Chapter II: Part 2

Sin's debt, the mighty burden
Let not thy heart affright;
The Lord will freely pardon,
His grace will cover quite.
He comes! He comes! Salvation
Proclaiming everywhere,
Secures His chosen nation
Their heritage so fair!

Thy foes why should they move thee?
Their wiles and rage are vain,
Thy Saviour, who doth love thee,
Will scatter them again.
He comes! a Conq'ror glorious,
He'll scatter every band
Of foes--His course victorious
Too few they're to withstand.

He comes to judge each nation;
Who curs'd Him, curse shall He;
With grace and consolation,
Who lov'd, receiv'd shall be.
Oh! come, Thou Sun, and lead us
To everlasting light,
Up to Thy mansions guide us
Of glory and delight.

Birth of Christ.--Christmas.

OF THE APPEARANCE OF THE ANGELS.

Behold! behold! what wonder's here!
The gloomy night turns bright and clear,
A brilliant light dispels the shade,
The stars before it pale and fade.

A wondrous light it is, I trow,
And not the ancient sun shines now,
For, contrary to nature, night
Is turned by it to day so bright.

What means He to announce to us,
Who nature's course can alter thus?
A mighty work design'd must be
When such a mighty sign we see.

To us vouchsafèd can it be
The Sun of Righteousness to see,
The Star from Jacob's stem so bright,
The woman's Seed, the Gentiles' Light?

'Tis even so--for from the sky
Heav'n's hosts with joyful tidings hie,
That He is born in Bethl'hem's stall,
Who Saviour is and Lord of all!

Oh blessedness! the goodly throng
Of sainted fathers waited long
To see this day, with hope deferr'd,
As we may learn from God's own word.

Awake, ye sons of men, awake!
Up! up! and now your journey take
With me, let us together go
To where the blessèd angels show.

Behold! there in yon gloomy stall
He lies who ruleth over all;
Where once their food the cattle sought,
The Virgin's child for rest is brought.

Oh, child of Adam! ponder well,
And stumble not at what I tell,
He who appears in this low state
For us is, and aye shall be great.

In mortal flesh we Him behold,
Who all things made and doth uphold,
The Word who was with God is He,
Himself is God whom now we see.

It is God's sole-begotten Son
Through whom we now approach His throne,
The First and Last, the Prince of Peace,
The Conqueror through whom wars cease.

The times predicted are fulfill'd,
God's fiery wrath must now be still'd;
His Son, made man, doth bear our load
Of guilt, our peace buys with His blood.

It is a time of joy to-day,
With mourning and with woe away!
Woe, woe to him who us revil'd!
God's seen in flesh--we're reconcil'd.

The Lord who bears our sin is here,
Who'll bruise the serpent's head is near,
The Death of death--the Woe of hell--
The Lord of Life with us doth dwell.

All foes are put our feet beneath,
For sin and Satan, hell and death,
Are brought to shame and put to flight
Upon this great, this wondrous night.

Oh! happy world, thrice happy they!
Who on this lowly infant stay
Their souls, and with believing eyes
In Him their Saviour recognize.

Now praise the Lord whoe'er can praise,
Who from their low estate to raise
His enemies, from His high throne
Sent down His lov'd, His only Son.

Up! join the angel host and cry,
Now glory be to God most High;
Let peace prevail the world around,
Good-will to men and joy abound.

NOW WITH JOY MY HEART IS BOUNDING.

Now with joy my heart is bounding,
With delight
Angels bright
Praises forth are sounding.
Hark! hark! how the choirs of Heaven,
Through the sky
Raise the cry,
Christ to you is given!

He who's mighty to deliver,
Goes that He
Earth may free
From all woes for ever.
God is man, man to deliver,
His dear Son
Now is one
With our blood for ever.

God in us must now take pleasure,
For He gives
Whom He loves
Far beyond all measure.
To redeem us He hath given
His own Son
From the throne
Of His might in Heaven.

Who Himself and Kingdom ever,
Giveth free,
Oh! could He
Drive us from Him?--never!
Will not God's own Son now bless us?
He who loves
And removes
All things that distress us!

Had our human nature ever
By the Lord
Been abhorr'd,
He had been man never.
Had our Lord delighted ever
In our grief,
He relief
Would have brought us never.

All transgression He assumeth,
That we've done
'Neath the sun,
And our Lamb becometh.
As our Lamb His life is given,
So that we,
From death free,
May have peace and Heaven!

Now He's in the manger lying,
Me and thee
Calleth He,
In sweet accents crying,
"Banish, brethren, what's distressing,
All your ills,
All that falls,
I bring times of blessing."

Come, and let us now go thither,
Let us all,
Great and small.
Flock in crowds together.
Love Him who with deep love burneth,
See the light
He so bright
Kindly on us turneth.

Ye who sink in deepest anguish,
Look ye here,
Joy is near,
Grieve no more, nor languish.
Cleave to Him and He will bring you
To the place,
By His grace,
Where no pain will wring you.

All ye hearts, oppress'd with sorrow,
Ye who feel
Sin's sore ill
And conviction's arrow,
Courage now! for One is living
Who hath skill
You to heal,
All your pain relieving.

All ye poor ones and distressèd,
Come--come ye
Take--'tis free,
Of His store so blessèd.
Here do all good gifts flow over,
Here is gold
Stores untold!
Here your hearts recover!

Gracious Saviour! deign to hear me,
And let me
Hang on thee,
Undisturb'd stay near Thee.
Of my life Thou art the Giver,
I through Thee
Joyfully
Live contented ever.

Guilt no longer can distress me,
Son of God!
Thou my load
Bearest to release me.
Stain in me Thou findest never,
I am clean,
All my sin
Is remov'd for ever.

For Thy sake I'm clean all over,
Thou dost me
Graciously
With fair raiment cover.
To my heart's throne I will raise thee,
Glory mine!
Flow'r divine!
Let me love and praise Thee.

Diligently I'll preserve Thee,
To the skies
To Thee rise,
Here live for and serve Thee.
With Thee I at last shall wander,
Joyfully,
Endlessly,
And in glory yonder!

A CAROL.

Come, and Christ the Lord be praising,
Heart and mind to Him be raising,
Celebrate His love amazing,
Worthy folk of Christendom!

Sin, death, hell, may all be grieving,
Satan shame feel to him cleaving,
We salvation free receiving,
Cast our every care away.

