ our pledge and pattern rose, So all his followers must. 4 There's an inheritance divine Reserved against that day ; 'Tis uncorrupted, undefiled, And cannot fade away. 5 They by the pow'r of God are kept Till this salvation come ; They walk by faith as strangers here Till he shall call them home. 4^0 L. M. BOWDEN. The Happiness of Heaven. 1 From this world's joys and" senseless mirth O come, my soul, in haste retire, Assume the grandeur of thy birth, And to thy native heav'n aspire. 2 Here's nought below deserves delay. Nought that can bribe thy swift remove, No solid ground thy hopes to stay, Nor w^orthy object of thy love. 3 'Tis heav'n alone can make thee blest. Can ev'ry wish and want supply ; 386 A FUTURE STATE. 481 Thy joy, thy crown, thy endless rest, Are all above the lofty sky. 4 There dwells the sov'reign Lord of all, The God that all the worlds adore. With whom is bliss that cannot pall And joys that last for evermore. J.§J C. M. Mrs. Steele. The same subject. 1 Far from these narrow scenes of night Unbounded glories rise, And realms of infinite delight Unknown to mortal eyes. 2 Fair distant land, could mortal eyes But half its charms explore. How would our spirits long to rise And dwell on earth no more ! 3 There pain and sickness never come. There grief no more complains, Health triumphs in immortal bloom, And purest pleasure reigns. 4 No malice, strife or envy there The sons of peace molest. But harmony and love sincere Fill ev'ry happy breast. 5 No cloud those blissful regions know, For ever bright and fair, For sin, the source of mortal woe, Can never enter there. 387 482 LIFE, DEATH, AND G There no alternate night is known, Nor sun's faint sickly ray, But glory from th' eternal throne Spreads everlasting day. 7 O may this heav'nly prospect fire Our hearts with ardent love ; May lively faith and strong desire Bear ev'ry thought above. 4S2 C. M. Watts. A Prospect of Heaven. 1 There is a land of pure delight Where saints immortal reign ; Infinite day excludes the night, And pleasures banish pain. 2 There everlasting spring abides, And never- with'ring llow'rs ; Death like a narrow sea divides This heav'nly land from ours. 8 Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood Stand dress'd in living green ; So to the Jews old Canaan stood While Jordan roll'd between. 4 But tim'rous mortals start and shrink To cross this narrow sea, And linger shiv'rinor on the brink, And fear to launch away : 5 O could we make our doubts remove, Those gloomy doubts that rise, 388 A FUTURE STATE. 483 And view the Canaan that we love With nnbeclouded eyes ; 6 Could we but climb where Moses stood, And view the prospect o'er, Not Jordan's streams nor death's cold flood Should fright us from the shore. J.§3 p. M. Rippon's Col. The same subject. 1 On wings of faith mount up, my soul, and rise. View thine inheritance beyond the skies ; Nor heart can think nor mortal tongue can tell What endless pleasures in those mansions dwell : Here our Redeemer lives all bright and glorious, O'er sin and death and hell he reigns victorious. 2 No gnawing grief, no sad, heart-rending pain In that blest country can admission gain, No sorrow there, no soul-tormenting fear, For God's own hand shall wipe the falling tearr Here our Redeemer lives, &c. 3 Before the throne a crystal river glides. Immortal verdure decks its cheerful sides ; 2 H* 389 484 LIFE, DEATH, AND Here the fair tree of life majestic rears Its blooming head and sov'reign virtue bears. 4.§4. C. M. Mrs. Steele. Hojie of Immortality. 1 Those happy realms of joy and peace Fain would my heart explore, Where grief and pain for ever cease, And I shall sin no more. 2 No darkness there shall cloud the eyes, No languor seize the frame. But ever active vigor rise To feed the vital flame. 3 But ah, a dreary vale between Extends its awful gloom ; Fear spreads, to hide the distant scene, The horrors of the tomb. 4 0 for the eye of faith divine To pierce beyond the grave, To see that friend and call him mine Whose arm is strong to save. 5 Here fix, my soul, for life is here ; Light breaks amid the gloom ; Trust in Jehovah's love, nor fear The horrors of the tomb. 390 A FUTURE STATE. 485, 486 48^ L. M. Mrs. Steele. Longing for Immortality. 1 Imperfect creatures of a day, With sins and griefs and pains oppress'd, We sigh the ling'ring hours away, And wish and long to be released. 2 Nor is it liberty alone That prompts our restless, ardent sighs, For immortality we groan, For robes and mansions in the skies : 3 Eternal mansions, bright array, O blest exchange, transporting thought, Free from th' approaches of decay, Or the least shadow of a spot. 4 There shall mortality no more Its wide-extended empire boast, Forgotten all its dreadful pow'r. In life's unbounded ocean lost. 4:8G ^' M. Doddridge. God the Everlasting Light of Good Men. 1 Ye golden lamps of heaven, farewell, With all your feeble light ; Farewell, thou ever-changing moon, Pale empress of the night : 2 And thou, refulgent orb of day. In brighter flames array'd. My soul, which springs beyond thy sphere, No more demands thine aid. 391 487 LIFE, DEATH, AND 3 Ye stars are but the shining dust Of my divine abode. The pavement of those heav'nly courts Where I shall reign with God. 4 The Father of eternal light Shall there his beams display, Nor shall one moment's darkness mix With that unvaried day. 5 No more the drops of piercing grief Shall swell into mine eyes, Nor the meridian sun decline Amidst those brighter skies. G There all the millions of the good Shall in one song unite, And each the bliss of all shall share With infinite delight. 487 C. M. Watts. The Communion of Saints. 1 Not to the terrors of the Lord, The tempest, fire and smoke. Not to the thunder of that word Which God on Sinai spoke, 2 But we are come to Zion's hill, The city of our God, Where milder words declare his will And spread his love abroad. 3 Behold th' innumerable host Of angels cloth'd in light ; 392 A FUTURE STATE. 488 Behold the spirits of the just Whose faith is turn'cl to sio^ht. ■•& 4 Behold the hless'd assembly there Whose names are writ in heav'n ; And God, the Judge of all, declares Their num'rous sins forgiv'n. 5 The just on earth and all the dead But one communion make ; All join in Christ, their living head, And heav'nly joys partake. ^gC L. M. Butcher. The Final Congregation of Good Characters. 1 From north and south, from east and west, Advance the myriads of the blest ; From ev'ry clime of earth they come, And find in heav'n a common home. 2 In one immortal throng we view Pagan and Christian, Greek and Jew ; But all their doubts and darkness o'er, One only God they now adore. 3 Howe'er divided here below, One bliss, one spirit now they know ; Though some ne'er heard of Jesus' name, Yet God admits their honest claim. 4 On earth accordingr to their lis^ht They aim'd to practise what was right ; Hence all their errors are forgiven. And Jesus welcomes them to heav'n. 393 488 LIFE, DEATH, ETC. 5 See liow along tli' immortal meads His glorious host the Saviour leads, And brings the myriads none can count To seats of joy on Zion's mount. PART XV. PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. ^g0 L. M. DODBRIDGE. On Opening a New Place of Worship. 1 And will the Great Eternal God On earth establish his abode, And will he from his radiant throne Regard our temples as his own ? 2 We bring the tribute of our praise, And sinor that condescendins^ grace Which to our notes will lend an ear And call us sinful mortals near. 3 Our Father's watchful care we bless, Which guards our house of pray'r in peace. That no tumultuous foes invade To fill the worshippers with dread. 4 These walls we to thy honor raise ; Long may they echo with thy praise, And thou descending fill the place With choicest tokens of thy grace. 5 And in the great decisive day When God the nations shall survey, May it before the world appear That crowds were born to glory here. 395 490 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. ^^Q C. M. Original. The same subject. 1 Greatest of beings, Source of good, We bow before thy throne, Which from eternity hath stood. And worship Thee alone. 2 No bounds thy high perfections know, But fill creation wide ; And wilt thou visit men below ? Wilt thou on earth abide ? 3 Wilt thou vouchsafe thy presence here, And shed propitious rays, While with united hands we rear An altar to thy praise ? 4 Here then in ev'ry heart be found The dwelling of thy choice, And here be heard that sweetest sound, The cheerful, thankful voice. 5 While life eternal all pursue. Here may the way be shown. To know thyself, God only true, And Christ thy chosen Son. 6 Here may the mind, while sunk in woes, And comfort long delays, On mercy's gentle breast repose, And change its sighs for praise. 7 May love with sweet resistless force Compel her guests to come, 396 BAPTISMAL HYMN. 491 Arrest the sinner's downward course, And call the wand'rer home. Here be the solemn witness giv'n, Hence be it spread abroad ; "There's none like thee in earth or heav'n, The Lord alone is God." 491 C. M. Salisbury Col. Ji Baptismal Hymn. 1 "I COME," the great Redeemer cries, "To do thy will, O Lord;" At Jordan's flood, behold, he seals The sure prophetic w^ord. 2 "Thus it becomes us to fulfil All righteousness," he said; He spake obedient, and beneath The yielding wave was laid. 3 Hark, a glad voice, the Father speaks From heav'n's exalted height, "This is my Son, my well-beloved, My joy, my chief delight." 4 Jesus, the Saviour, well beloved. His name we will profess. Like him desirous to fulfil Each law of righteousness. 2 1 397 492 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. 5 No more we'll count ourselves our own, But his in bonds of love ; O may such bonds for ever draw Our souls to thinos above. For the Lord's Supper. 492 L. M. Watts. Institution of the Lord's Supper. 1 'TwAS on that dreadful, doleful night. When the whole pow'r of darkness rose Against the Son of God's delight. And friends betray'd him to his foes, 2 Before the mournful scene began, He took the bread, and bless'd, and brake ; What love through all his actions ran ! What wondrous words of grace he spake ! 3 "This is my body, broke for sin; Receive, and eat the living food :" Then took the cup, and bless'd the wine, "'Tis the new cov'nant in my blood." 4 "Meet at my table, and record The love of your departed Lord ; Do this," he cried, "till time shall end, In mem'ry of your dying friend." 398 THE lord's supper. 493, 494 ^^g L. M. Enfield's Col. Celebration of the LoriVs Suj)per. 1 This feast was Jesus' high behest, This cup of thanks his last request ; Ye who can feel his worth, attend, Eat, drink, in mem'ry of your friend. 2 Around the patriot's bast ye throng, Him ye exalt in swelling song, For him the wreath of glory bind AVho freed from vassalage his kind. 3 And shall not he your praises reap Who rescues from the iron sleep, The great deliverer whose breath Unbinds the captives ev'n of death ? 4 Shall he who fellow-men to save Became a tenant of the grave, Unthank'd, uncelebrated rise. Pass unremember'd to the skies ? 5 Christians, unite with loud acclaim To hymn the Saviour's welcome name, On earth extol his wondrous love, Repeat his praise in worlds above. ^0^ L. M. Doddridge. Invitation to the LonVs Supper. 1 My God, and is this table spread, And does this cup with love o'erflow ? 399 495 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. Thither be all thy children led, And let them all its sweetness know. 2 O let this table honor'd be, And furnish'd well with joyful guests, And may each soul salvation see That here its sacred pledges tastes. *3 Let crowds approach with hearts prepared, With warm desire let all attend. Nor when we leave our Master's board The pleasure or the profit end. 4 Revive thy dying churches. Lord, And bid our drooping graces live. And more that energy afford A Saviour's death alone can give. 495 S. M. Watts. 77*6 Communion. 1 Jesus invites his friends To meet around his board, Here may his people sit and hold Communion with their Lord. 2 Here we show forth his love, Which spake in ev'ry breath. Prompted each action of his life And triumph'd in his death. 3 Our heav'nly Father calls Christ and his members one; We are the children of his love. And he the first-born Son. 400 THE lord's supper. 496 On^ faith, one hope, one Lord, One God alone we know; Brethren we are, let ev'ry heart With kind affections glow. Let all our pow'rs be join'd Our Father's name to raise. Let gratitude fill ev'ry mind And ev'ry voice be praise. 4^0^ L. M. Watts. For the Lord's Supper. How rich are thy provisions. Lord, Thy table furnish'd from above ! The fruits of life o'erspread the board. The cup o'erflows with heav'nly love. Thine ancient family, the Jews, Were first invited to the feast ; We humbly take what they refuse, And Gentiles thy salvation taste. 3 Let the vain world pronounce it shame, And fling tiieir scandals on thy cause, We come to boast our Saviour's name. And make our triumphs in his cross. 4 With joy we tell tiie scoffing age, He that was dead has left his tomb, He. lives above their utmost rage, And we are waiting till he come. 5 While he is absent from our sio^ht, Tis to prepare for us a place, 2 I* 401 o 497 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. That we may dwell in heav'nly liglit, And live for ever near his face. J^Oiy C. M. Birmingham Col. Brotherly Kindness in Imitation of Christ, 1 Ye foll'wers of the Prince of Peace, Who round his table draw, Remember what his spirit was, What his peculiar law. 2 The love which all his bosom fill'd Did all his actions guide ; Inspired by love, he lived and taught, Inspired by love, he died. 3 And do you love him, do you feel Your warm affections move ? This is the proof which he demands, That you each other love. 4 Let each the sacred law fulfil. Like his be ev'ry mind, Be ev'ry temper form'd by love, And ev'ry action kind. 5 Let none who call themselves his friends, Disgrace the honor'd name, But by a near resemblance prove The title which they claim. 402 THE lord's supper. 498, 499 ^^§ L. M. Doddridge. The Christian's Secret Feast. 1 We praise the Lord for heav'nly bread, With which his favor'd sons are fed ; We praise thee for that heav'nly feast, Which Jesus with delight could taste. 2 He while he sojourn'd here below Had meat which strangers could not know; That meat he to his people gives, And he that tastes the banquet lives. 3 So let us live sustain'd by grace, Regaled with fruits of righteousness ; Enter our hearts, all-gracious Lord, And sup with us, and deck the board. 4 Devotion, faith and zealous love, And hope that bears the soul above, Be these our dainties, till we rise And taste the joys of paradise. ^00 C. M. Watts. Conclusion of the Lord's Supper. 1 Pity the nations, O our God, Constrain the earth to come ; Send thy victorious word abroad And bring the strangers home. 2 We long to see thy churches full, That all thy chosen race May with one voice and heart and soul Sing thy redeeming grace. 403 500, 501 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. For Charitable Occasions. 500 ^- M- Watts. Comjmssion to the Afflicted. 1 Blest is the man whose heart is kind And melts with pity to the poor, Who with a sympathizing mind Feels what his fellow-men endure. 2 His heart contrives for their relief More good than his own hand can do ; He in the time of gen'ral grief Shall find the Lord hath pity too. 3 This man shall live secure on earth. With secret blessings on his head, Though sword or pestilence or dearth Around him multiply their dead. 4 Or if with mortal suff 'rings tried, Suff'rings shall all his sonl refine, Sweet hope his refuge shall provide And minister a bliss divine. 501 L- M. Watts. The, Blessings of the Pious and Charitable. Thrice happy man who fears the Lord, Loves his commands and trusts his word ; Honor and peace his days attend, And blessings to his seed descend. 404 CHARITABLE OCCASIONS. 502 2 Compassion dwells "apon his mind, To works of mercy still inclined ; He lends the poor some present aid, Or gives them, not to be repaid. 3 When times grow dark and tidings spread That fill his neighbors round with dread. His heart is arm'd against the fear. For God with all his pow'r is there. 4 His sonl, well fix'd upon the Lord, Draws heav'nly courage from his word ; Amidst the darkness light shall rise To cheer his heart and bless his eyes. 5 He hath dispersed his alms abroad ; His works are still before his God ; His name on earth shall long remain, Nor shall his future hopes be vain. 502 p. M. Watts. llie same subject. 