Yes, while the dear Redeemer lives We have a boundless store, And shall be fed with what he gives, Who lives for evermore. XXXII. THE SHINING LIGHT. My former hopes are fled, I feel, alas! that I am dead Ah, whither shall I fly! I hear the thunder roar; The law proclaims destruction nigh, And vengeance at the door. When I review my ways, I dread impending doom: But sure a friendly whisper says, "Flee from the wrath to come." A glimmering from afar; A beam of day, that shines for me, Forerunner of the sun,* It marks the Pilgrim's way; XXXIII. SEEKING THE BELOVED. To those who know the Lord, I speak, The bridegroom of my soul I seek, Though once a man of grief and shame, And bears the greatest, sweetest name, Grace flies before, and love attends Though none can see him but his friends, He speaks-obedient to his call Then love in every heart would reign, Such Jesus is, and such his grace, * Cant. v. 8. XXXIV. LIGHT SHINING OUT OF DARKNESS. GOD moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants his footsteps in the sea, Deep in unfathomable mines He treasures up his bright designs, The clouds Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, His purposes will ripen fast, The bud may have a bitter taste, Blind unbelief is sure to err,* XXXV. WELCOME CROSS. 'Tis my happiness below Not to live without the cross, But the Saviour's power to know, Sanctifying every loss: Trials must and will befall; But with humble faith to see Love inscribed upon them all, This is happiness to me. God in Israel sows the seeds Of affliction, pain, and toil; Which would else o'erspread the soil: Trials make the promise sweet, Trials bring me to his feet, Lay me low, and keep me there. Did I meet no trials here, way: No chastisement by the Might I not, with reason, fear I should prove a cast-away. Bastards may escape the rod,* Sunk in earthly vain delight; But the true-born child of God Must not, would not, if he might. Hebrews xii. 8. XXXVI. AFFLICTIONS SANCTIFIED BY THE WORD. O HOW I love thy holy word, Thy gracious covenant, O Lord! It guides me in the peaceful way; What are the mines of shining wealth, The strength of youth, the bloom of health! Long unafflicted, undismay'd, What though it pierced my fainting heart, But saved me from eternal woe. Oh! hadst thou left me unchastised, I love thee, therefore, O my God, * Psalm cxix. 71. |