See what God for us provideth,
Life that in His Son abideth,
And our weary steps He guideth
From earth's woe to heav'nly joy.

His soul deeply for us feeleth,
He His love to us revealeth,
He who in the heavens dwelleth
Came to save us from our foe.

Jacob's star His advent maketh,
Soothes the longing heart that acheth,
And the serpent's head He breaketh,
Scattering the pow'r of hell.

Op'd hath He and freedom gain'd us
From the prison that contain'd us,
Where much grief and sorrow pain'd us,
And our hearts were bow'd with woe.

O bless'd hour when we receivèd
From the foe who us deceivèd
Liberty, when we believèd,
And Thee, gracious Savior, prais'd.

Beauteous Infant in the manger,
O befriend us! beyond danger
Bring us where is turn'd God's anger,
Where with angel hosts we'll praise!

AT THE MANGER.

Thy manger is
My paradise,
O Jesus Christ!
Where feeds my soul delighted.
There 'fore mine eyes
The Word now lies,
Who to our flesh
In person is united.

Whom wind and sea
Obey, e'en He
In servant's form
And place for men's appearing.
God's own Son, Thou
Assumest now
Clay weak and mean,
Such as our own, art wearing!

Thou, highest Good!
Dost raise our blood
Up to Thy throne,
High o'er all heights whatever!
Pow'r endless, Thou
Art brother now
To us who like
The grass and flowers, wither!

What harm can do
Our soul's dread foe
To us at all,
Though full of gall his spirit?
The things that he
Accuseth me
And others of,
From Adam we inherit.

Be silent, fiend!
There sits my Friend,
My flesh and blood,
High in the heav'ns enthronèd:
What Thou dost smite
The Prince of might
From Jacob's stem
With honours high hath ownèd.

His health and light,
Heal and give sight,
And heaven's Joy
All earthly ill undoeth.
Immanuel,
Of joy the Well,
The devil, hell,
And all their pow'r subdueth.

Believing heart,
Whoe'er thou art,
Be of good cheer,
Let nothing e'er depress thee;
Because God's Son
Makes thee God's own,
God must prove true
To thee, and ever bless thee.

Now think and see
How gloriously,
He over all
Distress hath thee uplifted.
He who reigns o'er
The angels, more
Than thou art, is
With blessedness not gifted.

Lo! seest thou
Before thee now,
Thy flesh and blood,
Who air and clouds rules ever.
What can there be
(I ask of thee)
That can arise,
To fear thee to deliver?

Things oft affright
Thy feeble sight
And make thee sigh,
Thy consolations vanish:
Come hither, then,
Behold again
Christ's manger here,
And all misgivings banish.

Though plagued with care,
Yet ne'er despair!
Thy Brother ne'er
Thy misery disdaineth;
His gracious heart
Feels every smart,
Nor when He sees
Our woe, from tears refraineth.

To Him now go,
He'll help bestow
And rest, and thou
Good cause shalt have for blessing.
Full well He knows
What burns and glows,
What on the heart
Of each sick one is pressing.

He therefore bore
The wrath so sore
Of the dread cross
In His flesh, shrinking never,
That through His pain
He might retain
The memory
Of our distresses ever.

The gate is He
That leadeth me
To present joy,
And to eternal blessing.
He soon doth send
A happy end
To all the grief
On pious heart that's pressing.

The world's base pelf
Leave to itself,
And make thou sure,
This treasure thine remaineth.
It firmly keep
Nor let it slip,
It there a crown
For soul and body gaineth!

BESIDE THE MANGER.

Now at the manger here I stand,
My Jesus, Life from Heaven!
I stand, and bring Thee in my hand
What Thou to me hast given.
Take it, it is my mind and wit,
Heart, soul, and all I have, take it,
And deign to let it please Thee!

With Thy great love beyond compare,
My soul Thou fillest ever,
Thy glance so sweet, Thine image fair,
My heart forgetteth never.
How otherwise e'er could it be,
How could I ever banish Thee,
From my heart's throne, O Saviour!

Ere ever I began to be,
Thou hadst for me appearèd,
And as Thine own hadst chosen me
Ere Thee I knew or fearèd.
Before I by Thy hand was made,
Thou hadst the plan in order laid,
How Thou Thyself shouldst give me.

I lay still in death's deepest night,
Till Thou, my Sun, arising,
Didst bring joy, pleasure, life, and light,
My waken'd soul surprising.
O Sun! who dost so graciously
Faith's goodly light to dawn in me
Aye cause; Thy beams how beauteous!

With rapture do I gaze on Thee,
Ne'er can enough adore Thee,
Pow'r more to do is not in me,
I'll praise and bow before Thee.
Oh! that my mind were an abyss,
My soul a sea, wide, bottomless,
That so I might embrace Thee.

Oh! let me kiss that mouth of Thine,
My Jesus, Saviour gracious!
Thy mouth that e'en the sweetest wine,
And milk and honey precious,
In pow'r and virtue doth excel,
Of comfort, strength, and sap 'tis full,
And inwardly refreshes.

When oft my heart within doth cry,
No comfort can discover,
It calls to me, Thy friend am I,
Thine ev'ry sin I cover;
My flesh and bone, why mournest thou?
Let thy heart be of good cheer now,
Thy debt, I have discharg'd it.

Who is the Master, where is he,
Who in perfection sketcheth
The hands this infant dear to me
Now smilingly outstretcheth?
The snow is clear, and milk is white,
But both lose all their value quite
Before these hands so beauteous.

Oh! wisdom fails me utterly
For honouring and praising
The eyes this infant fixedly
To mine is ever raising.
The fall moon, it is clear and fair,
The golden stars most beauteous are,
But these eyes far excel them.

Oh! that a star so passing fair
Should in a crib be holden!
Who mighty nobles' children are
Should lie in cradles golden!
Ah! hay and straw too wretched are,
Silk, velvet, purple better far,
Were for Thee, Child! to lie on.

Remove the straw, remove the hay,
From where the child reposes,
And flow'rs I'll bring that lie He may
On violets and roses.
With tulips, pinks, and rosemary,
From goodly gardens pluck'd by me,
I'll from above bestrew Him.