1 That man is blest who stands in awe Of God, and loves his sacred law ; His seed on earth shall be renown'd ; His house the seat of wealth shall be, An inexhausted treasury. And with successive honors crown'd. 2 His lib'ral favors he extends, To some he gives, to others lends ; A gen'rous pity fills his mind ; 405 503 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. Yet what his charity impairs He saves by prudence in affairs, And thus he's just to all mankind. 3 His hands, while they his alms bestow'd, His glory's future harvest sow'd ; The sweet remembrance of the just Like a green root revives and bears A train of blessings for his heirs When dying nature sleeps in dust. 4 Beset with threat'ning danorers round, Unmoved shall he maintain his ground ; His conscience bears his courage up ; The soul that's fill'd with virtue's light Shines brightest in affliction's night, And sees in darkness beams of hope. ^^1^ C. M. Kidderminster Col. The Love of Jesus. 1 See the kind shepherd, Jesus, stands And calls his sheep by name, Gathers the feeble in his arms, And feeds the tender lamb. 2 He'll lead us to the heav'nly streams Where living waters flow, And guide us to the fruitful fields Where trees of knowledge grow. 3 When wand'ring from the fold we leave The straight and narrow way, Our faithful shepherd still is near To guide us when we stray. 406 CHARITABLE OCCASIONS. 504 The feeblest lamb amidst the flock Shall be its shepherd's care ; While folded in our Saviour's arms We're safe from ev'ry snare. ^Q^ P. M. Broadmead Col. • Another. Glory to our heav'nly King ! Bounteous Parent, thee we sins' Gratitude the strain inspires, Humble hopes, sincere desires. o > Thee we sing, with loud acclaim Praising thy all-glorious name. God of glory, God of love, Lord of all the worlds above. Thee we bless for daily food. Thee we bless for ev'ry good. Thee we sing, &c. More than all, we praise thee, Lord, For the blessings of thy word, For the tidings Jesus brous^ht, For the precepts Jesus taught. Thee we sing, &c. Gracious Father, heav'nly King, Feeble lips presume to sing; Infant voices humbly raise Grateful, fervent songs of praise. Thee we sing, &c. 407 505 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. For the New Year. ^Q^ P. M. DODDRIDGK. For New Yearns Day. 1 House of our God, with cheerful anthems ring, While all our lips and hearts his graces sing ; The op'ning year his bounties shall pro- claim, And all its days be vocal with his name. The Lord is good, his mercy never-ending. His blessings in perpetual show'rs descending. 2 Thou earth, enlighten'd by his rays divine, Preo-nant with g-rass and corn and oil and wine, Crown'd with his goodness, let thy nations meet And lay their crowns at his paternal feet ; With grateful love that lib'ral hand confessing Which thro' each heart diffuseth ev'ry blessing. 3 His mercy never ends; the dawn, the shade. Still see new beauties through new scenes display'd ; Succeeding ages bless this sure abode. And children lean upon their fathers' God. 408 THE NEW YEAR. 506 The soul of man through its immense duration Drinks from this source immortal consolation. 4 Burst into praise, my soul ! All Nature, join, Angels and men, in harmony combine, ■ While human years are measur'd by the sun. And while eternity its course shall run. His goodness in perpetual show'rs descending, Exalt in songs and raptures never-ending. ^0^ L. M. Doddridge. The Possibilily of Dying this Year. 1 God of our lives, thy constant care With blessings crowns each op'ning year ; These lives so frail dost thou prolong. And wake anew our annual sono-. 2 How many precious souls are fled To the dark regions of the dead Since from this day the changing sun Through his last yearly course has run ! 3 We yet survive, but who can say Or through the year or month or day I shall retain my vital breath, Thus far at least in leao^ue with death ? 4 That breath is thine. Eternal God, Thine to determine our abode ; We hold our lives from thee alone, On earth or in the world unknown. 5 To thee we all our pow'rs resign ; Make us and own us still as thine ; 2 K 409 607 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. Then shall we smile, secure from fear, Though death should blast the rising year. 6 Thy children, eager to be gone, Bid time's impetuous tide roll on, And land them on that blooming shore Where years and death are known no more. ^Qi^ L. M. John Taylor. . Sun, stand thou still ! 1 When Isr'el's tribes on Gibeon pour'd, The son of Nun unsheath'd his sword. He bade the sun retard his way And lengthen the victorious day. 2 But when tumultuous passions rise, And fame or pleasure lures our eyes, Or bent on virtue's path sublime. We chide the swift-wing'd foot of time : 3 In vain we war with nature's force. Time's rapid car pursues its course ; Nor virtue's nor ambition's pow'r Can stop the swiftly-moving hour. 4 The gay and great, the good and just Alike are journeying to the dust ; Then haste, the race of virtue run. Nor blame the quick revolving sun. 5 Bright orb, roll on o'er heav'n's wide face ; Why should our wishes check thy pace ? Why should we grudge the passing hour, Which bears us to the friendly shore ? 410 THE NEW YEAR. 50S Days, months and years, your rounds fulfil, Witness our virtuous efforts still ; Nor let one vagrant day pass by Unbless'd by reason's victory. 508 L- M- John Taylor. The Shortness of Life, 1 Like shadows gliding o'er the plain, Or clouds that roll successive on, Man's busy generations pass, And while w^e gaze their forms are gone. 2 Vain was the boast of lengthen'd years. The patriarch's full maturity ; 'Twas but a larger drop to swell The ocean of eternity. 3 "He lived, he died;" behold the sum. The abstract of th' historian's page; Alike in God's all-seeing eye. The infant's day, the patriarch's age. 4 0 Father, in whose mighty hand The boundless years and ages lie, Teach us thy boon of life to prize. And use the moments as they fly ; 5 To crowd the narrow span of life With wise designs and virtuous deeds : So shall we wake from death's dark night To share the glory that succeeds. 411 509, 510 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. ^09 ^- M- Doddridge. God our Helper. 1 My Helper God, I bless his name ; The same his pow'r, his grace the same ; The tokens of his friendly care Open and crown and close the year. 2 I 'midst ten thousand dangers stand Supported by his guardian hand, And see when I survey my ways Ten thousand monuments of praise. 3 Thus far his arm hath led me on, Thus far I make his mercy known ; And wiiile I tread this desert land New blessings shall new songs demand. 4 My grateful soul on Jordan's shore Shall raise one sacred pillar more. And bear in his bright courts above Inscriptions of immortal love. ^J^Q L. M. Doddridge. Helj) obtained of God. 1 Great God, we sing that mighty hand By which supported, still we stand ; The op'ning year thy mercy shows, Tliat mercy crowns it till it close. 2 By day, by night, at home, abroad, Still we are guarded by our God, 412 THE NEW YEAR. 511 By liis incessant bounty fed, By his unerring counsel led. 3 With grateful hearts the past we own ; The future, all to us unknown, We to thy guardian care commit, And peaceful leave before thy feet. 4 In scenes exalted or depress'd Thou art our joy and thou our rest ; Thy goodness all our hopes shall raise. Adored through all our changing days. 5 Though death shall interrupt these songs And seal in silence mortal tongues, Our helper God, in whom we trust, We'll throujrh eternal asfes boast. 511 C. M. Doddridge. Reflections on our Waste of Years. 1 Remark, my soul, the narrow bounds Of the revolving year ; How swift the weeks complete their rounds. How short the months appear ! 2 So fast eternity comes on. And that important day When all that mortal life has done God's judgment shall survey. 3 Yet like an idle tale we pass The swift advancing year, 2 K* 413 512 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. And study artful ways t' increase The speed of its career. 4 Waken, O God, my trifling heart Its great concern to see ; That I may act the christian part, And give the year to thee. 5 Thus shall their course more grateful prove If future years arise, And bear me swift as time can move To joy that never dies. Funeral Occasions. 512 CM. Watts. A Funeral Thought. 1 Hark, from the tombs an awful sound ; My ears attend the cry ; " Ye living men, come view the ground Where you must shortly lie. 2 " Princes, this clay must be your bed, In spite of all your towers ; The tall, the wise, the rev'rend head Must lie as low as ours." 3 Great God, is this our certain doom, And are Ave still secure ? Still walking downward to the tomb, And yet prepare no more ? 414 FUNERAL HYMNS. 513 Grant us the pow'r of quick'ning grace, To raise our thoughts on high, That we may end this mortal race, And see salvation nigh. 513 C. M. Watts. Meditation on Death, 1 My thoughts, that oft ascend the skies. Come, search the dust beneath, Where nature all in ruin lies And owns the pow'r of death. 2 See how the tyrant triumphs here. His trophies scatter'd round ; What heaps of mould'ring bones appear Through all the hollow ground ! 3 Soon must we leave the banks of life, And try death's doubtful sea ; Vain are our groans, and vain the strife To gain a moment's stay. 4 Soon shall some friend let fall the tear O'er our cold limbs, and say, " Once they were strong as mine appear, And mine must be as they." 5 Thus shall our lifeless members teach What now our senses learn. For dust and ashes loudly preach Man's first and great concern. 415 514, 515 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. 5J4 C. M. Watts. Death of Kindred Improved. 1 Must friends and kindred droop and die, And helpers be withdrawn, While sorrow with a weeping eye Counts lip our comforts gone ? 2 Be thou our comfort, mighty God, Our helper and our friend ; Nor leave us in this dang'rous road, Till all our trials end. 3 0 may our feet pursue the way Our pious fathers led ; While love and holy zeal obey The counsels of the dead. 4 Let us be wean'd from earthly joys. Let hope our grief dispel ; The dead in Jesus shall arise In endless bliss to dwell. ^\^ L. M. Mrs. Steele. On the Death of a Parent. 1 Though nature's voice you must obey, Think, while your swelling griefs o'erfiow, That hand which takes your joys away, That sov'reign hand can heal your woe. 2 And while your mournful thoughts deplore The parent gone, removed the friend, With heart resign'd. His grace adore On whom your nobler hopes depend. 416 FUNERAL HYMNS. 616 3 Does he not bid his children come Through death's dark shades to realms of light? Yet when he calls them to their home, Shall fond survivors mourn their flio-ht 1 4 His word — here let your soul rely — Immortal consolation gives ; Your heav'nly Father cannot die, Th' eternal Friend for ever lives. 5 O be that best of friends your trust, On his almighty arm recline ; He, when your comforts sink in dust, Can give you blessings more divine. 516 C. M. Mrs. Steele. On the Death of a Young Person. 1 When blooming youth is snatch'd away By death's resistless hand, Our hearts the mournful tribute pay Which pity must demand. 2 While pity prompts the rising sigh, O may this truth, imprest W^ith awful pow'r — I too must die — Sink deep in ev'ry breast. 3 Let this vain world delude no more ; Behold the gaping tomb ; It bids us seize the present hour. To-morrow death may come. 417 517 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. 4 The voice of this alarmino- scene May ev'ry heart obey ; Nor be the heav'nly warning vain Which bids ns watch and pray. C. M. Mrs. Steele. On the Death of a Child. 1 Life is a span, a fleeting hour; How soon the vapour flies ! Man is a tender transient flow'r, That ev'n in blooming dies. 2 Death spreads like winter's frozen arms, And beanty smiles no more ; Ah where are now those rising' charms Which pleased our eyes before ? 3 The once loved form now cold and dead, Each mournful thought employs, And nature weeps her comforts fled, And wither'd all her joys. 4 But wait the interposing gloom, And lo, stern winter flies ; And drest in beauty's fairest bloom The flow'ry tribes arise. 5 Hope looks beyond the bounds of time, When what we now deplore Shall rise in full immortal prime, And bloom to fade no more. 6 Then cease, fond nature, cease thy tears ; Religion points on high ; 418 FUNERAL HYMNS. 518 There everlasting spring- appears, And joys that cannot die. ^Ji^ C. M. Doddridge. Comfort for Parents on the Loss of Children. 1 Ye mournino; sonls, whose streamino: tears Flow o'er your children dead, Say not in transports of despair That all your hopes are fled. 2 While cleaving to that darlinfr dust In fond distress ye lie, Rise, and with joy and rev'rence view A heav'nly Parent nigh. 3 Though, your young branches torn away. Like wither 'd trunks ye stand, With fairer verdure siiall ye bloom, Touch'd by the Almighty's hand. 4 " I'll give the mourner," saith the Lord, " In my own house a place ; No names of daughters and of sons Could yield so high a grace. 5 " Transient and vain is ev'ry hope A rising race can give ; In endless honor and delight My children all shall live." 6 We welcome, Lord, those rising tears. Through Avhich thy face we see, And bless those wounds which through our hearts Prepare a way for thee. 419 519, 520 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. ^X9 ^' ^- ^R®' Steele. Hope in the Death of Friends. 1 While to the grave our friends our borne, Around their cold remains How all the tender passions mourn. And each fond heart complains ! 2 But down to eajth, alas, in vain We bend our weeping eyes ; Ah let us leave these seats of pain. And upwards learn to rise. 3 Hope cheerful smiles amid the gloom. And beams a healing ray, And guides us from the darksome tomb To realms of endless day. 4 To those bright courts when hope ascends, She calms the swelling woe ; In hope we meet our happy friends. And tears forget to flow. 5 Then let our hearts repine no more That earthly comfort dies ; But lasting happiness explore, And ask it from the skies. ^2I{) L. M. Sahsburv Col. A Funeral Hymn. 1 The God of love will sure indulge The flowing tear, the heaving sigh, When righteous persons fall around. When tender friends and kindred die. 420 FUNERAL HYMNS. 521 2 Yet not one anxious murm'ring thought Should with our mourning passions blend, Nor should our bleeding hearts forget Th' almighty ever-living Friend. 3 Parent, Protector, Guardian, Guide, Thou art each tender name in one ; On thee we cast our ev'ry care, And comfort seek from thee alone. 4 Our Father God, to thee we look. Our Rock, our Portion, and our Friend, And on thy gracious love and truth Our sinking souls shall still depend. 521 . C. M. Watts. The Funeral of a Christian. 1 Why do we mourn departing friends. Or shake at death's alarms ? 'Tis but the voice that Jesus sends To call them to his arms. 2 The graves of all his friends he bless'd. And soften'd ev'ry bed ; Where should the dying members rest But with their dying head ? 3 Thence he arose, ascending high, And show'd our feet the way ; Up to the Lord our flesh shall fly At the great rising day. 4 Then let the last loud trumpet sound And bid our kindred rise ; 2 L 421 522 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. Awake, ye nations under ground, Ye saints, ascend the skies. 522 ^- M- M^^- Steele. Christian Patience, Consolation and Hope. 1 Is there no kind, no lenient art To heal the anguish of the heart, To ease the heavy load of care Which nature must, but cannot bear ? 2 Can reason's dictates be obey'd ? Too weak, alas, her strongest aid ; O let religion then be nigh, Her comforts were not made to die. 3 Her pow'rful aid supports the soul. And nature owns her kind control ; While she unfolds the sacred page Our fiercest griefs resign their rage. 4 Then gentle patience smiles on pain, And dying hope revives again ; Hope wipes the tear from sorrow's eye. And faith points upward to the sky : 5 The promise guides her ardent flight, And joys unknown to sense invite Those blissful regions to explore Where pleasures bloom to fade no more. 422 FUNERAL HYMNS. 523 ^23 ^- M- Doddridge. For a Congregation on the Death of its Minister. 1 Let our dejected hearts revive, And all our tears be dry ; AVhy should those eyes be drov^n'd in tears Which view a Father nigh ? 2 Though earthly shepherds dwell in dust, The aged and the young, The watchful eye in darkness closed, And mute th' instructive tongue : 3 Th' Eternal Shepherd still survives. New comfort to impart ; His eye still guides us and his voice Still animates our heart. 