Chapter III: Part 3

What God doth who can e'er explore,
And say what He rejoiceth o'er?
Unless Thou who dost ever live
Dost Thine own wisdom to us give.

Then send her from Thy heav'nly throne,
And give her to Thine handmaid's son;
Her bountifully, Lord! impart
To the poor dwelling of my heart.

Command her to abide with me,
And my companion aye to be;
Whene'er I labour, may she e'er
Me help my heavy load to bear.

May I be taught by her wise hand
To know and rightly understand
That I to Thee alone may cleave,
According to Thy will may live.

And give to me ability,
To truth may I still open be,
That sour of sweet I never make,
Nor darkness for the light may take.

To Thy word give desire and love,
And true to duty may I prove;
To pious souls join'd may I be,
Take counsel with them constantly.

And may I gladly every man,
By deed and counsel when I can,
To guide and succour ready be,
In truth and in sincerity.

So that in ev'rything I do,
In Thy love I may ever grow;
For who to wisdom doth not give
Himself, unlov'd by Thee must live.

FOR SUCCESS AND BLESSING IN ALL CHRISTIAN WORKS AND PURPOSES.

My God! my works and all I do,
Rest only on Thy will, I know,
Thy blessing prospers ever,
When Thou dost guide, we persevere
In right ways, erring never.

It standeth not in human might
That man's devices issue right,
His way with gladness endeth:
God's counsel only prospers sure,
'Tis He success who sendeth.

Man often thinks in haughty mood
That this or that is for his good,
Yet widely he mistaketh;
He often thinketh that is ill
Whereof the Lord choice maketh.

But wise men e'en who joyfully
Begin a good work, frequently
Reach no good termination;
They build a castle firm and strong,
But sand is the foundation.

How many in their fancy stray
High over mountain peaks away,
Ere they bethink them ever;
Down to the ground they fall, and vain
Has been their strong endeavour.

Dear Father! therefore, who the crown
And sceptre bear'st on Heav'n's throne,
Who from the clouds dost lighten,
Regard my words, and hear my cry,
From Thy seat my soul brighten!

Vouchsafe to me the noble light
That from Thy countenance so bright
On pious souls aye breaketh,
And where the pow'r of wisdom true
Through Thine own pow'r awaketh.

Give understanding from on high,
That I henceforward may rely
Upon mine own will never.
Be Thou my counsel, that I may
Fulfil the good, Lord! ever.

Prove all things well, whate'er is good
Give to me, but what flesh and blood
Doth choose, withhold it ever.
The highest good, the fairest part,
Thy glory is and favour.

Sun of my soul! my chief delight!
Whate'er is pleasing in Thy sight,
Oh! may I choose and do it;
And what's displeasing unto Thee,
May I, O Lord! eschew it.

Is it from Thee? my work then bless;
Is it of man? withhold success,
And change what I'm resolving.
Dost Thou not work? 'twill come to nought,
In failure soon involving.

But should Thine and our enemy
Begin to rage revengefully
Against the good Thou'rt meaning,
My comfort is, Thou canst avert
His wrath, me ever screening.

Draw near, and let it easy be,
What seems impossible to me,
A happy issue give it;
What Thou Thyself didst undertake,
Thy wisdom did conceive it.

Though hard at first the work may be,
And I may through the deepest sea
Of bitter grief be passing,
Oh! may I only driven be
To sighs and pray'r unceasing.

Whoever prays and trusteth Thee,
With valiant heart shall victor be
O'er all that frightens ever,
In thousand pieces speedily
Grief's heavy stone shall shiver.

The way to good is almost wild,
With thorns and hedges is it fill'd;
Along this way who goeth
He by the Spirit's grace at last
What heav'nly joy is knoweth.

I am Thy child, my Father Thou!
Thou hast abundance to bestow,
Nought can I find within me;
Help, that I may maintain my ground,
As victor home, Lord! bring me.

Thine be the glory and the pow'r!
Thy mighty works I'll more and more
From heart with rapture swelling,
Before Thy folk and all the world,
All my life long be telling.