And snow-white lilies here and there
His side shall be thrown over;
When closed His eyes with slumber are,
Them shall they softly cover.
But Thou mayest love the grass so dry,
My Child! more than the things that I
Have spoken or have thought of.

Not for the world's pride dost Thou care,
Nor joys the flesh doth offer;
In human form Thou liest there,
For us to do and suffer,
Seek'st joy and comfort for my soul,
While waves of trouble o'er Thee roll;
I never will Thee hinder.

One thing I hope Thou'lt grant to me,
My Saviour! ne'er deny me,
That I may evermore have Thee
Within, and on, and by me.
And let my heart Thy cradle be,
Come, come and lie Thou down in me,
With all Thy joys and treasures!

'Tis true, that I should think how poor
And mean my entertaining,
Than dust and ashes I'm no more,
Thou mad'st, art all-sustaining,
Yet Thou'rt a guest belov'd and priz'd,
For never yet hast Thou despis'd
Him who delights to see Thee!

IMMANUEL! TO THEE WE SING.

Immanuel! to Thee we sing,
The Fount of life, of grace the Spring,
Than fairest lily fairer far,
Lord of all Lords, the morning Star!
Hallelujah!

With all Thy people, Lord, we raise
To Thee our heart-felt songs of praise,
That Thou, O long-expected Guest!
Hast brought us our desirèd rest.
Hallelujah!

Since the Creator said--"Light be!"
How many a heart hath watch'd for Thee!
Of Fathers, Prophets, Saints the throng
With ardent hope have waited long.
Hallelujah!

Than others more, the Shepherd King
Belov'd by Thee, and wont to sing
Thy praise on sounding harp, inspir'd
By deeper longing, Thee desir'd.
Hallelujah!

Ah Zion! that thy Lord to thee
Would come and set thy captives free;
Ah! that our help would now arise
And gladden Jacob's waiting eyes.
Hallelujah!

There art Thou now, Thou ever-bless'd!
There dost Thou in the manger rest;
The world Thou deck'st, all things hast made--
Thou'rt naked there, in weakness laid.
Hallelujah!

A stranger art Thou here below,
To whom the Heav'ns allegiance owe;
A mother's milk dost not despise,
Who art the Joy of angels' eyes.
Hallelujah!

The bounds of ocean fix'd hast Thou,
Who art a swaddled infant now;
Thou'rt God--a bed of straw Thou hast.
Thou'rt man--yet art the First and Last.
Hallelujah!

Of every joy Thou art the spring,
Yet sorrow oft Thy heart doth wring.
The Gentiles' Light and Hope Thou art,
Yet findest none to soothe Thy heart.
Hallelujah!

The sweetest Friend of man Thou art,
Though many hate Thee in their heart!
The heart of Herod loathèd Thee,
Yet what art Thou? Salvation free!
Hallelujah!

Thy meanest servant, Lord! am I,
I say it in sincerity;
I love Thee, but not half so well
As I should love,--more love I'd feel.
Hallelujah!

My pow'r is weak, though will be there,
But my poor heart against Thee ne'er
Shall rise t' oppose,--Thou wilt receive
By grace the little I can give.
Hallelujah!

Thou to be weak dost not disdain,
Dost choose the things the world deems vain,
Art poor and needy, and dost come,
By love impell'd, to want's drear home!
Hallelujah!

Thou sleepest on the lap of earth,
The manger where Thou at Thy birth
Wast laid to rest, the hay, the stall
Were mean, were miserable all.
Hallelujah!

And therefore doth my courage rise,
Thy servant wilt Thou not despise;
The gracious mind that dwells in Thee
Fills me with hope and gladdens me.
Hallelujah!

Lord! though I've pass'd in sin my days,
And wandered far from wisdom's ways,
Yet therefore Thou to earth hast come,
To bring the wand'ring sinner home.
Hallelujah!

Had I no debt of sin to face,
How could I ever share Thy grace?
In vain for me Thine advent here,
Had I no wrath of God to fear.
Hallelujah!

Lord, fearlessly I come to Thee,
Thou keep'st my soul from anguish free;
Thou bear'st the wrath, dost death destroy,
And sorrow turnest into joy.
Hallelujah!

My Head Thou art, Thy member I
In turn am, and Thy property;
Lord, I will serve Thee while I live
With all the grace Thou deign'st to give.
Hallelujah!

Loud hallelujahs here I'll sing,
With joy that from my heart doth spring,
And when I reach yon mansions fair
I will repeat them ever there.
Hallelujah!

New Year.

OF THE CIRCUMCISION OF CHRIST.

Why should they such pain e'er give Thee,
Why inflict such cruel smart?
Jesus, why should they so grieve Thee,
Who're uncircumcis'd in heart,
By this rite? Though Thou art free
From the law's yoke utterly,
Yet man's nature art Thou wearing,
But no sin its beauty marring.

For Thyself Thou dost not bear it,
Of the Cov'nant Thou art Head;
'Tis our debts that make Thee share it,
That like grievous load of lead
Lie upon us, and Thy heart
Pierce e'en to the inmost part;
These Thou bearest to deliver
Us, who could have paid them never.

Let your hearts be glad, ye debtors!
Let the world rejoice to-day,
For the Son of God our fetters
Breaks, the price begins to pay.
This day is the Law fulfill'd,
This day is God's anger still'd,
Whom to death law did deliver,
God's Son makes God's heirs for ever.

We this grace enough can never
Own, nor for it grateful be;
Heart and mouth, O Saviour! ever
Shall exalt and honour Thee!
We shall praise with all our pow'r
All Thy goodness, Thee adore,
While in weakness here we wander,
And Thy praise re-echo yonder!

SONG.

In pray'r your voices raise ye
To God, and Him now praise ye,
Who to our life from heaven
All needed strength hath given.

The stream of years is flowing,
And we are onward going,
From old to new surviving,
And by His mercy thriving.

In woe we often languish,
And pass through times of anguish,
When fearful war aboundeth,
That earth itself surroundeth.

As faithful mother keepeth
Guard while her infant sleepeth,
And all its grief assuageth
When angry tempest rageth;

So God His children shieldeth,
Them full protection yieldeth;
When need and woe distress them,
His loving arms caress them.

In vain is all our doing,
The labour we're pursuing
In our hands prospers never,
Unless God watcheth ever.

Our song to Thee ascendeth,
Who every day defendeth
Us, and whose arm averteth
The pain our hearts that hurteth.