4 To him when mortal comforts fail His suppliant people fly. And on his never-failing care With cheerful hope rely. 5 The pow'rs of nature. Lord, are thine, And thine the aids of grace ; Thine arm has borne thy churches up Through ev'ry rising race. 6 Exert thy sacred influence here. Thy mourning servants bless ; O change to strains of cheerful praise Their accents of distress. 423 524, 525 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. ^24: ^' ^' Doddridge. On occasion of a Conflagration. 1 Eternal God, our humbled, souls Before thy presence bow ; With all thy magazines of wrath, How terrible art thou ! 2 Fann'd by thy breath, whole sheets of flame Like a wild deluge pour, And all our confidence of wealth Lies moulder 'd in an hour. 3 Led on by thee in horrid pomp, Destruction rears its head, And blacken'd walls and smoking heaps Through all the streets are spread. 4 Lord, in the dust we lay us down, And mourn thy righteous ire ; Yet bless the hand of guardian love That snatch'd us from the fire. 5 O may we view with dauntless eyes The last tremendous day When earth and seas and stars and skies In flames shall melt away. ^2^ C. M. Mrs. Carter. In a Thunder- Storm. 1 Let coward guilt with pallid fear To shelf ring caverns fly, And justly dread the vengeful fate That thunders through the sky. 424 NATIONAL HYMNS. 526 2 Protected by that hand whose law The threat'ning storms obey, Intrepid virtue smiles secure As in the blaze of day. 3 In the thick cloud's tremendous gloom, The lightning's lurid glare, It views the same all-gracious Pow'r That breathes the vernal air. 4 Through nature's ever-varying scene, By difF'rent ways pursued, The one eternal end of Heav'n Is universal good. National Hymns. 526 P- M. Merrick. Prayer for National Blessings. 1 May God his fav'ring ear incline, And bid his face on Isr'el shine, That all thy counsels, Lord, may know, Where earth extends or oceans flow, And thankful to their wond'ring eyes Behold thy wish'd salvation rise.- To thee, of life th' eternal Spring, Invisible, all-potent King, One chorus let the nations raise, One shout of universal praise. 2 Ye distant realms, your voice employ In songs of gratitude and joy ; 2 L* 425 527 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. Exult, eacli tribe, exult, eacli land, Heav'n's mighty Lord with equal hand The balance holds, and earth's domain Shall own to latest time his reign. To thee, of life, &c. 3 So, warm'd by genial suns, the field With full increase its fruits shall yield, And God, thy God, O Isr'el, shed His choicest blessings on thy head ; God shall on us his blessings show'r, And man's whole race revere his pow"r. To thee, of life, &c. 52T ^- ^' Butcher, Divine Judgments Deprecated. 1 Who shall not tremble, mighty God, Before thine all-controlling rod. And own the potence of that sway Which speaks and sweeps whole worlds away ? 2 When daring sins provoke thine ire. Where shall the guilty tribes retire ? In vain through heav'n and earth they flee, For heav'n and earth are full of thee. 3 Lord, when to scourge a guilty race Thine awful wrath restrains thy grace, Let mercy like an ark defend The souls that to thy voice attend. 426 NATIONAL HYMNS. 528, 529 528 L. M. Watts. Safety in God. 1 Ye rigliteous, in your King rejoice, Though tyrants rage, and kingdoms rise ;■ He utters his ahnighty voice, The nations melt, the tumult dies. 2 From sea to sea, through all the shores. He makes the noise of battle cease ; When from on high his thunder roars. He awes the trembling world to peace. 3 He breaks the bow, he cuts the spear, Chariots he burns with heav'nly flame ; Keep silence, all the earth, and hear The sound and glory of his name. 4 Be still, and know that I am God ; I'll be exalted o'er the lands, I will be known and fear'd abroad, But still my throne in Zion stands. 529 C. M. Patrick. National TranqidlUty from God. 1 In vain opposing nations rage, If God with us abide ; One word of his dissolves their strength And humbles all their pride. 2 His wisdom sees correction meet, He gives the dread command, 427 530 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. And war its desolation spreads Throngh ev'ry trembling land. 3 His purpose wrought, again he speaks, And desolations cease ; War's loud alarms are heard no more, And all the world is peace. 4 Mortals, adore his sov'reign pow'r. Nor dare provoke his rod ; Through all your various tribes be still. And know that he is God. 53Q L. M. AiKiN. Hymn in Time of TVar. 1 While sounds of war are heard around. And death and ruin strew the ground To thee we look, on thee we call, The Parent and the Lord of all. 2 Thou who hast stamp 'd on human kind The image of a heav'n-born mind, And in a Father's wide embrace Hast cherish'd all the kindred race, 3 O see with what insatiate rage Thy sons their impious battles wage ; How spreads destruction like a flood. And brothers shed their brothers' blood ! 4 See guilty passions spring to birth. And deeds of hell deform the earth ; While righteousness and justice mourn. And love and pity droop forlorn. 428 NATIONAL HYMNS. 531 5 Great God, whose pow'rful hand can bind The raging waves, the furious wind, O bid the human tempests cease. And hush the madd'ning world to peace. 6 With rev'rence may each hostile land Hear and obey that high command. Thy Son's blest message from above, . " My creatures, live in mutual love !" ^3]^ L. M. Merrick. The same subject. 1 O COME, behold a scene of dread, Behold a world with slaugliter spread, And know 'tis God who bids each land Thus feel the terrors of his hand. 2 'Tis his again the earth to cheer, To break the bow, to snap the spear, To wrap in flames the glitt'ring car, And hush the tumult of the war. 3 Behold us. Lord, oppress'd with woe. As exiled from thy care we go ; Repulsed, dispersed, chastised by thee, Grant us again thy face to see. 4 O thou, the God whom we adore, Our breaches heal, our peace restore ; Our hope, on man reposed in vain, O let thy strength, great God, sustain. 5 The objects of thy tend'rest love O save, propitious from above ; 429 532 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. Let us with them thy mercy share, And hear, O hear, our ceaseless pray'r. 532 C. M. Tatk. National Deliverance. 1 Thy gracious favor, Lord, display, Which we have long implored ; And for thy Avondrous mercies' sake, Thy wonted aid afford. 2 God's answer patiently I'll wait. For he with glad success, If they no more to folly turn, His mourning saints will bless. 3 To all that fear his holy name His sure salvation's near, And in its former happy state Our nation shall appear. 4 For Mercy now with Truth is joinM And Righteousness with Peace, Like kind companions absent long With friendly arms embrace. 5 Truth from the earth shall spring, whilst heav'n Shall streams of justice pour, And God from whom all goodness flows Shall endless plenty show'r. 6 Before him Righteousness shall march. And his just paths prepare, Whilst we his holy steps pursue With constant zeal and care. 430 NATIONAL HYMNS. 533 533 C. M. Pitt. God Speaking Peace. 1 Still to tlie mighty Lord of hosts Securely we resort, For refuge fly to Jacob's God, Our succor and support. 2 Hither, ye num'rous nations, crowd, In silent rapture stand, And see o'er all the earth display 'd The wonders of his hand. 3 He bids the din of war be still. And all its tumults cease ; He bids the guiltless trumpets sound The harmony of peace. 4 He breaks the tough, reluctant bow. Asunder cuts the spear, And in the crackling fire his hand Consumes the blazing- car. 5 Hear then his formidable voice, "Be still, and know the Lord ; By all the heathen I'll be fear'd, By all the earth adored." 6 Still to the mighty Lord of hosts Securely we resort, For refuge fly to Jacob's God, Our succor and support. 431 534 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. 534 C. M. Jervis. The Providence of God in the Changes of the World. 1 God, to correct a guilty world, In wratli is slow to rise. But comes at length in thunder clothed, And darkness veils the skies. 2 His awful banners lifted high The nations' God declare, And stain'd with blood, with terrors marked. Spread wonder and despair. 3 All earthly glory, pomp and pride Are in his presence lost; Empires o'erturn'd, thrones, sceptres, crowns. In wild confusion tost. 4 While war and misery prevail, And desolation wide. In God, the sov'reign Lord of all. The righteous still confide. 5 Dark and mysterious is the course Of his tremendous way ; His path is in the trackless winds. And in the foamino- sea. o 6 Yet though enveloped in the cloud, And from our view conceal'd. The righteous Judge will soon appear In majesty reveal'd. 432 NATIONAL HYMNS. 535, 536 7 Then will he curb the lawless pow'r, The deadly wrath of man, And all the windings will unfold Of his own gracious plan. 8 Then all the sons of tyranny In ruin shall be hurl'd. And light and liberty and bliss Embrace the new-born world. ^^^ L- M. Doddridge. Thanksgiving for National Deliverance. 1 Praise to the Lord, who bows his ear Propitious to his people's pray'r, And though deliv'rance long delay, Answers in his well chosen day. 2 Our temples, guarded from the flame. Shall echo thy triumphant name. And ev'ry peaceful private home To thee a temple shall become. 3 Still be it our supreme delight To walk as in thy honor'd sight ; Still in thy precepts and thy fear Till life's last hour to persevere. ^30 ^- ^- ^^^* Steele. Praise for Peace. 1 Great Ruler of the earth and skies, A word of thine almighty breath 2M 433 537 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. Can sink the world or bid it rise ; Thy smile is life, thy frown is death. 2 When angry nations rush to arms, And rage and noise and tumult reign, And war resounds its dire alarms, And slaughter dyes the hostile plain, 3 Thy sov'reign eye looks calmly down, And marks their course and bounds their pow'r ; Thy law the angry nations own. And noise and war are heard no more. 4 Then peace returns with balmy wing. Sweet peace, with her what blessings fled ! Glad plenty laughs, the valleys sing, Reviving commerce lifts her head. 5 Thou good and wise and righteous Lord, All move subservient to thy will ; Both peace and war await thy word, And thy sublime decrees fulfil. 6 To thee we pay our grateful songs, Thy kind protection still implore ; O may our hearts and lives and tongues Confess thy goodness and adore. 5*}^ P. M. Doddridge. Tlianks giving for Peace. 1 Now let our songs address the God of peace, Who bids the tumult of the battle cease; 434 NATIONAL HYMNS. 538 The pointed spears to pruning hooks he bends, And the broad falchion in the ploughshare ends. His pow'rful word unites contending nations In kind embrace and friendly salutations. 2 While we beneath our vines and fig-trees sit, Or thus within thy sacred temple meet, Accept, great God, the tribute of our song, And all the mercies of this day prolong : Then spread thy peaceful word through ev'ry nation, That all the earth may hail thy great sah^ation. 538 P- M. Lewins Mead Col. Peace. 1 Peace, the welcome sound proclaim, Dwell with rapture on the theme ; Loud, still louder swell the strain, Peace on earth, good-will to men. 2 Breezes, whisp'ring soft and low, Gently murmur as ye blow, Now when war and discord cease, Praises to the God of peace. 3 Ocean's billows, far and wide Rolling in majestic pride. Loud, still louder, swell the strain, Peace on earth, good-will to men, 435 539, 540 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. 4 Vocal songsters of the grove, Sweetly chant in notes of love, Now when war and discord cease, Praises to the God of peace. 5 Mortals, who these blessings feel, Christians, who before him kneel, Loud, still louder, swell the strain, Peace on earth, good-will to men. Close of the Service. 539 P- M. After Sermon. 1 Thanks for mercies past receive, Pardon of our sins renew, Teach us henceforth how to live With eternity in view. 2 Bless thy word to old and young. Grant us, Lord, thy peace and love, And, e'er life's short race is run, Fit us for thy house above. 540 C- M- Deacon. Close of the Service. 1 0 FOR a plenitude of grace Descending from above, To animate the human race With peace and joy and love. 436 CLOSE OF SERVICE. 641, 542 Grant, heav'nly King, what we desire. And send the happy day When all shall after thee inquire And cheerfully obey. Then will the nations serve the Lord With purity and zeal, With candor hear his blessed word, With pleasure do his will. 5^1^ P. M. TOPLADY. The same subject. Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing, Fill our hearts with joy and peace. Let us each thy love possessing, Triumph in redeeming grace : O refresh us Trav'lling through this wilderness. Thanks we give and adoration For thy gospel's joyful sound ; May the fruits of thy salvation Li our hearts and lives abound : May thy presence With us evermore be found. 542 L. M. At the Close of the Evening Service. How blest is he whose tranquil mind When life declines recalls again The years that time has cast behind. And reaps delight in toil and pain. 2 M* 437 543, 544 • PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. 2 So when the transient storm is past, The sudden gloom and driving show'r, The sweetest sunshine is the last, The loveliest is the ev'ning hour. 543 c. M. The same subject. 1 Soon will our fleeting hours be past, And as the setting sun Now leaves the clouds in yonder west, i Our parting beams be gone. 2 May he from whom all blessings flow Our sacred rites attend, Unite our hearts in wisdom's ways Till life's short journey end, 3 And as the rapid sands run down, Our virtue still improve. Till each receives the glorious crown Of never-fading love. ^^^ L. M. Doddridge. TTie Christian Farewell. 1 Thy presence, everlasting God, Wide through all nature spreads abroad ; Thy watchful eyes, which never sleep, In ev'ry place thy children keep. 2 While near each other we remain Thou dost our lives and pow'rs sustain, When sep'rate we rejoice to share Thy counsels and thy gracious care. 438 CLOSE OF SERVICE. 544 3 To tliee we now commit our ways, And. still implore tliy heav'nly grace ; Still cause thy face on us to shine, And guard and guide us still as thine. 4 Give us in thy beloved house Again to pay our grateful voavs, Or if that joy no more be known. Give us to meet around thy throne. PART XVI. DOMESTIC AND PRIVATE WORSHIP. ^^^ L. M. Doddridge. Family Worship. 1 Father of men, thy care we bless Which crowns our famiUes with peace ; From thee they sprung, and by thy hand Their root and branches are sustain'd. 2 To God, most worthy to be praised, Be our domestic altars raised ; Thouo^h Lord of heav'n, he deiofns to dwell With saints in their obscurest cell. 3 To thee let each united house Morning and night present its vows ; Our servants there and rising race Be taught thy precepts and thy grace. 4 0 may each future age proclaim The honors of thy glorious name, 440 DOMESTIC AND PRIVATE WORSHIP. 546, 547 While pleased and thankful we remove To join the family above. ^ J.0 L. M. Miss Scott. The same. 1 Where'er the Lord shall build my house An altar to his name I'll raise, There morn and ev'ning shall ascend The sacrifice of pray'r and praise. 2 With duteous mind the social band Shall search the records of thy law ; There learn thy will and humbly bow With filial reverence and awe. 3 If num'rous blessings of the earth Indulgent providence afford, Witli w^arm united hearts we'll pay Our grateful tribute to the Lord. 4 Here ma)'- he fix his sacred seat And spread the banner of his love. Till ripen'd for a happier state, We meet th' assembled church above. 54ty C. M. D. Taylor's Col; The same. 1 Great God, where'er we pitch our tent, Let us an altar raise ; And there with humble frame present Our sacrifice of praise. 441 548 DOMESTIC AND 3 To thee we give our health and strength While health and strength shall last, For future mercies humbly trust, Nor e'er forget the past. I S. M. Watts. Domestic Harmony. Lo, what a pleasing sight Are brethren that agree ! How blest are all whose hearts unite In bands of piety ! From those celestial springs Such streams of comfort flow. As no increase of riches brings Nor honors can bestow. All in their stations move, And each performs his part In all the cares of life and love "With sympathizing heart : Form'd for the purest joys, By one desire possest, One aim the zeal of all employs, To make each other blest. No bliss can equal theirs Where such affections meet; While praise devout and mingled praj^'rs Make their communion sweet. 442 PRIVATE WORSHIP. 649 'Tis the same pleasure fills The breast in worlds above, Where joy like morning dew distils And all the air is love. ^^0 L. M. Mrs. Barbauld. Pious Friendship. 1 How blest the sacred tie that binds In "anion sweet, according minds ! How swift the heav'nly course they run Whose hearts, whose faith, whose hopes are one ! 