TWOFOLD, FATHER! IS MY PRAYER.--PROV. XXX. 7-9.

Twofold, Father! is my pray'r,
Twofold the desire I there
Lay before Thee, who dost give
What's good for us to receive;
Grant the pray'r that Thou dost know,
Ere my soul to Thee must go
From the body's bands below.

Grant that far from me may be
Lying and idolatry;
Poverty immoderate
Give me not, nor riches great;
Too great wealth or poverty
Is not good, for either may
'Neath the devil's pow'r us lay.

Give to me, my Saviour! give
Modest portion while I live;
Evermore supply my need,
Giving me my daily bread;
Little, with contented mood,
And a conscience pure and good,
Is the best can be bestow'd.

If my cup should overflow,
Proud in spirit I might grow,
Thee deny with scornful word,
Asking who is God and Lord?
For the heart with pride doth swell,
Often knows not when 'tis well,
How itself enough t' extol.

Should I bare and naked be,
Sunk in too deep poverty,
Faithless, I might wickedly
Steal my neighbour's property;
Force might use and artifice,
Follow lawless practices,
Never ask what Christian is.

God! my Treasure and my Light,
Neither course for me were right,
Either would dishonour Thee,
Sink me into hell's dark sea;
Therefore, give, Lord! graciously,
What Thy heart designs for me,
Moderate my portion be!

SIRACH'S PRAYER FOR A HAPPY AND TEMPERATE LIFE.

Creator, Father, Prince of might!
Who life to me art giving,
Unless Thou guid'st my life aright
In vain here am I living.
For while I'm living, I am dead,
To sin devoted ever;
Whose life in mire of sin is led,
The true life he hath never
Beheld one moment even.

Then turn on Thy poor child Thy face,
In darkness do not leave me;
That I may shun sin and disgrace,
Good counsel ever give me!
To keep my lips a guard, Lord, send,
May no word ever leave them
That e'er Thy people could offend
Let nought I say e'er grieve them,
Nor ever Thee dishonour!

Forbid, Father! that mine ear
Upon this earth so evil,
Against Thy name and pow'r should hear
The wicked rage and cavil.
Let not the poison and the gall
Of slanderers defile me;
If I such filth should touch at all
It surely would beguile me,
Might e'en quite overthrow me.

Lord, keep mine eyes, control their glance,
May they work evil never;
A bold and shameless countenance
Keep Thou far from me ever!
What's honest, keeps due boundaries,
What angels seek in heaven,
What is well-pleasing in Thine eyes,
For it by me be striven,
All luxury disdaining.

Oh! may I ne'er delighted be
By revelling and eating;
Be what Thou lov'st belov'd by me,
Though others shun it, hating.
The lusts wherein the flesh doth roll,
To hell will draw us ever;
The joys the world doth love, the soul
And spirit will deliver
To torment everlasting.

Oh! happy he who eats heav'n's bread,
And heav'nly water drinketh,
Who tastes nought else, nought else doth heed,
Nought else desires, and thinketh
Of that alone which strength can bring,
The life we'll live for ever
With God, and with the hosts who sing
His praise, in joy that never
Shall know an interruption.

FOR CONSTANT CHRISTIAN FRIENDSHIP.

Jesus! Thou, my dearest Brother,
Who dost well to me intend,
Thou mine Anchor, Mast, and Rudder,
And my truest Bosom-Friend.
To Thee, ere was earth or heaven,
Had the race of man been given;
Thou, e'en me, poor guest of earth,
Chosen hadst before my birth.

Thou art free from guile, Lord! ever
Innocent of all that's base;
But on this sad earth whenever
I in meditation gaze,
There I find deception living;
Who excelleth in deceiving,
Who the best dissemble can,
He's the best and wisest man.

Hollow and unfaithful ever
Is the friendship of the earth;
Seemeth she a man to favour?
'Tis but for the gold he's worth;
Are we prosp'rous, do we flourish?
She will smile on us, and nourish;
Doth misfortune o'er us low'r?
She forsakes us in that hour.