O God of mercy! hear us;
Our Father! be Thou near us;
'Mid crosses and in sadness
Be Thou our Spring of gladness.

To me and all be given,
Who from the heart have striven
To gain Thy benediction,
Hearts patient in affliction.

Oh! close the gates of sorrow,
And by a glorious morrow
Of peace, may places sadden'd
By bloodshed dire be gladden'd.

With richest blessings crown us,
In all our ways, Lord! own us;
Give grace, who grace bestowest
To all, e'en to the lowest.

Of all forlorn be Father,
All erring ones ingather,
And of the poor and needy
Be Thou the succour speedy.

Grace show to all afflicted,
And to all souls dejected,
By melancholy haunted,
May happy thoughts be granted.

All earthly gifts excelling,
The Holy Ghost indwelling,
Give us to make us glorious,
And lead to Thee victorious.

All this Thy hand bestoweth,
Thou Life! whence our life floweth,
Thus Thou Thy people meetest
With New Year's blessing greetest.

The Sufferings of Christ.--Good Friday.

A LAMB BEARS ALL THE GUILT AWAY.

Isa. liii. 4-7; John i. 29.

A Lamb bears all its guilt away
The world thus to deliver,
All sins of sinners patiently
It bears and murmurs never.
It goes, and weak and sick is made
An off'ring on the altar laid,
All pleasure it forsaketh,
Submits to shame, and scorn, and wrath,
To anguish, wounds, stripes, cross, and death,
This cup with gladness taketh.

This Lamb, He is the soul's great Friend
And everlasting Saviour,
God chooseth Him sin's reign to end
And bring us to His favour.
"Go forth, my Son! redeem to Thee
The children who're exposed by me
To punishment and anger.
The punishment is great, and dread
The wrath, but Thou Thy blood shalt shed,
And free them thus from danger."

"I'll go where, Father! thou dost send,
Bear what on me Thou layest,
My will doth on Thy word depend,
My work is what Thou sayest."
O mighty love! O wondrous love!
Thou canst do all our thoughts above,
Make God His Son deliver!
O love! O love! Thy pow'r how great!
Thou did'st Him e'en to death prostrate
Whose glance the rocks can shiver.

Thou martyr'st Him upon the tree,
With spear and nails destroying
Thou slay'st Him, lamblike, ruthlessly,
Till heart and veins are flowing,
The heart with many a long-drawn sigh,
And till His veins are copiously
Their noble life-blood yielding.
Sweet Lamb! what shall I do for Thee
For all the good Thou doest me,
Thus saving me and shielding?

All my life long I'll cleave to Thee
And shall forget Thee never,
As always Thou embracest me
I will embrace Thee ever.
My heart's Light Thou shalt ever be,
And when my heart shall break in me
Thy heart shall fail me never.
O Thou, my Glory, I to Thee
Myself as Thine own property
Herewith resign for ever!

I ever shall both night and day
Thy loveliness be singing,
An offering of joy shall aye
Myself to Thee be bringing.
My stream of life shall still to Thee,
And to Thy name, outpourèd be,
In gratitude enduring.
Of every good Thou doest me,
My soul shall mindful strive to be,
In memory securing!

Shrine of my heart! now open'd be,
To thee shall now be given
Fair treasures that far greater be
Than earth, and sea, and heaven.
Away! gold of Arabia,
Myrrh, calamus, and cassia,
Far better I discover!
My priceless treasure is, O Thou
My Jesus! what so freely now
From Thy wounds floweth over!

Good use of this behoves it me
At all times to be making,
My shield in conflict shall it be,
My joy when heart is breaking,
In happiness my song of joy;
When all things else my taste do cloy,
This manna then shall feed me,
In thirst my well-spring shall it be,
In solitude converse with me,
And out and in shall lead me!

What can death's poison do to me?
Thy blood to me life giveth,
And when the sun burns fervently,
With grateful shade relieveth;
And when with sorrow sore oppress'd
I ever find in it my rest,
As sick men on their pillows.
My anchor art Thou, when my skies
Are clouded o'er, and tempests rise,
My bark 'whelm in the billows.

And when at last heav'n's gate I see,
And taste the kingdom's pleasure,
This blood shall then my purple be,
I'll clothe me in this treasure;
It shall be then my glorious crown,
In which I'll stand before the throne
Of God, with none to blame me;
And as a bride in fair array,
I'll stand beside my Lord that day,
Who woo'd, and then will claim me.

SEE, WORLD! THY LIFE ASSAILED.

See, world! thy Life assailèd;
On the accurs'd tree nailèd,
Thy Saviour sinks in death!
The mighty Prince from Heaven
Himself hath freely given
To shame, and blows, and cruel wrath!

Come hither now and ponder,
'Twill fill thy soul with wonder,
Blood streams from every pore.
Through grief whose depth none knoweth,
From His great heart there floweth
Sigh after sigh of anguish o'er!

Who is it that afflicts Thee?
My Saviour, what dejects Thee,
And causeth all Thy woe?
Sin Thou committed'st never,
As we and our seed ever,
Of deeds of evil nought dost know.

I many times transgressing,
In number far surpassing
The sand upon the coast,
I thus the cause have given,
That Thou with grief art riven,
And the afflicted martyr host.

I've done it, and deliver
Me hand and foot for ever
Thou justly might'st to hell.
The mock'ry to Thee offer'd,
The scourging Thou hast suffer'd,
My soul it was deserv'd it well.

The load Thou takest on Thee,
That press'd so sorely on me,
Than stone more heavily.
A curse, Lord, Thou becamest,
Thus blessings for me claimest,
Thy pain must all my comfort be.

Not death itself Thou fearest,
As surety Thou appearest
For all my debts and me.
For me Thy brow is crownèd
With thorns, and Thou'rt disownèd
By men, and bear'st all patiently.

Into death's jaws Thou springest,
Deliv'rance to me bringest
From such a monster dire.
My death away Thou takest,
Thy grave its grave Thou makest;
Of love, O unexampled fire!

I'm bound, my Saviour, ever,
By ties most sacred never
Thy service to forsake;
With soul and body ever,
With all my pow'rs t' endeavour,
In praise and service joy to take.

Not much can I be giving
In this poor life I'm living,
But one thing do I say:
Thy death and sorrows ever,
Till soul from body sever,
My heart remember shall for aye.