2 To each the soul of each how dear ! What jealous love, wdiat holy fear ! How doth the gen'rous flame within Refine from earth and cleanse from sin ! 3 Their streaming eyes together flow For human guilt and mortal w^oe, Their ardent pray'rs together rise Like mingling flames in sacrifice. 4 Together both they seek the place Where God reveals his awful face ; How high, how strong their raptures swell, There's none but kindred souls can tell. 5 Nor shall the glowing flame expire 'Midst nature's drooping, sick'ning fire ; Soon shall they meet in realms above, A heav'n of joy — because of love. 443 550 DOMESTIC AND ^^Q C. M. Doddridge. Living in the Fear of God. 1 Thrice liappy men who born from heav'n, While yet they sojourn here, Each day of life with God begin And spend it in his fear. 2 'Midst hourly cares may we present Our oflf'rings at thy throne, And while the world our hands employs Our hearts be thine alone. 3 As sanctified to noblest ends Be each refreshment sought, And by each various providence Some wise instruction brought. 4 When to laborious duties call'd, Or by temptations tried, We'll seek the shelter of thy wings And in thy strength confide. 5 As diff' rent scenes of life arise, Our grateful hearts would be With thee amidst the social band. In solitude with thee. 6 In solid, pure delights like these Let all our days be past. Nor shall we then impatient wish, Nor shall we fear the last. 444 PRIVATE WORSHIP. 551, 552 ^^J[ C. M. Doddridge. Prosperity from the Blessing of God. 1 Shine on Our souls, Eternal God, With rays of mercy shine ; O let thy favor crown our days, And their whole course be thine. 2 Did we not raise our hands to thee, Our hands might toil in vain ; Small joy success itself could give, If thou thy love restrain. 3 With thee let ev'ry week begin. With thee each day be spent, For thee each fleeting hour improved. Since each by thee is lent. 4 Thus cheer us through this toilsome road Till all our labors cease, And thus prepare our w^eary souls For everlasting peace. 552 ^' ^- Doddridge. Secret Devotion. 1 Father Divine, thy piercing eye Looks through the shades of night ; In deep retirement thou art nigh With heart-discerning: siofht. 2 There shall that piercing eye survey My humble worship paid With ev'ry morning's dawning ray And ev'ry ev'ning's shade. 3 N 445 553 DOMESTIC AND 3 I'll leave behind each earthly care ; To thee my soul shall soar, While grateful praise and fervent prayer Employ the silent hour. 4 So shall the visits of thy love My soul in secret bless, So shalt thou deign in worlds above Thy suppliant to confess. 553 L. M. Watts. Retirement and Meditation. 1 My God, permit me not to be A stranger to myself and thee ; Amidst a thousand thoughts I rove Forgetful of my highest love. 2 Why should my passions mix v^ith earth, And thus debase my heav'nly birth ? Why should I cleave to things below, And let my God, my Father, go? 3 Call me away from flesh and sense ; Thy gracious word can draw me thence ; I would obey the voice divine, And all inferior joys resign. 4 Be earth with all her scenes withdrawn ; Let noise and vanity be gone; In secret silence of the mind. My heav'n, and there my God, I find. 446 PRIVATE WORSHIP. 654 ^^^ C. M. CowPER. The same subject. 1 Far from tlie world, O Lord, I flee, From strife and tumult far, From scenes where sin is waging still Its most saccessful war. 2 The calm retreat, the silent shade, With prayer and praise agree, And seem by thy sweet bounty made For those who follow thee. 3 There if thy presence cheer the soul And grace her mean abode, O with what peace and joy and love She communes with her God ! 4 There like the nightingale she pours Her solitary lays. Nor asks a witness of her song Nor thirsts for human praise. 5 Author and Guardian of my life, Sweet Source of light divine, And all harmonious names in one, My Father — thou art mine. 6 What thanks I owe thee, and what love, A boundless, endless store, Shall echo through the realms above When time shall be no more. 447 555, 556 DOMESTIC and 555 C. M. Watts. Devotion in sickness. 1 Diseases are thy servants, Lord, They come at thy command ; I'll not attempt a murm'ring word Against thy chast'nmg hand. 2 I'm but a sojourner below, As all my fathers were ; May I be well prepared to go When I the summons hear. 3 But if my life be spared awhile Before my last remove. Thy praise shall be my business still, And I'll declare thy love. 556 L. M. Watts. Health and Sickness. 1 Firm was my health, my day was bright, And I presumed 'twould ne'er be night ; Fondly I said within my heart, Pleasure and peace shall ne'er depart. 2 But I forgot thine arm was strong. Which made my mountain stand so long. And when thy face was turn'd aside. My health was gone, my comforts died. 3 Hear me, O God of grace, I said. And raise me from among the dead ; 448 PRIVATE WORSHIP. 557 Thy word rebuked the pains I felt, Thy pard'ning love removed my guilt. 4 I will extol thee, Lord, on high ; At thy command diseases fly ; Who but a God can speak and save From the dark borders of the grave ? 5 Thine anger but a moment stays. Thy love is life and length of days ; Though grief and tears the night employ. The morning star restores the joy. ^5'^ L. M. Merrick. The Benefit of Divine Correction. 1 In devious paths awhile I trod, Ere yet corrected by thy rod, But disciplined. Great Sire, by thee. Patient I bow to thy decree. 2 Blest be thy hand, severely kind, Whose stroke recall'd my erring mind, And urged me, as to thee I turn, Thy hallow'd institutes to learn. 3 But O, if yet my sins demand The wise corrections of thy hand. Lord, give my pains their bounds to know, And fix a period to my woe. 4 Hence, ye profane, my Saviour hears ; While yet I speak, he wipes my tears ; My Saviour hears, and deigns to save His servant from the op'ning grave. 2 N* 449 558 DOMESTIC AND 55§ C. M. Watts. Benefit of Afflictions. 1 Consider all my sorrows, Lord, And thy deliv'rance send ; My soul for thy salvation faints, When will my troubles end ! 2 Yet I have found 'tis good for me To bear my Father's rod ; Afflictions make me learn thy law And live upon my God. 3 This is the comfort I enjoy When new distress begins, I read thy word, I run thy way. And hate my former sins. 4 Had not thy word been my delight When earthly joys were tied, My soul, oppress'd with sorrow's weight, Had sunk amongst the dead. 5 I know thy judgments, Lord, are right, Though they may seem severe ; The sharpest suflf' rings I endure Flow from thy faithful care. 6 Before I knew thy chast'ning rod My feet were apt to stray. But now I learn to keep thy word, Nor wander from thy way. 450 PRIVATE WORSHIP. 559, 560 559 C. M. Watts. Recovery from Sickness. 1 I LOVE the Lord ; he heard my cries, And pitied ev'ry groan ; Long as I live, when troubles rise, I'll hasten to his throne. 2 I love the Lord ; he bow'd his ear, And chased my griefs away ; O let my heart no more despair While I have breath to pray. 3 Among my friends and in this house My off' rings shall be paid ; There shall my zeal perform the vows My soul in anguish made. 4 The Lord beheld me sore distrest, He bade my pains remove ; Return, my soul, to God, thy rest, For thou hast known his love. 560 ^- ^- Doddridge. 77ie same. 1 My God, thy service well demands The remnant of my days ; Why was this fleeting breath renew'd But to renew thy praise ? 2 Thine arms of everlasting love Did this weak frame sustain, 451 561 DOMESTIC AND When life was liov'ring o'er the grave And nature sunk in pain. 3 Calmly I bow'd my fainting head Upon thy faithful breast, Pleased to obey my Father's call To his eternal rest. 4 Into thy hands, my Saviour God, Did I my soul resign, In firm dependence on that truth Which made salvation mine. 5 Back from the borders of the grave At thy command I come. Nor would I urge a speedier flight To my celestial home. 6 Where thou determin'st mine abode, There w^ould I choose to be. For in thy presence death is life, And earth is heav'n with thee. ^Q\ C. M. Mrs. Steele. Support in Affliction. 1 Now to thy heav'nly Father's praise, My heart, thy tribute bring ; That goodness which prolongs my days, With grateful pleasure sing. 2 Whene'er he sends afflicting pains. His mercy holds the rod ; His pow'rful word the heart sustains, And speaks a faithful God. 453 PRIVATE WORSHIP. 562 3 A faithful God is ever nigh When humble grief implores ; His ear attends each plaintive sigh, He pities and restores. 4 Lord, I am thine, for ever thine, Nor shall my purpose move ; Thy hand, that loosed my bonds of pain, Has bound me with thy love. ^02 C. M. Doddridge. Praise for Recovery from Sickness. 1 Sov'reign of life, I own thy hand In ev'ry chast'ning stroke, And while I smart beneath thy rod. Thy presence I invoke. 2 To thee in my distress I cried, And thou hast bow'd thine ear ; Thy pow'rful word my life prolong'd And brought salvation near. 3 Unfold the gates of righteousness, That with the pious throng I may record my solemn vows And tune my grateful song. 4 Praise to the Lord, whose gentle hand Renew^s our lab'ring breath ; Praise to the Lord, who makes his saints Triumphant ev'n in death. 5 My God, in thine appointed hour Those heav'nly gates display, 453 563, 564 DOMESTIC and Where pain and sin and fear and death For ever flee away : 6 There while the nations of the bless' d With raptures bow around, My anthems to deliv'ring grace In sweeter strains shall sound. ^gO L. M. Mrs. Steele. Gratitude and Devotion. 1 What shall I render to the Lord, Or how his wondrous grace record ? To him my grateful voice I'll raise, And pour libations to his praise. 2 His crowded courts shall see me pay The vows of my distressful day ; In life and death the saints shall find Their guardian God for ever kind. 3 Thy servant, Lord, is wholly thine. By nature's ties and bonds divine ; From deep distress and sorrow free, Anew I give myself to thee. 504^ C. M. BOYSE. Life Reviewed. 1 When o'er the trodden paths of life Backwards I turn mine eyes, What varied scenes throughout the road Awaken my surprise ! 454 PRIVATE WORSHIP. 565 2 Thousands to whom my natal hour Imparted vital breath, Just look'd on life and closed their eyes In the fast sleep of death. 8 Thousands who climb'd to manhood's stage Safe through unnumber'd snares, Travell'd not far before they sunk Amidst its thorns and cares. 4 Follow'd through ev'ry changing stage With goodness all my days. Deny me not a heart to love, A tongue to speak thy praise. 5 Ten thousand thousand thanks to thee Echo along the road ; O may I join those endless songs That fill thy blest abode. 565 I- M- Stogdon. Despair no Virtue. 1 What mean these jealousies and fears, As if my Lord were loth to save, Or loved to see us steep'd in tears. And sink with sorrow to the orrave ? 2 Does he want slaves to grace his throne, Or crush them with an iron rod ? Is he refresh 'd to hear us groan, Is he a tyrant, or a God ? 3 Not all th' iniquities thou'st wrought So much his tender mercies grieve, 455 566, 567 DOMESTIC and As this unkind, injurious thought, That he's unwilling to forgive. 506 ^- M. COWPER. God is Love. 1 When darkness long has veil'd my mind, And smiling day once more appears, Then, my Creator, then I find The folly of my doubts and fears. 2 Straight I upbraid my wand'ring heart. And blush that I should ever be Thus prone to act so base a part Or harbor one hard thought of thee. 3 O let me then at length be taught What I am still so slov7 to learn. That God is love, and changes not, Nor knows the shadow of a turn. 4 Sweet truth, and easy to repeat. But when my faith is sharply tried, I find myself a learner yet, Unskilful, weak and apt to slide. 5 But, O my God, one look from thee Subdues the disobedient will. Drives doubt and discontent away, And thy rebellious worm is still. 50T C. M. Mrs. Steele. The Presence of God in .^ffiiction. 1 In vain, while dark affliction spreads Her melancholy gloom, 456 PRIVATE WORSHIP. 56S Kind providence its blessings sheds, And nature's beauties bloom. 2 For all that charms the taste or sight My heart no wish respires ; O for a beam of heav'nly light When earthly hope expires. 3 Thou only centre of my rest, Look down with pitying eye, While with protracted pain opprest I breathe the plaintive sigh. 4 Thy gracious presence, O my God, My ev'ry wish contains ; With this, beneath affliction's load My heart no more complains. 5 This can my ev'ry care control, Gild each dark scene with light ; This is the sunshine of the soul. Without it all is night. 568 C. M. COTTOX. God the Refuge of the Afflicted. 1 Affliction is a stormy deep Where wave resounds to wave ; Though o'er my head the billows roll, I know the Lord can save. 2 Perhaps before the morning dawn He will restore my peace. For he who bade the tempest roar Can bid the tempest cease. 2 0 457 569 DOMESTIC AND 3 In the dark watches of the night I'll count his mercies o'er, I'll praise him for ten thousand past, And humbly sue for more. 4 Here will I rest, here build my hopes, Nor murmur at his rod ; He's more than all the world to me. My Health, my Life, my God. 509 C. M. Watts. Imploring Divine Consolation. 1 Return, O God of love, return, Reveal thy wonted grace ; How long shall we thy children mourn Our absence from thy face? 2 Let heav'n succeed our painful years. Let sin and sorrow cease. And in proportion to our tears. So make our joys increase. 3 Thy wonders to thy servants show, Make thy own work complete ; Then shall our souls thy glory know And own thy love is great. 4 Then shall we shine before thy throne And see thy glory. Lord, And the poor service we have done Meet a divine reward. 458 PRIVATE WORSHIP 570, 571 ^^Q L. M. Jervis. The Prospect of Sickness and Death. 1 When all the pow'rs of nature fail, When sickness shall my heart assail, Shall ev'ry nobler part pervade, And ev'ry earthly wish shall fade : 2 When pain, of ev'ry nerve possest, Shall vibrate in my throbbing breast. Or languor o'er my senses steal. And med'cine lose its pow'r to heal : 3 When death shall chill the vital heat, When this fond heart shall cease to beat. This falt'ring tongue forget to speak, " A mortal paleness on my cheek :" 4 When my dim eyes are sunk in death. And God "who gave shall take my breath, May he sustain my fainting heart, And comfort to my soul impart. 5 May his bright presence bring relief From fear, despondency and grief. His cheering voice direct my way To regions of eternal day. 5^1 C. M. Burns. A Prayer in the Prospect of Death. 1 O THOU unknown, almighty Cause Of all my hope and fear, In w^hose dread presence after death I surely must appear, 459 572 DOMESTIC AND 2 If I have wander'd in those paths Of life I ought to shim, As something loudly in my breast Remonstrates I have done : 3 Where human weakness has come short Or frailty stepp'd aside, Do thou. All-good, for such thou art, In shades of darkness hide. 4 Where with intention I have err'd, No other plea I have. But thou art good, and goodness still Delighteth to forgive. 572 C. M. Enfield's Col. Comfort in Sickness and Death. 1 When sickness shakes the languid frame, Each dazzling pleasure flies, Phantoms of bliss no more obscure Our long-deluded eyes. 2 Then the tremendous arm of death Its hated sceptre shows, And nature faints beneath the weight Of complicated woes. 3 The tott'ring frame of mortal life Shall crumble into dust. Nature shall faint — but learn, my soul, In nature's God to trust. 4 The man whose pious heart is fix'd On his all-gracious God, 460 PRIVATE WORSHIP. 573 In every frown may comfort find And kiss the cliast'ning rod. Nor him shall death itself alarm, On heav'n his soul relies, With joy he views his Maker's love, And with composure dies. ^1^3 S. M. Doddridge. Support in Death. Behold the gloomy vale Which thou, my soul, must tread, Beset with terrors fierce and pale, That leads thee to the dead. Ye pleasing scenes, adieu. Which I so long have known ; My friends, a long farewell to you, For I must pass alone. And thou, beloved clay, Long partner of my cares, In this rough path art torn away ' With agony and tears. But see, a ray of light. With splendors all divine. Breaks througii these dreary realms of night, And makes its horrors shine. Where death, where darkness reigns, Jehovah is my stay, His rod my trembling feet sustains, His staff defends my way. 2 0 * 461 574 DOMESTIC AND 6 Great Shepherd, lead me on, My soul disdains to fear ; Death's gloomy phantoms all are flown Now life's great Lord is near. ^'74: C- M. Addison. Hope in the Divine Mercy. 1 When rising from the bed of death O'erwhelm'd with guilt and fear, I see my Maker face to face, O how shall I appear ! 