Drive away from me, and shield me
From such instability;
If I, Father, have defil'd me
(For I also human be)
With this mire, and did I ever
Falsehood love, oh! now deliver.
All my guilt I own to Thee,
Patience give, and grace to me!

May I ne'er be overtaken
By the evils Thou hast said
Come on those who've truth forsaken,
And with wares deceptive trade;
For Thou sayest Thou disownest,
As abomination shunnest,
Ev'ry hypocrite's false mood,
Who talks, but doth not the good.

May my heart be constant ever,
Faithful still to every friend;
When to grief Thou dost deliver
Them, and 'neath the cross they bend,
May I even then ne'er shun them,
But like unto Thee, Lord, own them,
Who, when we were poor and bare,
Tended'st us with fondest care.

After Thy will, Saviour, give me
One in whom I may confide,
Who will faithful counsel give me
When my heart is sorely tried;
To whom I may freely utter
All I feel, with nought to fetter,
In the measure I may need,
'Till my heart from care is freed.

Oh! let David's bliss betide me,
Give to me a Jonathan
Who will come and stand beside me
Like a rock, though every man
From my company should sever,
Who his heart will give me ever,
Who'll stand firm in every hour,
When sun shines or tempests low'r.

Out of all the men who're living,
Choose me a believing friend,
Who to Thee is firmly cleaving,
On Thine arm doth aye depend;
Who may by Thy will relieve me,
Help and comfort ever give me,
Help, from sympathizing heart,
Comfort, when I feel grief's smart.

When 'tis only the mouth loveth,
Then the love is ill bestow'd;
Whose love but to good words moveth
While he keeps a hateful mood,
Whom self-interest rules ever,
Who when honey falls, stays never,
But escapeth speedily,--
Ever far be such from me!

In my weakness and my sinning,
Move my friend to speak to me,
By his words of kindness winning,
Never as an enemy.
Who reproves in love and sadness
Is like him, in days of gladness,
Who pours balsam over me
That by Jordan floweth free.

Riches great were I possessing,
Priceless were my property;
Jesus! did Thy hand such blessing
Graciously bestow on me,
Were such friend, Lord! ever near me,
By His constancy to cheer me;
Who doth honour Thee, and fear
He hath such a treasure near.

Good friends like to staves are ever,
Whereon men lean as they go,
That the weak one can deliver,
When he slides and lieth low:
Sad his case who such ne'er knoweth,
Who through life all friendless goeth,
Weary is his lonely way,
When he falls, to help who stay?

Gracious Saviour! let it please Thee,
Be my Friend in every hour,
Be my Friend, till death release me,
Be my faithful Staff of pow'r!
When Thou to Thyself wilt bind me,
Then a heart Thou soon wilt find me,
By Thy Holy Spirit fir'd
With good thoughts to me inspir'd.

FOR TEMPORAL AND ETERNAL WELFARE.

O God, my Father! thanks to Thee
I bring with deep humility,
That Thou Thine anger endest,
And that Thy Son,
Our Joy and Crown,
Into the world Thou sendest.

He hath appear'd, His precious blood
Hath pourèd forth in such a flood,
That all our sins it washes.
Who to Him cleaves,
He soon relieves
Of burdens, and refreshes.

I come, Lord! as the best I may,
Take me into the band, I pray,
Of those who are forgiven,
Who through this blood
Are just and good,
And shall be bless'd in heaven.

Oh! let mine eye and hand of faith
This noble pledge keep without scath,
Away from me ne'er casting;
And let this light
Lead me aright,
To the light everlasting.

The mansion of my soul prepare,
Cast out whate'er is evil there,
And build in me Thy dwelling:
Thy grace so free
Reveal to me,
My soul with Thy love filling.

All things are mine when I have Thee,
Thou void of gifts canst never be;
A thousand ways Thou knowest
On earth to keep
Thy feeble sheep;
Enough Thou aye bestowest.

Grant that I in my station here
Thee in Thy word may ever fear,
So guide what things concern me,
That found in me
True faith may be,
And may with truth adorn me.

And give me a contented mind,
For when with godliness combin'd,
Great gain thence ever floweth.
Then what of good
It pleaseth God
To give, great peace bestoweth.