Before mine eyes I'll place them,
And joyfully embrace them,
Wherever I may be,
They'll be a glass revealing
Pure innocence, and sealing
Love and unfeign'd sincerity.

Of sin how great the danger,
How it excites God's anger,
How doth His vengeance burn
How sternly He chastiseth,
How His wrath's flood ariseth,
Shall I from all Thy suff'rings learn.

From them shall I be learning,
How I may be adorning,
My heart with quietness,
And how I still should love them
Whose malice aye doth move them
To grieve me by their wickedness.

When tongues of bad men grieve me,
Of peace and name deprive me,
My restive heart I'll still;
Their evil deeds enduring,
Of pardon free assuring
My neighbour for his ev'ry ill.

I'll on the cross unite me
To Thee, what doth delight me
I'll there renounce for aye.
Whate'er Thy Spirit's grieving,
There I'll for aye be leaving,
As much as in my strength doth lay.

Thy groaning and Thy sighing,
Thy thousand tears and crying,
That once were heard from Thee,
They'll lead me to Thy glory,
Where I shall joy before Thee,
And evermore at rest shall be!

TO THE COUNTENANCE OF THE LORD JESUS.

Oh! bleeding head, and wounded,
And full of pain and scorn,
In mockery surrounded
With cruel crown of thorn!
Oh Head! before adornèd
With grace and majesty,
Insulted now and scornèd,
All hail I bid to Thee!

They spit upon and jeer Thee,
Thou noble countenance!
Though mighty worlds shall fear Thee,
And flee before Thy glance.
How hath Thy colour faded,
The light too of Thine eye!
Say who to pale hath made it?
None shone so brilliantly.

Now from Thy cheeks is vanish'd
Their colour once so fair;
From Thy red lips is banish'd
The splendour that was there.
Death's might hath all things taken,
Hath robb'd Thee ruthlessly;
Thy frame, of strength forsaken,
Doth hence in weakness lie.

O Lord! it was my burden
That brought this woe on Thee,
I earn'd it--for my pardon
It has been borne by Thee.
A child of wrath, look on me,
Turn not away Thy face;
O Saviour! deign to own me,
And smile on me in grace.

My Guardian, now confess me,
My Shepherd, me receive!
Thou evermore dost bless me,
All good things dost Thou give.
Thy mouth hath often given
Me milk and sweetest food.
And many a taste of Heaven
Thy Spirit hath bestow'd.

Oh! do not, Lord, deride me,
I will not hence depart,
Here will I stand beside Thee,
When breaks Thine anguish'd heart;
When on Thy breast is sinking
In death's last fatal grasp
Thy head, e'en then unshrinking
Thee in mine arms I'll clasp.

Nought ever so much blesses,
So much rejoices me,
As when in Thy distresses
I share a part with Thee.
My Life, ah! were it ever
Vouchsaf'd me on Thy cross
My soul up to deliver,
How blessèd were my loss!

Thanks from my heart I offer
Thee, Jesus, dearest Friend,
For all that Thou didst suffer,
My good didst Thou intend.
Ah! grant that I may ever
To Thy truth faithful be,
And in the last death-shiver
May I be found in Thee.

When hence I must betake me,
And death at last must meet,
Lord, do not then forsake me,
Thy child with welcome greet.
When terror has bereft me,
Of heart and hope, again,
Lord! from my woe uplift me,
In virtue of Thy pain.

Be Thou my consolation
When death o'ertaketh me;
May Thy death-tribulation
Before mine eyes then be!
I'll on Thee, fondly gazing,
Fix my believing eyes,
While firmly Thee embracing,--
He dies well who so dies.

THE SEVEN WORDS SPOKEN BY THE LORD JESUS ON THE CROSS.

My heart! the seven words hear now
That Jesus Christ hath spoken,
When on the cross His heart through woe
And murder dire was broken;
Ope now the shrine,
And lock them in,
As gifts all price excelling.
In bitter grief,
They'll give relief,
'Neath crosses joy instilling.

His first and chiefest care He made
Who hated Him to cover:
God for the wicked men He pray'd,
That He'd their sin look over.
"Forgive, forgive,"
He said in love,
"Them every one, O Father!
Not one doth see
What doeth he,
In ignorance 'tis rather!"

How fair it is, let all learn here,
To love their foes who grieve them,
And all their faults with hearts sincere
Aye freely to forgive them.
He also shows,
How grace o'erflows
His heart, how kind His mood is,
That e'en his foe,
Who'd work Him woe,
Doth in Him find what good is!

Then to His mother doth He speak,
Who stood near him He loveth,
And as He can, though voice be weak,
With words of comfort sootheth:
"Woman! there see
Thy son, for me
Thou shalt by him be guarded.
Disciple! see,
Let her by thee
As mother be regarded."

O faithful heart! thou car'st for all
Thine own who truly love Thee,
When they in tribulation fall
Thou seest, the sight doth move Thee;
A friend in need,
In word and deed,
Thou at their side appearest,
Dost by Thy grace
Find them a place,
Them to good souls endearest.

The third thing that Thy lips have said
Thou spak'st to him beside Thee,
When, "Think upon me then," he pray'd,
"When God Himself shall guide Thee
Up to Thy throne,
Thy head shall crown
As Lord of earth and heaven:"
"To walk with Me
To-day shall thee
In Paradise be given."

O blessèd word! O voice of joy!
Can aught affright us?--never!
Let death who seeketh to destroy,
Now disappear for ever!
Though he rage sore,
What can he more
Than soul and body sever?
And meanwhile I
Mount up on high,
In joy to dwell for ever.

Christ's word gives deepest peace and joy,
The robber's trouble stilleth;
But He cries from the agony
His holy breast that filleth,
"Eli, my God,
What heavy load
Am I, Thy Son, now bearing?
I call, and Thou
Art silent now,
Though I sink, seem'st not caring."

This lesson learn, thou child of faith,
When God His count'nance veileth,
Lest thou be cast down in the path
When trouble thee assaileth:
Firm to Him cleave,
Though He may leave,
He'll comfort soon, and cheer thee;
True do thou be,
Cry mightily,
Until He turn and hear thee.