2 If yet while pardon may be found And mercy may be sought, My heart with inward horror shrinks And trembles at the thought : 3 When thou, O Lord, shall stand disclosed In majesty severe, And sit in judgment on my soul, O how shall I appear ? 4 But there's forgiveness. Lord, with thee ; Thy nature is benign ; Thy pard'ning mercy I implore, For mercy, Lord, is thine. 5 O let thy boundless mercy shine On my benighted soul ; Correct my passions, mend my heart, And all my fears control. 6 And may I taste thy richer grace In that decisive hour 462 PRIVATE WORSHIP. 575 When Christ to judgment shall descend And time shall be no more. 575 C. M. Watts. For a Master of a Family. 1 Of justice and of truth I sing, And pay my God my vows; With truth and justice, heav'nly King, Teach me to rule my house. 2 Now to my tent, O God, be near, And make thy servant wise. And let me suffer nothing there That shall offend thy eyes. 3 The man who doth his neighbor wrong, Or dares oppress the poor, The scornful eye, the sland'rous tongue, Be distant from my door. 4 Still may I seek the good and just, And still their help enjoy ; iSuch be the friends that I shall trust, The servants I employ. 5 While sin in others I reprove, Be ev'ry virtue mine. And let the wisdom from above Through all my conduct shine. 6 Who shall the most in love abound, Our sole contention be ; So shall my house be ever found A dwelling dear to thee. 463 '576 DOMESTIC AND 576 P- M. Merrick. The Dwellings of the Righteous. 1 Mercy, judgment, now my tongne Makes the subject of its song ; Lord, to whom then shall I sing, But to thee, th' eternal Kingf ? 2 Wisdom shall my footsteps guide, Nor permit my feet to slide, Or from thy all-perfect way Lost in paths* of sin to stray. 3 Come, O come, celestial guest. Let my roof with thee be blest, Let thy beams effulgent play, And within my mansion stay. 4 Lo, my heart with studious care For thy presence I prepare, And my dwelling's full extent Spotless to thy view present. 5 Ne'er shall my presumptuous hand Dare to break thy just command, Ne'er within me stialt thou find Aught that speaks a faithless mind. 6 Come, ye faithful, just and good, Eager for the bright abode. Come, ye pure in heart, O come,. Sure with me to find a home. 464 PRIVATE WORSHIP. 577, 578 5>7'7 CM. Watts. The Young Instructed by the Past. Let children hear the mighty deeds Which God perform'd of old, Which in our younger years we saw, And which our fathers told. He bids us make his glories known, His works of pow'r and grace. And we'll convey his wonders down Through ev'ry rising race. Our lips shall tell them to our sons, And they again to theirs, That generations yet unborn May teach them to their heirs. - Thus shall they learn in God alone Their hope securely stands, That they may ne'er forget his works. But practise his commands. 57S L. M. Watts. Instructions of Piety. Children, in years and knowledge young, Your parents' hope, your parents' joy. Attend the counsels of my tongue ; Let pious thoughts your minds employ. 465 579 DOMESTIC AND 2 If you desire a length of days, And peace to crown your mortal state, Restrain your feet from impious ways, Your lips from slander and deceit. 3 To humble souls and broken hearts God with his grace is ever nio-h ; Pardon and hope his love imparts When men in deep contrition lie. 5*^0 C. M. Watts. The Advantages of Early BeUgion. 1 Happy is he whose early years Receive instruction well, Who hates the sinner's path and fears The road that leads to hell. 2 For youth devoted to the Lord Is pleasing in his eyes ; A flow'r when ofFer'd in the bud Is no vain sacrifice. 3 'Tis easier work if we begin To fear the Lord betimes, While sinners who grow old in sin Are harden'd by their crimes. 4 It saves us from a thousand snares To mind religion young ; With joy it crowns succeeding years, And makes our virtue strong. 5 To thee, almighty God, to thee Our hearts we now resign ; 466 PRIVATE WORSHIP. 580, 581 'Twill please us to look back and see That our whole lives were thine. 6 Let the sweet work of pray'r and praise Employ our daily breath; Thus we're prepared for future days Or fit for early death. ^80 ^- M. Salisbury Col. Remember thy Creator in the days of thy Youth. 1 In the soft season of thy youth, In nature's smiling bloom, Ere age arrive and trembling w^ait Its summons to the tomb, • 2 Remember thy Creator, God ; For him thy pow'rs employ ; Make him thy fear, thy love, thy hope, Thy confidence, thy joy. 3 He shall defend and guide thy course Through life's uncertain sea, Till thou art landed on the shore Of bless'd eternity. 4 Then seek the Lord betimes and choose The path of heav'nly truth ; The earth affords no loveli&r sight Than a religious youth. 581 C. M. Logan. Heavenly Wisdom. 1 How happy is the man who hears Instruction's warning voice, 467 582 ?r DOMESTIC AND And who celestial wisdom makes His early, only choice ! 2 Wisdom has treasures greater far Than east or west unfold, And her rewards more precious are Than is the gain of gold. 3 In her right hand she holds to view A length of happy years, And in her left the prize of fame And honor bright appears. 4 She guides the young with innocence In pleasure's path to tread ; A crown of glory she bestows Upon the hoary head. 5 According as her labors rise So her rewards increase ; Her ways are ways of pleasantness And all her paths are peace. 582 C. M. Watts. The Aged Christianas Hope. 1 My God, my everlasting Hope, I live upon thy truth ; Thy hands have held my childhood up And strengthen' d all my youth. 2 My frame was fashion'd by thy pow'r. And shows thy skill divine. And from my life's first dawning hour I've been entirely thine. 468 PRIVATE WORSHIP. 583 3 Still has my life new wonders seen In each revolving year ; Behold, my days that yet remain, I trust them to thy care. 4 Cast me not off when strength declines, When hoary hairs arise ; And round me let thy glory shine Whene'er thy servant dies. 5 Then in tlie hist'ry of my age. When men review my days, They'll read thy love in ev'ry page, In ev'ry line thy praise. 5S3 C. M. Watts. The Aged ChristiarCs Prayer. 1 God of my childhood and my youth, The guide of all my days, I have declared thy heav'nly truth And told thy wondrous ways. 2 Wilt thou forsake my hoary hairs, And leave my fainting heart ? Who shall sustain my sinking years, If God, my strength, depart? 3 Let me thy pow'r and truth proclaim To the surviving age. And leave a savor of thy name When I shall quit the stage. 4 The land of silence and of death Attends my next remove ; 2 P 469 584, 585 DOMESTIC and O may these poor remains of breath Proclaim thy boundless love. 584 C. M. Williams's Col. Prayer for Support in Old Jige. 1 Eternal Sire, enthroned on high, Whom heav'nly hosts adore, Who yet to suppliant dust art nigh. Thy presence I implore. 2 O guide me down the steep of age, And keep my passions cool ; Teach me to scan the sacred page, And practise ev'ry rule. 3 My flying years time urges on ; What's human must decay ; My friends, my youth's companions gone, Can I expect to stay ? 4 Ah no — then smooth the mortal hour ; On thee my hope depends ; Support me with almighty pow'r While dust to dust descends. 585 C. M. Logan. Trust in Providence. 1 Almighty Father of mankind. Do thou my hopes sustain, And when the day of trouble comes, I shall not trust in vain. 2 In early years thou wast my guide, And of my youth the friend; 470 PRIVATE WORSHIP. 586 And as my days began with thee, With thee my days shall end. 3 My God, who causedst me to hope When life began to beat, And when a stranger in the world, Didst guide my wand'ring feet, 4 Thou wdlt not cast me off when age And evil days descend ; Thou wilt not leave me in despair To mourn my latter end. 5 I know the pow'r in whom I trust. The arm on which I lean ; He will my Saviour ever be Who has my Saviour been. ^gg C. M. Cotton. Absence from Social Worship. 1 O THE abundance of thy house, The rich refreshments there ; To live an exile from thy courts Is more than I can bear. •2 In worship when I join'd thy saints, How sweetly pass'd my days ! Prayer my divine employment then. And all my pleasure praise. 3 But now I'm lost to ev'ry joy, Because detain'd from thee ; Those golden moments ne'er return. Or ne'er return to me. 471 587, 588 DOMESTIC and 4 Yet, O my soul, why thus depress'd. And whence this anxious fear ? Let former kindness fix thy trust, And check the nsing tear. 5 When darkness and when sorrows rose And press'd on ev'ry side. Did not the Lord sustain thy steps, And was not God thy guide ? 5S7 L. M. Merrick. Prayer for Life. 1 To thee, great God, my knees I bend ; To thee my ceaseless pray'rs ascend ; 0 let my sorrows reach thine ears, And mark my sighs, my groans, my tears. 2 God of my fathers, here, as they, 1 walk the pilgrim of a day ; A transient guest, thy works admire, And instant to my home retire. 3 O spare me, Lord, awhile, 0 spare, And nature's ruin'd strength repair. Ere, life's short circuit wander'd o'er, I perish and am seen no more. 5^^ C. M. Addison. The Traveller'' s Hymn. 1 How are thy servants blest, O Lord, How sure is their defence ! Eternal wisdom is their guide, Their help omnipotence. 472 PRIVATE WORSHIP. 588 2 In foreign realms and lands remote. Supported by thy care, They pass unhurt through burning climes And breathe in tainted air. 3 Thy mercy sweetens ev'ry soil, Makes ev'ry region please ; The hoary frozen hills it warms And smooths the boist'rous seas. 4 Though by the dreadful tempest tossed High on the broken wave, They know thou art not slow to hear Nor impotent to save. 5 The storm is laid, the winds retire Obedient to thy will ; The sea that roars at thy command, At thy command is still. 6 From all my griefs and straits, O Lord, Thy mercy sets me free. Whilst in the confidence of prayer My heart takes hold on thee. 7 In midst of dangers, fears and death, Thy goodness I'll adore, And praise thee for thy mercies past, And humbly hope for more. 8 My life, while thou preserv'st my life, Thy sacrifice shall be ; And O may death, when death shall come, Unite my soul to thee. 2 p* 473 589, 590 DOMESTIC and 5^9 L. M. Watts. The Mariner's Hymn. 1 God of the seas, tll^ thund'ring voice Makes all the roaring waves rejoice. And one soft word of thy command Can sink them silent in the sand. 2 The scaly tribes amidst the sea To thee, their Lord, a tribute pay ; The meanest fish that swims the flood, Proclaims the mighty pow'r of God. 3 How is thy glorious pow'r adored Amidst the wat'ry nations, Lord ! Yet the bold men who trace the seas, Shall they refuse their Maker's praise ? 4 "When scenes of wonder here they see, Then let them raise a song to thee. And while the flood they safely ride. Bless the kind hand that smooths the tide. 59Q L. M. Watts. The Mariner'' s Praise for Deliverance. 1 Would you behold the works of God, His wonders in the world abroad, Go with the mariners and trace The unknown regions of the seas. 2 They leave their native shores behind, And seize the favor of the wind. Till God command, and tempests rise That heave the ocean to the skies, 474 PRIVATE WORSHIP. 591 3 When land is far and death is nigh, Lost to all hope, to God they cry ; His mercy hears their loud address, And sends salvation in distress. 4 He bids the winds their wrath assuage, The furious waves forget their rage ; 'Tis calm, and sailors smile to see The haven where they wish'd to be. 5 O may the sons of men record The w^ondrous goodness of the Lord ; Let them their grateful off 'rings bring, And in the church his glory sing. ^Q J^ L. M. Merrick. The Orphaix's Hymn. 1 O Hear me, Lord, on thee I call, And prostrate at thy footstool fall ; Propitious in my cause appear, And bow to my request thine ear. 2 " Seek ye my face with duteous care. And frequent to my throne repair;" Thus to my heart I hear thee speak ; Thy face, my heart replies, I seek. 3 Look down, my only hope, look down ; Behold me, but without a frown ; And ne'er to my desiring eye Thy presence, heav'nly Lord, deny. 4 O let me, on thy aid reclined. Thee still my great salvation find ; 475 592 DOMESTIC AND Nor leave me, helpless and forlorn, The absence of thy grace to mourn. 5 When, doom'd the orphan's lot to bear, No father's kind concern I share, Nor o'er me wakes a mother's eye, My wants attentive to supply, 6 Adopted by thy care, in thee The Parent and the Friend I see ; And nourish'd by thy fost'ring hand, Within thy courts secure I stand. 592 C. M. Watts. A Hymn for Morning or Evening. 1 HosANNA with a cheerful sound To God's upholding hand ; Ten thousand snares our paths surround, And yet secure we stand. 2 How wondrous is that mighty pow'r Which form'd us with a word ! And ev'ry day and every hour We lean upon the Lord. 3 The ev'ning rests our weary head. And mercy guards the room ; We wake, and we admire the bed That was not made our tomb. 4 The rising morn cannot assure That we shall end the day, For death stands ready at the door To take our lives away. 476 PRIVATE WORSHIP. 593, 594 5 God is onr sun, whose daily light Our joy and safety brings ; Our feeble frame lies safe at night Beneath his shady wings. ^0«^ L. M. Watts. A Hymn for Morning or Evening. 1 My God, how endless is thy love ! Thy gifts are ev'ry ev'ning new, And morning mercies from above Gently distil like early dew. 2 Thou spread' st the curtains of the night, Great Guardian of my sleeping hours ; Thy sov'reign word restores the light And quickens all my drowsy pow'rs. 3 I yield my pow'rs to thy command ; To thee I consecrate my days ; Perpetual blessings from thy hand Demand perpetual songs of praise. ^OJL C. M. Gentlemen's Mag. Hymn for Bally Protection. 1 On thee each morning, 0 my God, My w^aking thoughts attend ; In thee are founded all my hopes, In thee my wishes end. 2 My soul, in pleasing wonder lost, Thy boundless love surveys. And fired with grateful zeal, prepares A sacrifice of praise. 477 595 DOMESTIC AND 3 God leads me through the maze of sleep, And brings me safe to light, And with the same paternal care Conducts my steps till night. 4 When ev'ning slumbers press my eyes, With his protection blest. In peace and safety I commit My weary limbs to rest. 5 My spirit, in his hand secure, Fears no approaching ill, For whether waking or asleep, Thou, Lord, art with me still. 595 C. M. Mrs. Rowe. GocVs Goodness Morninsr and Evening. 1 Great God, my early vows to thee With gratitude I'll bring, And at the rosy dawn of day Thy lofty praises sing. 2 Thou round the heav'nly arch dost draw A dark and sable veil, And all the beauties of the world From mortal eyes conceal. 3 Again the sky with golden beams Thy skilful hands adorn. And paint with cheerful splendor gav The fair ascending morn. 4 And as the gloomy night returns, Or smiling days renews, 478 PRIVATE WORSHIP. 596 Thy constant goodness still my soul With benefits pursues. 5 For this will I my vows to thee With ev'nino- incense bring-, And at the rosy dawn of day Thy lofty praises sing. ^0g C. M. Mrs. Steele. Ji Morning Hymn. 1 Lord of my life, O may thy praise Employ my noblest pow'rs, Whose goodness lengthens out my days And fills the circling hours. 2 Preserved by thy almighty arm, I pass the shades of night Serene and safe from ev'ry harm, And see returning light. 3 While many spent the night in sighs And restless pains and woes, In gentle sleep I closed my eyes And undisturb'd repose. 4 When sleep, death's semblance, o'er me spread. And I unconscious lay, Thy watchful care was round my bed To guard my feeble clay. 5 O let the same almighty care My waking hours attend ; From ev'ry danger, ev'ry snare, My heedless steps defend. 479 597 DOMESTIC AND 6 Smile on my minutes as they roll, And guide my future days, And let thy goodness fill my soul With gratitude and praise. 597 L. M. Watts. The same. 1 God of the morning, at whose voice The cheerful sun makes haste to rise, And like a giant doth rejoice To run his journey through the skies : 2 From the fair chambers of the east The circuit of his race begins, And without weariness or rest Hound the whole earth he flies and shines. 3 Thus like the sun may I fulfil Th' appointed duties of the day, With ready mind and active will March on and keep my heav'nly way. 4 Lord, thy commands are clear and pure, Enlight'ning our beclouded eyes ; Thy threat'nings just, thy promise sure ; Thy gospel makes the simple wise. 5 Give me thy counsel for my guide, And then receive me to thy bliss ; All my desires and hopes beside Are faint and cold compared with this. 480 PRIVATE WORSHIP. 