My labouring spirit vainly seeks With how much tenderness he speaks, Nor were it wise, nor should I choose, Like precious wines their taste they lose, But this with boldness I proclaim, Not life is half so dear. And can you frown, my former friends, And blame the song that thus commends Trust me, I draw the likeness true, Such honour may he give to you, For such have all his saints. XLVIII. JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING. SOMETIMES a light surprises The Christian while he sings; It is the Lord who rises With healing in his wings: When comforts are declining, He grants the soul again In holy contemplation, We sweetly then pursue Set free from present sorrow, E'en let the unknown to-morrow It can bring with it nothing, Though vine nor fig tree neither* Yet God the same abiding, His praise shall tune my voice; For, while in him confiding, I cannot but rejoice. * Matthew vi. 34. + Habakkuk iii. 17, 18. XLIX. TRUE PLEASURES. LORD, my soul with pleasure springs And when God the Spirit brings Still delighted I perceive; Nor have words that can express Clothed in sanctity and grace, Those who love thee as they pass, Those the comforts I possess, * Prov. iii. 17. † Matt. xi. 30. L. THE CHRISTIAN. HONOUR and happiness unite To make the Christian's name a praise; How fair the scene, how clear the light, That fills the remnant of his days! A kingly character he bears, No change his priestly office knows; Adorn'd with glory from on high, Inferior honours he disdains, Nor stoops to take applause from earth; The noblest creature seen below, My soul is ravish'd at the thought! Methinks from earth I see him rise! Angels congratulate his lot, And shout him welcome to the skies! LI. LIVELY HOPE AND GRACIOUS FEAR. I WAS a groveling creature once, The clod that gave me birth. But God has breathed upon a worm, Wings such as clothe an angel's form, With these to Pisgah's top I fly, The Lord of all the vast domain The length and breadth of all the plain How glorious is my privilege! I stand upon a mountain's edge, Though much exalted in the Lord, |