The Lord His voice now clear doth raise
Through thirst that paineth sorely;
"I thirst," the Spring eternal says,
The Lord of life and glory.
What meaneth He?
He showeth thee
How He thy load sinks under,
That thou did'st pile
For Him, the while
In sin's ways thou did'st wander.

Thereby He also telleth thee
How much He longs that ever
His cross in each may fruitful be,
Fail of its end may never.
Mark this all ye,
Now carefully,
Who're in soul tribulation:
Th' eternal Sun
Refuseth none
The soul's part and salvation.

And as the gloomy night of death
Upon the Lord descended,
"'Tis finish'd," He with dying breath
Said, "now my work is ended;
What was foretold
In days of old,
By seers who went before me,
Doth now betide;
I'm crucified,
And men now triumph o'er me."

"'Tis finish'd!"--why then toilest thou?
In vain thy labour ever!
As if aught human strength can do,
Could e'er from guilt deliver!
'Tis done! beware,
And never dare
To add aught to it ever;
Do thou believe,
In faith aye cleave
To Him, forsake Him never.

His voice at length the Lord doth raise,
High over all 'tis swelling:
"My spirit, Father! to the place
Take where Thou'rt ever dwelling,
My soul receive,
That now doth leave
This body sorely riven."
And at the word,
To the great Lord
Release from pain was given.

Oh! would to God, that I might end
My life as His was ended,
My spirit unto God commend
As His was then commended.
O Christ, my Lord!
May Thy last word
The last be by me spoken;
So happily
I'll go to Thee,
When life's last thread is broken.

Resurrection of Christ.--Easter.

UP! UP! MY HEART WITH GLADNESS.

Up! up! my heart with gladness,
See what to-day is done!
How after gloom and sadness
Comes forth the glorious Sun!
My Saviour there was laid
Where our bed must be made,
When to the realms of light
Our spirit wings its flight.

They in the grave did sink Him,
The foe held jubilee;
Before he can bethink him,
Lo! Christ again is free.
And victory He cries,
And waving tow'rds the skies
His banner, while the field
Is by the Hero held!

Upon the grave is standing
The Hero looking round;
The foe, no more withstanding,
His weapons on the ground
Throws down, his hellish pow'r
To Christ must he give o'er,
And to the Victor's bands
Must yield his feet and hands.

A sight it is to gladden
And fill the heart with glee,
No more affright or sadden
Shall aught, or take from me
My trust or fortitude,
Or any precious good
The Saviour bought for me
In sov'reign love and free.

Hell and its bands can never
Hurt e'en a single hair,
Sin can I mock at ever,
Safe am I everywhere.
The mighty pow'r of death
Is my regard beneath;
It is a pow'rless form,
Howe'er it rage and storm.

The world my laughter ever
Moves, though it rage amain,
It rages, but can never
Do ill, its work is vain.
No trouble troubles me,
My heart from care is free,
Misfortune is my prize,
The night my fair sunrise.

I cleave, and cleave shall ever,
To Christ, a member true,
Shall part from my Head never,
Whate'er He passes through;
He treads the world beneath
His feet, and conquers death
And hell, and breaks sin's thrall;
I'm with Him through it all.

To halls of heav'nly splendour
With Him I penetrate;
And trouble ne'er may hinder
Nor make me hesitate.
What will, may angry be,
My Head accepteth me,
My Saviour is my Shield,
By Him all rage is still'd.

He to the gates me leadeth
Of yon fair realms of light,
Whereon the pilgrim readeth,
In golden letters bright:
"Who's there despised with me,
Here with me crown'd shall be;
Who there with me shall die,
Here's raised with me on high!"

BE JOYFUL ALL, BOTH FAR AND NEAR.

Be joyful all, both far and near,
Who lost were and dejected:
To-day the Lord of glory here,
Whom God Himself elected
As our Redeemer, who His blood
Upon the cross shed for our good,
Hath from the grave arisen.

How well succeeded hath thy might,
Thou foe of life so ruthless!
To kill the Lord of life and light;
Thine arrow through Him scathless
Hath pass'd, thou base injurious foe!
Thou thought'st when thou hadst laid Him low,
He'd lie in dust for ever.

No, no! on high His head is borne,
His mighty pow'r asunder
Thy gates hath burst, thy bands hath torn,
Thyself hath trodden under
His feet; who doth in Him confide
Thy pow'r and claims may now deride
And say, "Thy sting, where is it?"

Thy pow'r is gone, 'tis broken quite,
And it can hurt him never
Who to this Prince with all his might
With heart and soul cleaves ever,
Who speaks with joy, "I live, and ye
Shall also live for aye with me,
For I this life have purchas'd.

"The reign and pow'r of death are o'er,
He never need affright you;
I am his Lord, the Prince of pow'r,
And this may well delight you;
And as your risen Head I live:
So ye, if ye on me believe,
Shall be my members ever.

"Of hell have I the overthrow
Accomplish'd, none now needeth
To fear the pains of endless woe,
Who Me and My word heedeth;
He's freed from Satan's grievous yoke,
Whose head I bruis'd, whose might I broke,
And he can never harm him."

Now prais'd be God, who vict'ry hath
To us through Jesus given,
Who peace for war, and life for death,
With entrance into heaven,
Hath purchas'd, who death, sin, and woe,
World, devil, what our overthrow
Would seek, for aye hath vanquish'd.

Whitsuntide.

O FATHER! SEND THY SPIRIT DOWN.

O Father! send Thy Spirit down,
Whom we are bidden by Thy Son
To seek, from Thy high heaven;
We ask as He taught us to pray,
And let us ne'er unheard away
From 'fore Thy throne be driven.

No mortal man upon the earth
Is of this gift so noble worth,
No merit we've to gain it;
Here only grace availeth aught,
That Jesus Christ for us hath bought,
His tears and death obtain it.

O Father! much it grieves Thy mind
Us in such woful plight to find,
As Adam's fall hath brought us;
The evil spirit's pow'r, this fall
Hath brought on him, and on us all,
But Christ to save hath sought us.

To our salvation, Lord, we cleave,
That we are Thine in Christ believe,
From Him nought shall us sever;
And through His death and precious blood,
Our mansions fair, and highest good,
We look for, doubting never.

This is a work of grace indeed,
The Holy Spirit's strength we need,
Our pow'r is unavailing;
Our faith and our sincerity
Would soon, O Lord! in ashes lie,
Were not Thy help unfailing.