598, 599 ^Q§ C. M. Heginbotham. A Morning Hymn. 1 Still do the wheels of time revolve, And bear this life along ; With thanks I end the fleeting days. And hail them with a song. 2 Lord, what is man when, lost in sleep, Sense and reflection dies? And yet from this defenceless state With new delight I rise. 3 Great God of Hosts, accept the song ; I ow^n the w^ondrous grace ; O may the Guardian of my nights Delight to bless my days. 4 'Tis theirs alone such bliss to know Who do their Father's will ; Resolve, my soul, and, sin subdued, Defy each mortal ill. 5 This day shall ev'ry hour correct The follies of the past ; And such shall all its actions be As would adorn the last. 599 L. M. Watts. An Evening Hymn. 1 Thus far the Lord has led me on ; Thus far his pow'r prolongs my days ; And ev'ry ev'ning shall make known Some fresh memorial of his grace. 2 Q 481 600 DOMESTIC AND 2 Much of my time has run to waste, And I perhaps am near my home ; But he forgives my foUies past, And strength supplies for days to come. 3 I lay my body down to sleep ; Peace is the pillow of my head ; His ever-watchful eye shall keep Its constant guard around my bed. 4 Faith in his name forbids my fear ; 0 may thy presence ne'er depart; And in the morning may I bear Thy loving kindness on my heart. 5 Thus when the night of death shall come My flesh shall rest beneath the ground, And wait thy voice to burst my tomb, With sweet salvation in the sound. ^00 C. M. Watts. Hie same. 1 Lord, thou wilt hear me when I pray, I am for ever thine ; 1 fear before thee all the day. Nor would I dare to sin. 2 And while I rest my weary head, From cares and bus'ness free, 'Tis sweet conversing on my bed With my own heart and thee. 3 I pay this ev'ning sacrifice ; And when my work is done, PRIVATE WORSHIP. 601,602 Great God, my steadfast faith relies Upon thy grace alone. 4 Thus with my thoughts composed to peace, I'll give mine eyes to sleep ; Thy hand in safety keeps my days, And will my slumbers keep. gQJ C. M. Watts. The same. 1 Lord, when I count thy mercies o'er, They strike me with surprise ; Not all the sands that spread the shore To equal numbers rise. 2 My frame with fear and wonder stands The product of thy skill, And hourly blessings from thy hands Thy thoughts of love reveal. 3 These on my heart by night I keep ; How kind, how dear to me ! O may the hour that ends my sleep Still find my thoughts with thee. 002 ^- M. Mrs. Steele. TTie same. The man of humble, upright heart, As his peculiar care The Lord himself has set apart, And when he calls will hear. 483 603 DOMESTIC AND 2 With pious awe your hearts survey, And ev'ry sin repent ; Let true contrition close the day, And future guilt prevent. 3 Your sacrifice the Lord will own If thus you seek his face, Thus humbly bow before his throne And trust his pard'ning grace. 003 ^- ^- Liverpool Col. The same. 1 Indulgent God, whose bounteous care O'er all thy works is shown, O let my grateful praise and pray'r Ascend before thy throne. 2 What mercies has this day bestow'd ! How largely hast thou blest ! My cup with plenty overflow'd, With cheerfulness my breast. 3 Now may sweet slumbers close my eyes, From pain and sickness free, And let my waking thoughts arise To meditate on thee. 4 So bless each future day and night Till life's fond scene is o'er ; At length to realms of endless light Enraptured let me soar. 484 PRIVATE WORSHIP. 604, 605 ^Q^ C. M. Gentleman's Mag. The same. 1 See, the bright monarch of the day In ocean dips his beams, While from his brow a parting ray- In milder glory streams. 2 The moon, pale empress of the night, In sweet succession reigns, And finely paints with silver light The mountains, vales and plains. 3 The planets in progression rise And shine from pole to pole ; Their pleasing course delights our eyes And charms th' attentive soul. 4 The starry arch in grandeur glows Through all its ample round ; Great God, thy pow'r no limit knows Thy wisdom knows no bound. ^Q^ P. M. Doddridge. The same. 1 Interval of grateful shade, Welcome to my weary head ; Welcome slumbers to my eyes, Tired with glaring vanities. 2 My great Master still allows Needful periods of repose ; 2 Q* 485 606 DOMESTIC AND By my heav'nly Father blest, Thus I give my pow'rs to rest. 3 Heav'nly Father, gracious name, Night and day his love the same ; Far be each suspicious thought, Ev'ry anxious care forgot. 4 Thou, my ever-bounteous God, Crown'st my days with various good ; Thy kind eye, vidiich cannot sleep. My defenceless hours shall keep. 5 What if death my sleep invade, Should I be of death afraid ? While encircled by thine arm. Death may strike but cannot harm. 6 With thy heav'nly presence blest. Death is life, and labor rest ; Welcome sleep or death to me. Still secure, for still with thee. 006 P- M- Doddridge. Meditations in the Night Season. 1 What though downy slumbers flee. Strangers to my couch and me ; While with God's protection blest. Cares and fears ne'er haunt my breast. 2 While the empress of the night STjatters mild her silver light, While the vivid planets stray Various through their mystic way ; PRIVATE WORSHIP. 606 3 While the stars unn"amber'd roll Round the ever constant pole, Far above these spangled skies All my soul to God shall rise : 4 'Midst the silence of the night, Mingling with those angels bright Whose harmonious voices raise Ceaseless love and ceaseless praise : 5 'Midst the throng, his gentle ear Shall my grateful accents hear ; From on high will he impart Secret comfort to my heart : 6 Lifting all my thoughts above On the wings of faith and love. Blest alternative to me. Thus to sleep or wake with thee. APPENDIX TO PART I. CHRISTIAN WORSHIP, AND THE LORD'S DAY. 0Qi^ S. M. Dabney's Col. Invitations to the House of God. Come to the house of pray'r, O thou afflicted, come ; The God of peace shall meet thee there, He makes that house his home. Come to the house of praise, Ye who are happy now ; In sweet accord your voices raise, In kindred homage bow. Ye aged, hither come, For ye" have felt his love ; Soon shall your trembling tongues be dumb, Your lips forget to move. 489 608 APPENDIX. 4 Ye young, before his throne, Come, bow ; your voices raise ; Let not your hearts his praise disown Who gives the pow'r to praise. 5 Thou whose benignant eye In mercy looks on all, Who see'st the tear of misery And hear'st the mourner's call ; 6 Up to thy dwelling place Bear our frail spirits on, Till they outstrip time's tardy pace. And heav'n on earth be won. 608 P- M. Dabney's Col. . Engagedness in Devotion. 1 Lord, before thy presence come, Bow we down with holy fear ; Call our erring footsteps home, Let us feel that thou art near. 2 Wand'ring thoughts and languid pow'rs Come not where devotion kneels ; Let the soul expand her stores. Glowing with the joy she feels. 3 At the portals of thine house We resign our earth-born cares ; Nobler thoughts our souls engross, ' Songs of praise and fervent pray'rs. 4 Hapless men, whose footsteps stray From the temples of the Lord ; 490 CHRISTIAN WORSHIP. 609 Teach them wisdom's heav'nly way ; To their feet thy light afford. 5 Now begin the glorious song, Theme of wonder, love and joy ; Angels, the glad notes prolong ; Seraphs, 'tis your blest employ. 609 ^' M. F. For the Commencement of Public Worship. 1 Here in thy temple. Lord, we bow ; To thee our feeble thoughts would rise ; O grant that we may bring thee now A pure and holy sacrifice. 2 What is the world, that it should share Hearts wdiich belong to God alone ? What are the idols reigning there. Compared with thee. Almighty One ? 3 Fountain of living waters, we To earthly springs would stoop no more ; Athirst, we humbly turn to thee ; Into our hearts thy spirit pour — 4 The spirit of thy boundless love. The spirit of thy truth and peace ; Come, blessed spirit, from above, And every earth-bound soul release. 491 dl0> APPENDIX. TO PART VIII. CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 610 C- M. Exeter Col. TTie Gospel a Glorious Light. 1 The gospel, like another sun, Shines with a glorious ray ; Chasing the darkness of the night, It spreads the moral day. 2 What blessed truths this book reveals. What hope its pages give ! Pardon and peace the gospel brings, And bids the sinner live. 3 Purer than silver most refined Its holy precepts shine ; The promises most precious are, Th' examples are divine. 4 The Father's grace, the Saviour's love, Adorn the sacred page ; Our youth it guides, and well supports The feeble steps of age. 5 Immortal life it brings to light, A life of perfect joy, Pleasures refined which always charm, Delights that never cloy. 49-2 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 611, 612 6 Thy gospel, Lord, demands our praise, For this thj name we bless ; 0 may onr hearts as well as tongues Its glorious pow'r confess. gJ^J C. M. Exeter Col. Salvation. 1 Salvation ! O the joyful sound, 'Tis music to our ears, A sovereign balm for every wound, A cordial for our fears. 2 Salvation ! 0 the pow'r and grace That here triumphant reign, To raise from death our sinful race To life and God again. 3 Salvation ! let the echo fly The spacious earth around, And all the arches of the sky Send back the noble sound. 022 S. M. Exeter Col. By Grace we are Saved. Grace ! 'tis a pleasing sound. Harmonious to the ear ; Heav'n with the echo shall resound And all the earth shall hear. Grace first contrived the way To rescue sinful man, 2R 493 613 APPENDIX. And all the steps that grace display Which drew the wondrous plan. 3 Grace shows our wand'ring feet The true, the heav'nly road, And fresh supplies each hour we meet While pressing on to God. 4 Grace all the work shall crown Through everlasting days ; In heav'n it leads the spirit on, And claims unceasing praise. 613 S. M. Exeter Col. The Hope of Mercy, 1 Raise your triumphant songs To an immortal tune ; Let the whole earth resound the deeds Celestial grace hath done. 2 Sing how Eternal love Its well-beloved chose, And bade him raise our sinful race From an abyss of woes. 3 Pardon and peace from heav'n Jesus proclaims abroad. And brings to erring, guilty man. Sure mercy from his God. 4 Now, sinners, dry your tears, Let hopeless sorrows cease ; Grateful accept your Father's love, And take the offer'd peace. 494 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 614 0J^^ P. M. Drummond. Praise for the Gospel. 1 Give thanks to God the Lord, The victory is ours, And sin is overcome By Christ's triumphant pow'rs. The monster now In chains is bound, And Death has felt His mortal wound. 2 Oppress'd by guilt and woe, The world in darkness lay, Till Christ on earth appear'd, Then all was boundless day. With terror struck, The host of night Fled in despair To shun the light. 3 Now o'er the vanquish'd tomb Behold the trophy blaze. The banner of the Cross, That pours its streaming rays To mark the path Where Jesus trod, And upward guide Our steps to God. 4 Give thanks to God the Lord, The victory is won, And up the path to heav'n Our march is now begun. 495 615, 616 APPENDIX. The hymn of joy Exulting raise, And shout aloud The Saviour's praise. 0]^5 P. M. Exeter Col. The Gospel Jubilee. 1 Blow ye the trumpet, blow The gladly solemn sound ; Let all the nations know, To earth's remotest bound. The year of jubilee is come, Keturn, ye wand'ring sinners, home. 2 Behold the Son of God, Commission'd from above. To all the human race The messenger of love ; The year of jubilee is come. Return, ye contrite sinners, home. 3 The gospel trumpet sounds ; Let all the nations hear. And earth's remotest bounds Before the throne appear : The year of jubilee is come, Return, ye pardon'd sinners, home. 0 J^^ P. M. Renshaw St. Col. Birth of Christ. 1 0 LET your mingling voices rise In grateful rapture to the skies. And hail a Saviour's birth ; 496 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 617 Let songs of joy the day proclaim When Jesus all triumphant came To bless the sons of earth. ' He came to bid the weary rest, To heal the sinner's wounded breast, To bind the broken heart, To spread the light of truth around , And to the world's remotest bound The heav'nly gift impart. He came our trembling souls to save From sin and sorrow and the grave, And chase our fears away ; Victorious over death and time, To lead us to a happier clime Where reigns eternal day. Then let your mingling voices rise In grateful rapture to the skies. And hail a Saviour's birth ; Let songs of joy the day proclaim When Jesus all triumphant came To bless the sons of earth. 617 L- M. Exeter Col. Divine Love in the Gospel. To thee my heart, eternal King, Would now its thankful tribute bring; To thee its humble homao-e raise Li songs of ardent, grateful praise. 2 R* 497 618 APPENDIX. 2 All nature shows thy boundless love, In worlds below, in worlds above, But in thy blessed word I trace The richer glories of thy grace. 3 There what delightful truths are given ! There Jesus shows the way to heav'n ; His voice salutes my list'ning ear, Revives my heart and checks my fear. 4 There Jesus bids our sorrows cease, And gives the iab'ring conscience peace, Raises our grateful feelings high, And points to mansions in the sky. 5 For love like this O may my song Through endless years thy praise prolong. And distant climes thy name adore Till time and nature are no more. 01§ L. M. Exeter Col. Praise for the Salvation through Jesus. 1 To God, of ev'ry good the Spring, The tribute of your praises bring. For grace and truth through Jesus given, Mercy and peace and hopes of heav'n. 2 Grateful the joyous news proclaim, Salvation is in Jesus' name ; Salvation ! shout the glorious sound. Proclaim it to the world around. 3 Tell every fearful, trembling soul The word of Christ will make him whole ; 498 CHRIST AND CHRISTIANITY. 618 Invite the weary poor to come ; At Jesus' feast there still is room. 4 Jesus, that name shall calm their fears, Dispel their doubts and dry their tears, Give ease to ev'ry throbbing breast, And to the weary mourner rest. 5 Jesus, our Prophet, Saviour, King ; For Jesus, grateful praise we bring To thee from whom his blessings flow'd, To thee, our Father and our God. 619 APPENDIX. TO PART IX. PENITENTIAL, ^]^^ S. M. Drummond. A Call to Repentance. " Together let us plead, O sinner," saith the Lord, " Give to the voice of wisdom heed, And trust my faithful word." " Like scarlet though they glow, Or like the crimson bright, Your sins shall soon be pure as snow, As fleecy vesture white." By penitence and pray'r The wondrous change is wrought ; They soothe the pangs of deep despair And heal the wounded thought. Bathed in the hallow'd dews Of penitential tears, The soul her health and strength renews, And bright in heav'n appears : There all the heav'nly host v With acclamations high From death her glad recovery boast, And welcome to the sky. 500 PENITENTIAL. 620 020 P. M. John Taylor. Penitence. 1 God of mercy, God of love, Hear our sad, repentant song ; Sorrow dwells on ev'ry face. Penitence on ev'ry tongue. 2 Deep regret for follies past, Talents wasted, time misspent, Hearts debased by worldly cares, Thankless for the blessings lent. 3 Foolish fears and fond desires, Vain regrets for things as vain. Lips too seldom taught to praise. Oft to murmur and complain. 4 These and ev'ry secret fault Fill'd with grief and shame we own, Humbled at thy feet we lie. Seeking pardon from thy throne. 5 God of mercy, God of grace. Hear our sad repentant songs ; O restore thy suppliant race. Thou to whom all praise belongs. 501 621 APPENDIX. TO PART X. DEVOUT AFFECTIONS AND GOOD RESOLUTIONS. 621 ^' M. Exeter Col. Supplication for Spiritual Blessings. 1 Father of all, whose cares extend To earth's remotest shore, Through ev'rj age let praise ascend, Let ev'ry clime adore. 2 What conscience dictates to be done Or warns me not to do, This teach me more than death to shun. That more than life pursue. 3 If I am right, thy grace impart Still in the right to stay ; If I am wrong, O teach my heart To find the better way. 4 Teach me to feel another's woe. To hide the faults I see ; That mercy I to others show, That mercy show to me. 5 Save me alike from foolish pride Or impious discontent, At aught thy wisdom hath denied Or aught thy goodness lent. 502 DEVOUT AFFECTIONS, ETC. 621 6 This day be bread and peace my lot ; All else beneath the sun Thou know'st if best bestow'd or not, And let thy will be done. 7 To thee, whose temple is all space, Whose altar earth, sea, skies, One chorus let all beings raise. All nature's incense rise. 622 APPENDIX. TO PART XII. THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. ^22 ^' ^- ^^s- Barbauld. Christian Chanty. 1 Behold where breathing love divine, Our dying master stands ; His weeping foll'wers gathering round, Receive his last commands. 