The little that by God's great grace
The righteous as his portion has,
To honour more commendeth,
Than all the gold
The world doth hold,
And with proud spirit spendeth.

The faithful, Lord, to Thee are known,
Thou art their Joy, and they Thine own,
To shame thou putt'st them never;
Comes scarcity,
Their bread from Thee
They find in all lands ever.

God loveth him who fears and cleaves
To Him, sees that no mischance grieves,
In his ways joyeth ever;
And if he slide,
God doth abide,
Doth bless him and deliver.

God's eye is upon all who wait
And hope in Him both soon and late,
In all need to deliver,
E'en in the hour
When to devour
Death threatens them for ever.

Lord, Thou canst only gracious be,
Thou givest all to know and see
Thy goodness and Thy favour,
Who with their mouth
And heart in truth
Own Thee their only Saviour.

Make Her[9] Thy care especially,
Whom Thou as monarch hast rais'd high
This land and nation over;
With rest and peace
The land, Lord! bless,
The throne with blessings cover.

Preserve, Lord! our dear native land
In Thine embrace and mighty hand;
Protect us all together
From error's voice,
From enemies,
From fire and plague deliver.

All whom I love, keep every day,
Let all the hosts of hell away
From young and old be driven!
Here, may we be
In time by Thee
Preserv'd, and there in heaven!

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[9]For obvious reasons the original has been slightly altered. The German
is,
Insonderheit nimm wohl in acht
Den Fürsten, &c.

FOR THE LOVE OF CHRIST.

O Jesus Christ! my fairest Light,
Who in Thy soul dost love me,
I ne'er can tell it, nor its height
Mete, 'tis so high above me,
Grant that my heart may warm to Thee,
With ardent love ne'er ceasing,
Thee embracing,
And as Thy property,
Cleave to Thee, ever gazing.

Grant that an idol in me may
Dwell e'en a moment never,
Grant me to make Thy love, I pray,
My crown and prize for ever!
Cast all things out, take all away,
That Thee and me would sever,
So that ever
By Thy love, my pow'rs may
Be kindled, and cool never!

How friendly, blessèd, sweet, and fair
Is Thy love, Jesus ever!
While this remains, distress and care
Can grieve my spirit never.
Then let me only think of Thee,
Be seeing, hearing, feeling,
Loving, telling
Of Thee, and Thy great love to me
Oh! be Thou more revealing!

Oh! that this greatest, highest good,
I might for aye be tasting!
Oh! that in me this noble blood
Might glow to everlasting!
Help me to watch, Lord! day and night,
This blessèd treasure shielding
From unyielding
Foes, who 'gainst us the might
Of Satan's realm are wielding!

My Saviour! Thou in love to me
Hast down to death descended,
And like a murd'rer on the tree
And thief hast been suspended,
Spit on, despis'd and wounded sore,
The wounds which Thee have riven,
May it even
To me at the heart's core
With love to feel be given.

The blood that hath been shed by Thee
Is good and precious ever,
My heart is wicked desp'rately,
Hard as a millstone nether.
Ah! let the virtue of Thy blood
My flinty heart be bending,
Entrance finding;
And may Thy love, life's flood
Through all my veins be sending.

Oh! were my heart op'd to receive
The blood-drops that were falling
From Thee, wrung by my sin that eve
In agony appalling!
Oh! that the fountains of mine eyes
Were op'd, and with much sighing,
And sore crying,
Gush'd forth, as tears and sighs
Of men in love who're dying.

Oh! that I as a little child
With weeping eyes might trace Thee,
E'en till Thy heart with love was fill'd
And Thine arms did embrace me.
And until Thou Thy heart to me
With sweet love flowing over,
Should'st discover,
And we united be,
Thy goodness for my cover.

Ah! draw me, Saviour! after Thee,
And so shall I be hasting,
I run, and in my heart shall be
Thy love with rapture tasting;
The gracious words from Thee I'll hear
Sweet comfort shall give ever;
Me deliver
From sin, and every fear,
These shall o'ercome me never.