Of faith Thy Spirit keeps the light,
Though all the world against us fight,
And storm with every weapon.
Although the prince of this world too,
May take the field to lay us low,
No ill through him can happen.

The Spirit's is the winning side,
And where He helps, the battle's tide
Assuredly abateth.
What's Satan's might and majesty?
It falleth when His standard high
The Spirit elevateth.

The chains of hell He rends in twain,
Consoles and frees the heart again
From everything that grieveth;
And when misfortunes o'er us low'r
He shields us better in their hour,
Than ever heart conceiveth.

The bitter cross He maketh sweet,
In gloom His light our eyes doth greet,
Care of His sheep He taketh,
Holds over us the shield, and when
Night falls upon His flock, He then
To rest in peace us maketh.

The Spirit God gives from above
Directeth all who truly love
In ways of safety ever;
He guides our goings every day,
From paths of bliss to turn away
Our feet permits us never.

He maketh fit, and furnishes
With needed gifts for service those
Who here God's house are rearing,
Adorns their minds and mouths and hearts,
And light to them for us imparts,
What's dark to us thus clearing.

Our hearts He opens secretly
When they His word so faithfully
As precious seed are sowing;
He giveth pow'r to it, where'er
It takes root, tending it with care,
And waters it when growing.

He teacheth us the fear of God,
Loves purity, makes His abode
The soul that sin refuseth;
Who contrite are, virtue revere,
Repent, and turn to Him in fear
And love, He ever chooseth.

He's true, and true doth aye abide,
In death's dark hour He's at our side,
When all from us recedeth;
He sootheth our last agony,
Up to the halls of bliss on high
In joy and trust He leadeth.

Oh! happy are the souls and bless'd,
Who while on earth permit this Guest
To make in them His dwelling;
Who now receive Him joyfully,
He'll take up to God's house on high,
Their souls with rapture filling.

Now, Father, who all good dost give,
Our pray'r hear, may we all receive
From Thee this priceless blessing;
Thy Spirit give, that here He may
Rule us, and there in endless day
Our souls be aye refreshing.

Repentance.

CONSOLATION FOR PENITENCE.

Let not such a thought e'er pain thee,
As that thou art cast away,
But within God's word restrain thee,
That far otherwise doth say.
E'en though thou unrighteous art,
True and faithful is God's heart.
Hast thou death deserv'd for ever?
God's appeas'd, despond thou never!

Thou art, as is every other,
Tainted by the poison, sin,
That the serpent, and our father,
Adam, by the fall brought in.
But if thou God's voice dost hear,
"Turn to me, do good," ne'er fear,
Be of good cheer, He thy yearning
Will regard, thy pray'r ne'er spurning.

He is not a bear nor lion
Thirsting only for thy blood,
Faithful is thy God in Zion,
Gentle ever is His mood.
God aye as a Father feels,
He's afflicted by our ills,
Our misfortune sorrow gives Him,
And our dying ever grieves Him.

"Truly," saith He, "as I'm living,
I the death of none desire,
But that men themselves upgiving,
May be rescu'd from sin's mire."
When a prodigal returns,
God's heart then with rapture burns,
Wills that not the least one even
Ever from His flock be driven.

Shepherd was so faithful never,
Seeking sheep that go astray;
Couldest thou God's heart see ever,
How He cares for them alway,
How it thirsts and sighs and burns
After him who from Him turns,
From His people's midst doth wander,
Love would make thee weep and ponder.

God the good not only loveth
Who in His house ever dwell,
But His heart compassion moveth
Tow'rds those whom the prince of hell
Hath enslav'd, the cruel foe
Who men's hearts with hate to glow
Makes 'gainst Him, who when He ever
Moves His foot, can make earth quiver.

Deep His love is and enduring,
His desire is ever great,
He is calling and alluring
Us to enter heav'n's wide gate.
When they come, whoe'er they be,
Seeking now that liberty
From the devil's fangs be given,
Glad are all the hosts of heaven.

God and all on high who're dwelling,
'Fore whom heav'n must hush its voice,
When their Maker's praise forth-telling,
O'er our penitence rejoice;
But what has been done amiss
Cover'd now and buried is,
All offence to Him we've given,
All, yea all, is now forgiven.

From no lake so much is gushing,
No depth is so deep at all,
With such force no stream is rushing,
All compar'd with God is small;
Nought is like His grace so great,
That remits our mighty debt,
That He ever throweth over
All our lives e'en as a cover.

Soul, why art thou sad and dreary?
Rest now and contented be!
Why wilt thou thyself so weary
When there is no need for thee?
Though thy sins appear to thee
Like a vast and shoreless sea,
If thou with God's heart compare them,
'Twill a trifle seem to bear them.

Could we myriad worlds discover
All sunk in apostacy,
Had the sins there o'er and over
Every one been done by thee,
Oh! still they were less by far
Than the light of grace so clear
Could on earth extinguish ever,
God from greater could deliver.

Of such wondrous love and favour
Open wide the door to me;
Ey'rywhere and aye, my Saviour,
Tasted be Thy grace by me.
Love me, Lord! and let me be
Nearer ever drawn to Thee,
That I may embrace and love Thee,
Never more to anger move Thee!

FOR THEE, LORD, PANTS MY LONGING HEART.--PSALM XXV.

For Thee, Lord, pants my longing heart,
My hope and confidence Thou art;
My hope can never shaken be,
Nor e'er be put to shame by Thee.

Whoe'er he be that scorns Thy name,
And turns from Thee, shall come to shame;
But he who ever lives to Thee,
And loves Thee, shall untroubled be.

Accept my soul, O Lord! by grace,
And keep me right in all my ways,
And let Thy truth illumine me
Along the path that leads to Thee.

Thou art my only light below,
No other helper here I know;
I wait on Thee both night and day,
Why dost Thou, then, O Lord, delay?

Ah, Lord! now turn Thine eyes away
From paths where I have gone astray;
Of my ill ways what thinkest Thou,
That I've pursued from youth till now?

Remember, Thou my Guardian Lord!
Thy loving-kindness and sweet word,
Whereby Thou giv'st them comfort sweet
Who lay themselves low at Thy feet.

Who prove themselves, and sin confess,
The Lord in mercy rich will bless;
Who keep His testimonies all,
The Lord will hold them when they fall.