2 From that mild teacher's parting lips What tender accents fell ! The gentle precept which he gave Became its author well. 3 Blest is the man whose soft'ning heart Feels all another's pain, To whom the supplicating eye Was never raised in vain : 4 Whose breast expands with gen'rous warmth A stranger's woe to feel, And bleeds in pity o'er the wound He wants the pow'r to heal. 5 He spreads his kind supporting arms To ev'ry child of grief : His secret bounty largely flows. And brings unask'd relief 504 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 623 6 To gentle offices of love His feet are never slow ; He views through mercy's melting eye A brother in a foe. 7 Peace from the bosom of his God, My peace to him I give ; And when he kneels before the throne His trembling soul shall live. 8 To him protection shall be shown, And mercy from above Descend on those who thus fulfil The perfect law of love. 623 C. M. Exeter Col. Christian Purity. 1 From every thought and wish impure, Great God, preserve my soul ; May ev'ry rebel passion bow To thy divine control. 2 Sin has a thousands treach'rous arts To lead the soul aside ; O teach me every art to shun, And be my constant guide. 3 Ne'er let me venture to beg-in The gay, enchanted round. Where in a thoughtless, guilty maze The slaves of sin are found. 4 O grant me thine assisting grace Where'er I'm call'd to go ; 2 S 505 624 APPENDIX. Upheld by thee my cautious feet The paths of peace shall know. 5 Through all the dang'rous scenes of life Deign, Lord, my way to trace; And after death may I behold With joy thy holy face. 024: ^' ^' Gregg, altered. Not Ashamed of Jesus. 1 Jesus, and shall it ever be, A mortal man ashamed of thee ? Ashamed of thee, God's only Son, The promised and anointed one ! 2 Ashamed of Jesus ! sooner far Let ev'ning blush to own her star ; He sheds the beams of light divine O'er this benighted soul of mine. 3 Ashamed of Jesus ! just as soon Might midnight be ashamed of noon ; 'Twas midnight with the world till he, Bright morning star, bade darkness flee. 4 Ashamed of Jesus! that dear friend On whom my noblest hopes depend ; No; when I blush be this my shame, That I no more revere his name. 5 Ashamed of thee ! yes, I may be When I've no sins, blest Lord, to flee, No fears to quell, no good to crave, No tears to wipe, no soul to save. 506 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 625 Till then the cross with all the shame He bore for me my love shall claim ; So then at last my boast shall be That Christ is not ashamed of me. 025 C. M. Exeter Col. TTie same. 1 Is there on earth a nobler name Than Jesus to be found ? Who can assert a hio-lier claim, Or more with truth abound? 2 The Son of God, adorn'd with grace, Commission'd from above, He bears to our rebellious race The messages of love. 3 Behold his gentle spirit feel The suff 'rings of mankind, And with a word the sorrows heal Of body and of mind. 4 How lofty were the truths he taught ! How pure the life he led ! And shall another Lord be soug-ht, And w^e disown our Head ? 5 Ashamed of Jesus, shall we let This precious Saviour go, And basely at defiance set Him w^ho hath loved us so ? G Forbid it, Lord, nor let us yield To this unworthy shame, 507 6^6 APPENDIX. But each with holy courage fill'd, Rejoice in Jesus' name. 020 ^' M. New York Col. Abiding in Christ. 1 From Christ my Lord shall I depart, And raze his image from my heart, Forsake the beams of heav'nly day, And follow nature's feeble ray ? 2 Treasures of pow'r and grace divine United in my Saviour shine ; No other name but his is giv'n To lead us to the joys of heav'n. 3 True living bread his hands bestow, Pure living waters round him flow ; And shall I from the fountain fly, And in the parching desert die ? 4 Words of eternal life are stored In the rich gospel of my Lord ; Can I immortal hopes consign To luxury's gulph or mammon's mine ? 5 Forbid it, Author of my frame. Great God from whom my spirit came ; Thy Son can endless life bestow ; To whom but him then should I go ? 508 THE CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. 627, 628 |»Oiy C. M. Dabney's Col. The Examples of Jesus and his Faithful Servants. 1 Give me the wings of faith, to rise Within the veil and see The saints above, how great their joys. How bright their glories be. 2 Once they were mourners here below, Their eyes were dimm'd with tears. And hard they strove, as we would now. With sins and doubts and fears. 3 And ask we, whence their vict'ry came ? They with united breath Ascribe their triumph to his name Who burst the bands of death. 4 They mark'd the footsteps that he trod, His zeal inspired their breast. And foll'wing their triumphant Lord, They reach'd the promised rest. 5 Our glorious Leader claims our praise For his own pattern giv'n. While the long cloud of witnesses Show the same path to heav'n. 02^ L. M. Scott. Christian Privileges and Obligations. 1 How many millions draw their breath In lands of ignorance and death, 2 s* 509 628 APPENDIX. While God allots my share of time Within his gospel's favor'd clime ! 2 Shall I receive this grace in vain, Shall I my great vocation stain ? Away, ye works in darkness wrought ; Away, each sensual, earthly thought. 3 My soul, I charge thee to excel In thinking right and acting well ; Deep let thy searching pow'rs engage Unbiass'd in the sacred page. 4 Heighten the force of good desire ; To deeds of shining worth aspire ; More firm in fortitude, despise The world's seducinsr vanities. '& Strong and more strong thy passions rule, Advancing still in virtue's school, Contending still with noble strife To imitate thy Saviour's life. 610 LIFE, DEATH, ETC. 629 TO PART XIV. LIFE, DEATH, JUDGMENT, AND A FUTURE STATE. 029 ^- M- Exeter Col. The Last Account. 1 The time draws near when thou, my soul, Thy last account must give. When thy whole life shall be survey'd By him who bade thee live. 2 How many talents, O my God, Hast thou bestow'd on me ! But yet how few can there be found Devoted, Lord, to thee ! 3 My health, my time, my worldly store And thy more precious word The talents are for which I must Account to thee, my Lord. 4 Much of my time, alas, I've lost, And much have I misspent ; How careless of my grand concern ! On trifles how intent ! 5 O may the slothful servant's doom My holy care excite ; Each talent may I well improve And in thy work delight. 511 630 APPENDIX. OSO C. M. p. Houghton. The Re-union of the Virtuous after Death. 1 Blest hour, when virtuous friends shall meet, Their earthly sorrows o'er, And with celestial welcome greet On an immortal shore. 2 The parent finds his long-lost child, Brothers on brothers gaze ; The tear of resignation mild Is changed to joy and praise. 3 Each tender tie dissolved with pain With endless bliss is crown'd ; All that was dead revives again. All that was lost is found. 4 And while remembrance, ling'ring still, Draws joy from sorrowing hours, New prospects rise, new pleasures fill The soul's expanding pow'rs. 5 Congenial minds, arrayed in light, Hiffh thouo-hts shall interchano^e, Nor cease with ever-new delight On wings of love to range. 6 Their Father marks the gen'rous flame, And looks complacent down ; The smile that owns their filial claim Is their immortal crown. 512 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. TO PART XV. PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. 631 ^01 L. M. Dabney's Col. Jesus Christ the Image of the Unseen God. 1 Thou, Lord, by mortal eyes unseen, And by thine offspring here unknown, To manifest thyself to men Hast set thine image in thy Son. 2 As the bright sun's meridian blaze O'erwhelms and pains our feeble sight, But cheers us with his softer rays When shining with reflected light, 3 So in thy Son thy pow'r divine, Thy wisdom, justice, truth and love, AVith mild and pleasing lustre shine, Reflected from thy throne above. 4 Though they who granted not his claim Contemptuous turn'd away their face, Yet those who trusted in his name Beheld in him thy truth and grace. 5 O thou, at whose almighty word Fair ligiit at first from darkness shone,* Teach us to know our glorious Lord, And trace the Father in the Son. 513 632, 633 APPENDIX. 6 While we thine image there display'd, With love and admiration view, Form us in likeness to our Head, That we may bear thine image too. 032 L. M. Exeter Col. Contemplation of the Character of Jesus. 1 With warm delight and grateful joy Let all our best affections move. When we on Christ our thoughts employ, On him whom though unseen we love. 2 How bright a pattern and how pure Hath he in all things kindly given To make our path of duty sure. And guide our wand'ring steps to heav'n ! 3 In all he did with joy we view The lofty purpose of his soul ; Man's earth-born passions to subdue, And all the pow'r of sin control. 4 Father of all, his God and ours, Accept the humble, fervent praise. Which with our souls' united pow'rs For thy rich grace through him we raise. 033 L. M. Exeter Col. See how he loved! 1 " See how he loved !" exclaim'd the Jews, When Jesus over Laz'rus wept ; My grateful heart the words shall use While on his life my eye is kept. 514 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. 634 2 See how he loved who travell'd on Teaching the doctrine from the skies, Who bade disease and pain begone, And called the sleeping dead to rise. • 3 See how he loved who never shrank From toil or danger, pain or death, But all the cup of sorrow drank. And meekly yielded up his breath. 4 And shall such love meet no return, Nor wake the passions of the breast ? Shall not our grateful bosoms burn To prove our love by every test ? 5 Yes, we will love thee. Saviour, Guide, For thou hast loved us — O how well, More than all earthly friends beside, More than our feeble lips can tell. ^34 C. M. Exeter Col. Reflections on the Death of Jesus. 1 With warm affection let us view, With pious grief improve. The solemn and impressive scene Of Jesus' dying love. 2 Not all the malice of his foes His pity could subdue ; " Father, forgive," he meekly pray'd, " They know not what they do." 3 0 what a love was here display'd, Beyond our utmost thought ! 515 635 APPENDIX. How pure the lessons, how sublime, In life and death he taught ! 4 Let not his sacred truths hj us Be lost or misapplied, Nor let our thoughtless hearts forget That 'twas for us he died. ^3^ ^' M" Drummond. The Memory of Jesus. 1 Yes, long as mem'ry to my brain Recalls a feature of the past, There shall my Saviour's image reign, And of its treasures be the last. 2 0 holy feast, for grosser sense Ordain'd not, sweet refreshment give, And that pure nutriment dispense On which my faith and hope may live. 3 This bread, as manna from the sky, O may it feed my hungry soul. And health and strength and speed supply To run to virtue's heav'nly goal. 4 And may this emblem of his blood, The cheering fruitage of the vine, Send to my heart a thrilling flood Of love, of joy and grace divine. 5 And may this heart ne'er cease to glow With rapt devotion, God, to thee ; And all the gratitude I owe To him who gave his life for me. 516 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. - 636 6 If I forget thee, blessed Lord, O may my hand forget her skill, Nor longer may my voice accord To be the herald of my will. 7 But may each pow'r its task forego, Be all my bosom's chords unstrung, Extinct my spirit's vivid glow, And bound in frozen sleep my tongue. 03^ C. M. New York Col. The same. 1 O God, accept the sacred hour Which w^e to thee have giv'n. And let this hallow'd scene have pow'r To raise our souls to heaven. 2 Still let us hold till life departs The precepts of thy Son, Nor let our thoughtless, thankless hearts Forget what he has done. 3 His true disciples may we live, From all corruption free. And humbly learn like him to give Our pow'rs, our wills to thee. 4 And oft along life's dang'rous way To smooth our passage through, Wilt thou on this thy holy day For us this scene renew. 2T 517 637, 638 APPENDIX. ^3>y : . CM Liverpool Col. TTie same. 1 O HERE, if ever, God of love. Let strife and hatred cease, And ev'ry heart harmonious move. And ev'ry thought be peace. 2 Not here, where met to think on him Whose latest thoughts were ours. Shall mortal passions come to dim The prayer devotion pours. 3 No, gracious Master, not in vain Thy life of love hath been ; The peace thou gav'st may yet remain, Though thou no more art seen. 4 Thy kingdom come ; we watch, we wait To hear the cheering call, When heav'n shall ope its glorious gate. And God be all in all. ^3§ L. M. New York Col. 7%e same. 1 We sing thy mercy, God of love, That sent the Saviour from above To free our race from sin and woe. And spread thy peace and truth below. 2 We thank thee for the words he brought. We thank thee that he lived and taught Frail and imperfect man to be In humble mode resembling thee. 518 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. 639 3 We thank thee for thy gracious care, That kept those sacred pages fair Through ev'ry age, whose lines record The deeds and precepts of our Lord. 4 We thank thee for this solemn rite, By us repeated in thy sight ; O fill our souls with bread divine, And nourish us with heav'nly wine. 039 S. M. New York Col. The same. Yes, to the last command We will obedient prove ; Around his table will we stand In mem'ry of his love. His precious blood he shed For our unworthy race, While utt'ring in th' Almighty's stead His messages of grace. O if our senseless pride His dying words neglect, 'Tis we who pierce his sacred side. And we who God reject. Then let us ever keep This consecrated feast, 'Till mem'ry shall have sunk to sleep Or life itself have ceased. 519 640, 641 APPENDIX. ■ 640 S- M. ' F. The same. 1 Here in the broken bread, Here in the cnp we take, His body and his blood behold Who suffer 'd for onr sake. 2 Yes, that our souls might live. Those sacred limbs were torn. That blood was spilt, and pangs untold Were by the Saviour borne. 3 O thou who didst allow Thy Son to suffer thus. Father, what more couldst thou have done Than thou hast done for us. 4 We are persuaded now That nothing can divide Thy children from that boundless love Reveal'd in him who died — 5 Who died to make us sure Of mercy, truth and peace, And from the pow'r and pains of sin To bring a full release. 641 s. M. F. The same, 1 O FOR a prophet's fire, O for an angel's tongue, To speak the mighty love of him Who on the cross was hung. 520 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. 642 2 In vain our hearts attempt In language meet to tell How through a thousand sorrows burn'd That flame unquenchable. 3 Yet would we praise that love, Beyond expression dear ; Come, gather round this table then, And celebrate it here. 4 Here in the bread and wine Your dying Saviour view ; Thus did he give his body up, And thus his blood for you. 5 These symbols of his death, O with what pow'r they speak ! Prophetic lips and angels' lyres Compared with these are weak. 6 And shall they plead in vain With our forgetful souls ? Forbid it, God, while through our veins The vital current rolls. 642 p. M. Exeter Col. Desires after Christian Obedience. 1 From the table now retiring, AVhich for us our Lord hath spread, May our souls, refreshment finding, Grow in all things like our Head. 2 His example by beholding May our lives his image bear ; 2 T* 521 643 APPENDIX. Him our Lord and Master calling, His commands may we revere. 3 Love to God and man displaying, Walking steadfast in his way, Joy attend us in believing. Peace from God through endless day. 043 p. M. Dabney's Col. Close of the Year. 1 While with ceaseless course the sun Hasted through the closing year, Many souls their race have run. Never more to meet us here. Finished here probation's day, They have done with all below ; We a little longer stay. But how little, none can know, 2 As the winged arrow flies Quick the destined mark to find, As the lightning from the skies Darts and leaves no trace behind, So our brief and transient days Bear us down life's rapid stream ; Upward, Lord, our spirits raise ; All below is but a dream. 522 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. 644 |» J JL L. M. Rippon's Col. On the Dangerous Sickness of a Minister. 1 O Tiiou, "before whose gracious throne We bow our suppliant spirits down, Thou know'st the anxious cares we feel, And all our trembling lips would tell. 2 Thou only canst assuage our grief And give our sorrowing hearts relief; In mercy then thy servant spare, Nor turn aside thy people's pray'r. 3 Avert thy desolating stroke, Nor smite the shepherd of the flock ; Restore him, sinking to the grave, Stretch out thine arm, make haste to save. 4 Bound to each soul by tender ties, In ev'ry heart his image lies ; Thy pitying aid, O God, impart, Nor rend him from each bleeding heart. 5 But if our supplications fail. And pray'rs and tears cannot prevail, Be thou his strength, be thou his stay, Support him through the gloomy way. 6 Around him may thine angels stand, Waiting the signal of thy hand To bid his happy spirit rise And bear him to their native skies. 