The heart that with the Lord is right
In grief He'll gladden with His light,
When sunk in need, weigh'd down by loss,
Shall triumph e'en beneath the cross.

Ah! Lord, full well thou knowest me,
My spirit lives and moves in Thee;
Thou seest how my bleeding heart
Longs for the help Thou canst impart.

The griefs that now my heart oppress,
The griefs my heavy sighs express
Are great and sore, but Thou art He
To whom nought e'er too great can be.

To Thee I therefore raise mine eyes,
To Thee mine ardent longings rise--
Ah! let Thine eye now rest on me
As Thou wast wont, Lord, graciously.

And when I need supporting grace,
Turn not away from me Thy face;
May what Thou deignest to impart
Of my desires be counterpart.

The world is false, it acts a part,
Thou art my Friend, sincere in heart;
Man's smile is only on his mouth,
Thou lovest us in deed and truth.

Foil Thou the foe, his nets all tear,
And baffle every wile and snare;
When all with me once more is well,
May gratitude my bosom swell.

Still may I in Thy fear abide,
And go right on nor turn aside;
Give single aim that honours Thee,
Smarts rather than a burden be.

Rule, Lord, and bring me unto Thee,
And other saints along with me;
Remove whate'er of ill dost find,
Renew and cleanse each heart and mind.

Wash Thou away each sinful stain,
Deliver from all grief and pain,
And lead us soon by heav'nly grace
To realms of endless joy and peace.

SONG OF REPENTANCE FROM PSALM CXLIII.

Lord, lend a gracious ear
To my desire sincere,
From heart all free from guile,
And glad me with Thy smile,
Accept my petition.

Not wealth is my request,
That on the earth doth rest,
That shall at length decay,
With earth must pass away,
And can never save us.

The treasure I desire
Is Thine own grace, O Sire!
The grace that Thy dear Son,
Of saving grace the throne,
By His death hath purchas'd.

Thou pure and righteous art,
Unholy is my heart,
All dead in sin I live,
But sin dost Thou forgive,
Who art God most faithful.

And be Thy faithfulness
My trust and happiness;
Turn from my sin Thy face
With overflowing grace
My guiltiness cover.

Consider what we be--
A moment, where are we?
As brittle as frail glass,
As fading as the grass,
By a breath we're swept off.

If Thou wilt only view
The evil that we do,
So great our load of sin,
None e'er could stand within
Heaven's gate most holy.

How Jesus Christ for me
Himself hath giv'n, see!
What I to do have fail'd
His power hath avail'd,
His doing and dying.

Thou lov'st remorse and smart,
Behold, here is a heart
That knows and feels its sin,
And burns like fire within
With grief, pain, and sorrow.

I'm like a thirsty land
From which Thy gracious hand
Hath long withheld the rain,
Until we seek in vain
For strength, fruit, or moisture.

Like hart upon the heath,
That cries with gasping breath
For water fresh and clear,
I call into Thine ear,
Fount of living water!

My spirit, Lord, revive,
Rich consolation give;
Speak, that my soul may rest
Upon the friendly breast
Of Thy love eternal.

Give me a trustful mood,
That when the mighty flood
Of sin o'erwhelmeth me,
My grief absorb'd may be
In Thy mercy's ocean.

Drive off the wicked foe
That seeks my overthrow;
Thou art my Shepherd, I
Will be eternally
A sheep of Thy pasture.

As long as I shall dwell
On earth, to do Thy will
I give myself to Thee,
And evermore shall be
Thine own faithful servant.

Though feeble, I shall be
Still grateful unto Thee,
For in Thy might alone,
That worketh in Thine own,
All my power standeth.

Then send Thy Spirit down,
Who points out to Thine own
The way that pleaseth Thee;
They never mov'd shall be,
Who keep Him indwelling.

Thou shalt go on before,
Shalt open me the door
That leads to wisdom's way,
I'll follow every day,
Copying Thee ever.

And when at length 'tis giv'n
To tread the courts of heav'n,
With angel hosts to Thee
I'll sing eternally
To Thy praise and glory.

Prayer and the Christian Life.

FOR WISDOM.

O God! from Thee doth wisdom flow,
All I can do Thou well dost know;
If Thine own grace doth not sustain,
Then all my labour is in vain.

As shapen in iniquity,
No good by nature can I see;
My heart can never serve Thee right,
In folly it is sunken quite.

Yea, Saviour! I'm too mean and small
To treat Thy law and claims at all;
What for my neighbour's good may be,
Is hid from and unknown to me,

My life is very short and weak,
A thread, a passing wind may break;
The splendour that the world doth prize
Is vain and worthless in mine eyes.

If earth with all its gifts would dow'r,
And give me honour, fame, and pow'r,
And did I not enjoy Thy light,
Then were I nought, 'twere deepest night.

What use, though much we've learnèd here,
If first we do not learn Thy fear,
And ne'er to serve Thee right attain?
It is more loss to us than gain.

The knowledge men themselves attain
May easily mislead again;
And when our art hath done its best,
On all sides obstacles arrest.

How many ruin now the soul
Through craft, as did Ahithophel,
And come, through ignorance of Thee,
And through their wit, to misery.

O God, my Father! lend an ear,
My supplication deign to hear;
Far from me may such folly be;
A better mind, Lord! give to me.

Give me the Wisdom from above
Thou giv'st to all who truly love,
The wisdom that before Thy throne
For ever shineth in their crown.

I love her lovely face so bright,
She is my joy and heart's delight,
The fairest is that holdeth me,
Mine eyes she pleaseth wondrously.

She's noble, and of rarest worth,
From Thee, Most High! derives her birth;
She's like the Monarch of the day,
Rich gifts and virtues her array.

Her words are sweet and comfort well,
When grief our eyes with tears doth fill;
When 'neath affliction's rod we smart,
'Tis she revives the drooping heart.

She's full of grace and majesty,
Preserves us from mortality;
Who earnestly to get her strives,
E'en when he's dying, still he lives.

She's the Creator's counsellor,
In deeds and words excels in pow'r;
Through her the blind world knows and sees
What God in heav'n above decrees.

What mortal knows His Maker's mind?
Who is he that could ever find
The counsel out God hath decreed,
The way wherein He'd have us tread?

The soul upon the earth doth live,
Its heavy burdens sorely grieve,
The faculties distracted be,
From error here are not set free.