523 645 APPENDIX. 645 P. M. Kippis. Thanksgiving for National Prosperity. 1 How rich thy gifts, Almighty King ! From thee our public blessings spring : The extended trade, the fruitful skies. The treasures liberty bestows, Th' eternal joys the gospel shows, All from thy boundless goodness rise. 2 Here commerce spreads the wealthy store Which pours from every foreign shore ; Science and art their charms display ; Religion teaches us to raise Our voices to our Maker's praise. As truth and conscience point the way. 3 With grateful hearts, with joyful tongues To God w^e raise united songs ; His pow'r and mercy we proclaim ; This land through ev'ry age shall own That here the Lord has fix'd his throne, And triumph in his mighty name. 4 Long as the moon her course shall run Or man behold the circling sun, O still may God amidst us reign, Crown our just counsels with success, With peace and joy our borders bless, And all our sacred rights maintain. 524 PARTICULAR OCCASIONS. 646 |» J g C. M. Rippon's Col. Evening of the Lord's Day. 1 Frequent the day of God returns To slied its quick'ning beams ; And yet how slow devotion burns, How languid are its flames ! 2 Accept our faint attempts to love, Our frailties, Lord, forgive ; We w^ould be like thy saints above, And praise thee while we live. 3 Increase, O Lord, our faith and hope, And fit us to ascend Where the assembly ne'er breaks up, The Sabbath ne'er shall end. 4 Where we shall breathe in heav'nly air. With heav'nly lustre shine ; Before the throne of God appear, And feast on love divine. 5 Where we in high seraphic strains Shall all our pow'rs employ. Delighted range th' ethereal plains, With never ending joy. 525 SENTENCES AND ANTHEMS SENTENCES AND ANTHEMS. 1 Hear us, God of our salvation ; Hear us with benign compassion ; O receive the vows we pay. In thy ways, may we proceeding Follow thee where thou art leading ; In the morning, praise ascending, Or when even's shades descending. Grateful hymns our thanks proclaim. 2 Great Jehovah, God of Glory, Lord of lords. Almighty King, Angels veil their faces 'fore thee. Worlds on worlds thy praises sing. Mighty Lord, accept our praise : To thy name hosannas raise. 2 U 529 3, 4 SENTENCES AND ANTHEMS. 5, 6 Holy, holy, holy Lord, Be thy glorious name adored ; Thou to whom all praise belongs, Hear our prayer, accept our songs. 4 How wondrous and great thy work, God of praise ! How just. King of saints, and true are thy ways ! O who shall not fear thee and honor thy name? Thou only art holy, thou only supreme. 5 Therefore with angels and archangels, and all the company of heaven, we laud and mag- nify thy glorious name; evermore praising thee, and saying : Holy, holy, holy Lord God of Hosts; Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of thy glory : Glory be to thee, O Lord most High. Amen. 6 From the rising of the sun, even unto the going down of the same, my name shall be great among the Gentiles ; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering, saith the Lord of Hosts. 530 7 SENTENCES AND ANTHEMS. 8 7 Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord ; Hosanna in the highest. 8 1 Praise to thee, thon great Creator, Praise to thee from ev'ry tongue ; Join, my soul, with ev'ry creature, Join the universal song. Joyfully on earth adore him, Till in heav'n we take our place ; There enraptured fall before him, Lost in wonder, love and praise. CHORUS. Holy, holy, holy Lord, Be thy glorious name adored : Deign our humble songs to hear, Though unworthy, Lord, thine ear. 1 Hail the God of our salvation. Triumph in redeeming love ; Let us with glad exultation Imitate the blest above : For ten thousand blessings given. For the hope of future joy, Sound his praise through earth and heaven ; Sound Jehovah's praise on high. CHORUS. Holy, &c. 531 9, 10 SENTENCES AND ANTHEMS. 11, 12 9 Holy, holy, holy Lord God of Sabaoth ! Heaven and earth are full of thy glory. Ho- sanna in the highest. 10 Hear me, O Lord; save me, O God; O Lord God of Hosts, give ear; hear my prayer; 0 Lord, give ear nnto my cry. I will praise thee, O Lord; I will praise thy holy name. I will praise the name of God with a song. I will praise thee, 0 Lord, and will magnify thy name, O Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul,»and glorify the name of the Lord; sing nnto God, sing ye praises to his Holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul. 1 will praise thy holy name. 11 Enter not into judgment with thy servant, O Lord, for in thy sight shall no man living- be justified. 12 Rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn nnto the Lord your God ; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and re- penteth him of the evil. 532 13 SENTENCES AND ANTHEMS. 14, 15 13 Bow down tliine ear, O Lord, and hear thou me. For daily I will call on thee. And I will thank thee, Lord, will thank thee, O my God ; and I will praise thy name, O Lord, for ever- more. 14 1 When the radiant beams of day Fade in twilight's shade away ; When the vesper star serene Sweetly, calmly bright is seen. Holy Father, hear our prayer ; Ever, till the world shall end, May the song to thee ascend, Holj' Father, hear our prayer. 2 Surely as the fading light Ushers in the orloom of night, Will our lives, a fleeting day. Quickly Me and pass away ; Holy Father, hear our prayer ; Hear us, when death's shadows low'r Darkly o'er life's closing hour : Holy Father, hear our prayer. 15 Have mercy upon me, O God, after thy great goodness ; according to the multitude of thy mercies do away mine iniquities. 2 u* 533 16 SENTENCES AND ANTHEMS. 17 16 O BE joyful in the Lord, all ye lands ; serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song. Be ye sure that the Lord he is God ; it is he that hath made ns, and not we ourselves ; we are his people and the sheep of his pasture. O go your way into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise ; be thankful unto him, and speak good of his name. For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting; and his truth en- dureth from generation to generation. Amen. 17 1 Come, ye disconsolate, where'er you lan- guish. Come, at the shrine of God fervently kneel ; Here bring your wounded hearts, here tell your anguish ; Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. 2 Joy of the comfortless, light of the straying, Hope, when all others die, fadeless and pure ; Here speaks the Comforter, in God's name saying, Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot cure. 534 18, 19 SENTENCES AND ANTHEMS. 20, 21 18 Praise, O Sion, God thy Saviour, Sing with, joy each tongue and nation ; O praise the name of the Lord. Glory, honor, adoration. Bring with joy each tongue and nation, Now before the Almighty's throne. Praise, O Sion, God thy Saviour, Earth and heaven's great Creator. O praise ye the name of the Lord. 19 1 Come ye who love the Lord, And let your joys be known ; Join in a song with SAveet accord, And thus surround the throne. 2 While with my heart and tongue I spread thy praise abroad ; Accept the worship and the song, My Father and my God. 20 Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. 21 Let the words of my mouth and the medi- tation of my heart be always acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my Re- deemer. 535 22 SENTENCES AND ANTHEMS. 23, 24 22 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. 23 The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him. 24 1 Earth with her ten thousand flowers, Air with all its beams and showers, All around and all above Hath this record, "■ God is Love." 2 Sounds among the vales and hills, In the woods and by the rills. All these songs, beneath, above, Have one burthen, " God is love." 3 All the charities that start From the fountains of the heart, These are voices from above, Sweetly whisp'ring, " God is love." 4 Earth with her ten thousand flowers, Air with all its beams and showers, All are voices from above, Loudly sounding, " God is love." 536 25 SENTENCES AND ANTHEMS. 26 25 Hearken unto me, my people ; O my na- tion, give ear nnto me. All thy children shall be taught of God, and great shall be the peace of thy children. He that hath pity upon the poor, lendeth unto the Lord. The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. Blessed shall he be in the city, blessed shall he be in the field ; blessed shall he be when he cometh in, blessed shall he be when he goeth out ; blessed shall he be for ever and ever. Amen. 26 1 Triumphant Zion, lift thy head From dust and darkness and the dead ; Though humbled long, awake at length. And gird thee with thy Saviour's strength. 2 Put all thy beauteous garments on. And let thy excellence be known ; Deck'd in the robes of righteousness. The world thy glories shall confess. 3 No more shall foes unclean invade. And fill thy hallow'd walls with dread ; No more shall hell's insulting host Their victory and thy sorrows boast. 4 God from on high has heard thy prayer, His hand thy ruins shall repair ; Nor will thy watchful Monarch cease To guard thee in eternal peace. 537 27 SENTENCES AND ANTHEMS. 27 O BLESS the Lord, my soul, His grace to thee j^roclaim ; And all that is within me join To bless his holy name. Then bless the Lord my soul ; Let all that is within me join To praise his holy name. CHANTS. ;r«. CHANTS. J[ Venite exultenius. 1 O COME, let us sing unto the Lord, let us heartily rejoice in the strength of our salva- tion. 2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and show ourselves glad in him with psalms. 3 For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. 4 In his hand are all the corners of the earth, and the strength of the hills is his also. 5 The sea is his, and he made it ; and his hands prepared the dry land. 6 O come, let us worship, and fall down ; and kneel before the Lord our Maker. 7 For he is the Lord our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand. 8 O worship the Lord in the beauty of ho- liness ; let the whole earth stand in awe of him. 9 For he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth ; and with righteousness to judge the world, and the people with his truth. 2 V 541 CHANTS. 3, 4 " Jubilate Deo. 1 O BE joyful in the Lord, all ye lands; serve the Lord with gladness, and come before his presence with a song. 2 Be ye sure that the Lord he is God ; it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves ; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 3 O go your way into his gates with thanks- giving, and into his courts with praise ; be thankful unto him, and speak good of his name. 4 For the Lord is gracious, his mercy is everlasting ; and his truth endureth from ge- neration to generation. O Benedidus. 1 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people ; 2 And hath raised up a mighty salvation for us, in the house of his servant David ; 3 As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began ; 4 That we should be saved from our ene- mies, and from the hand of all that hate us. 4b Laudate Dominum. 1 O PRAISE God in his holiness ; praise him in the firmament of his power. 542 CHANTS. 6 2 Praise him in his noble acts ; praise him according to his excellent greatness. 3 Praise him in the sound of the trumpet ; praise him upon the lute and harp. 4 Praise him in the cymbals and dances ; praise him upon the strings and pipe. 5 Praise him upon the well tuned cymbals; praise him upon the loud cymbals. 6 Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. O Cantate Domino. 1 0 SING unto the Lord a new song ; for he hath done marvellous things. 2 With his own right hand, and with his holy arm, hath he gotten himself the victory. 3 The Lord declared his salvation ; his righteousness hath he openly showed in the sight of the heathen. 4 He hath remembered his mercy and truth toward the house of Israel ; and all the ends of the world have seen the salvation of our God. 5 Show yourselves joyful unto the Lord, all ye lands ; sing, rejoice and give thanks. 6 Praise the Lord upon the harp ; sing to the harp with a psalm of thanksgiving. 7 With trumpets also and shawms, O show yourselves joyful before the Lord the King. 8 Let the sea make a noise, and all that therein is, the round world, and they that dwell therein. 543 b CHANTS. 7 9 Let the floods clap their hands, and let the hills be joyful together before the Lord ; for he Cometh to judge the earth. 10 With righteousness shall he judge the world, and the people with equity. O Bonum est, 1 It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most Highest ; 2 To tell of thy loving kindness early in the morning, and of thy truth in the night season; 3 Upon an instrument of ten strings, and upon the lute ; upon a loud instrument, and upon the harp. 4 For thou, Lord, hast made me glad through thy works; and I will rejoice in giving praise for the operations of thy hands, '#' Deus misereafur. 1 God be merciful unto us, and bless us, and show us the light of his countenance, and be merciful unto us. 2 That thy way may be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations. 3 Let the people praise thee, O God ; yea, let all the people praise thee. 4 O let the nations rejoice and be glad ; for thou shalt judge the folk righteously, and go- vern the nations upon earth. 544 8 CHANTS. y 5 Let the people praise thee, O God ; yea, let all the people praise thee. 6 Then shall the earth bring forth her in- crease; and God, even our own God, shall give us his blessing. 7 God shall bless us ; and all the ends of the world shall fear him. 8 / will lift up mine eyes. 1 I WILL lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. 2 My help cometh even from the Lord, who hath made heaven and earth. 3 He will not suffer thy feet to be moved, and he that keepeth thee will not sleep. 4 Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall nei- ther slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord himself is thy keeper; the Lord is thy defence upon thy right hand ; 6 So that the sun shall not burn thee by day ; neither the moon by night. 7 The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil ; yea, it is even he that shall keep thy soul. 8 The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in, from this time forth for evermore. 9 Benedic anima mea. 1 Praise the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me praise his holy name. 2 Y* 545 10 CHANTS. 2 Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits ; 3 Who forgiveth all thy sin, and healeth all thine infirmities ; 4 Who saveth thy life from destruction, and crowneth thee with mercy and loving- kindness. 5 O praise the Lord, ye angels of his, ye that excel in strength, ye that fulfil his com- mandment, and hearken unto the voice of his vrords. 6 O praise the Lord, all ye his hosts; ye servants of his that do his pleasure. 7 O speak good of the Lord, all ye works of his, in all places of his dominion. Praise thou the Lord, O my soul. XO Easter Sunday. 1 Christ our passover is sacrificed for us ; therefore let us keep the feast ; 2 Not with the old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness ; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 3 Christ being raised from the dead, dieth no more ; death hath no more dominion over him. 4 For in that he died, he died unto sin once; but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 5 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin; but alive unto God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 546 CHANTS. 11 6 Christ is risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. 7 For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 8 For as in Adam all die ; even so in Christ shall all be made alive. H Thanksgiving Day. 1 Praise ye the Lord; for it is good to sing praises unto our God ; for it is pleasant, and praise is comely. 2 The Lord doth build up Jerusalem ; he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. 3 He healeth those that are broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. 4 He covereth the heaven with clouds, and prepareth rain for the earth ; he maketh the grass to grow upon the mountains. 5 He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry. 6 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem: Praise thy God, O Sion. 7 For he hath strengthened the bars of thy gates; he hath blessed thy children within thee. 8 He maketh peace in thy borders, and filleth thee with the finest of the wheat. 547 Pnncelon Theological Seirinarir-Speer Library 1 1012 01100 5305 DATE DUE "-i^;^ 8^/5 mmmm IdHPW^^ \ 1 >:3 >'>s> ■> >>>:> :> '5^^ >->:^«^'^s> ^^y .>^ -^Xli^ '^-■^^: .CdUP :>>^ :3>j2) ES- 5>Jfc* i. ^^^? ^5>^ f-^y