My Comfort, Treasure, Health, and Light,
My Life and Saviour tender!
Ah! take me for Thy portion quite
As I myself surrender!
There's nought but pain apart from Thee,
I nought but gall discover,
Earth all over,
Nought ever comforts me,
No balm can me recover.

But Thou the Rest most blessed art,
In Thee are joys eternal.
Grant, Jesus! grant that my poor heart
Feed in Thy pastures vernal!
Be Thou the flame that burns in me,
My Balsam, ease that giveth,
And relieveth
Pain that here constantly
Makes me heave sighs, and grieveth.

Ah! fairest one, what faileth me
In Thy great love, of blessing?
It is my sun that lightens me,
My well-spring, me refreshing!
My sweetest wine, my heav'nly bread,
My cov'ring when before Thee,
And my glory,
My shield in hour of need,
My house that riseth o'er me!

Ah! dearest love, why was I born,
If Thou my soul forsakest?
If Thou withdraw'st, I'm all forlorn,
All good from me Thou takest.
O may I seek Thee as my guest,
With all my best endeavour
Keep Thee ever;
And when I Thee arrest,
Let Thee go from me never.

I've been belov'd by Thee for aye,
To follow Thou did'st move me;
Before I good could e'er essay,
E'en then did Thy heart love me:
Ah! noble Rock! Thy love below
May it for ever guide me,
And beside me
Be it where'er I go,
To aid whate'er betide me.

And may Thy love adorn my place,
Where'er my lot Thou'rt casting;
And if I wander from Thy ways,
To bring me back be hasting.
And let me ever counsel wise,
Good works from Thee be learning,
From sin turning,
And when from falls I rise,
Come back to Thee with yearning!

And ever be my joy in woe,
When weak, with Thy strength stay me;
And when my course is run below,
I down to rest will lay me.
Then may Thy love and truth with me,
O Christ! abide for ever,
Leave me never,
Till I Thy glory see,
Oh! may they waft me thither!

THE FIRST PSALM OF DAVID.

Bless'd is he who never taketh
Counsel of ungodly men!
Bless'd, the right who ne'er forsaketh,
Nor in sinners' paths is seen,
Who the scorners' friendship spurns,
From their seats away who turns,
Who delight in God's word taketh,
This his meditation maketh.

Bless'd is he who pleasure taketh
In God's laws' most perfect way,
It is his lov'd resort who maketh
Where he lingers night and day!
Oh! His blessing blooms and grows,
As the palm where water flows,
And abroad its branches spreadeth,
And the wayworn pilgrim shadeth.

He will truly ever flourish
Who God's word delights to do,
Air and earth alike will nourish
Him, till ripe his fruit shall grow.
Though his leaf grow old, yet he
Ever fresh and green shall be,
God success to his endeavour
Giveth, and it prospers ever.

But he who in sin's ways goeth
Is like chaff the wind before,
When it riseth up and bloweth,
And we find it here no more.
Where the Lord His people guide,
There the godless ne'er abide,
God the faithful loves and guideth,
On the wicked wrath abideth.

THE 112TH PSALM OF DAVID.

Bless'd is he the Lord who loveth,
At His word doth tremble aye!
Bless'd whose heart him freely moveth
God's commandments to obey.
Who the Highest loves and fears,
Findeth increase with the years
Of all that to him is given
By the bounteous hand of Heaven.

His dear children shall stand ever
Like to roses in their blow;
Flowing with God's goodness over,
On his generations go.
What the body needs below
God who rules all will bestow,
He will bounteously relieve them,
Plenty in their dwellings give them.

The right deeds of the believer
Nought can shake, they stand secure;
If a storm o'ertakes him ever,
Still doth God, his Light endure,
Comforts, shieldeth with His pow'r,
So that after darkness' hour,
After night of tears and sorrow,
Joy and sunshine glad the morrow.

God's compassion, grace, and favour
For the faithful still endure.
Blessèd are the souls who ever
Think upon the needy poor,
Love them, seek to do them good;
For the ever-living God
In His arms of grace will bear them,
And a home above prepare them.

When the black clouds o'er them lighten,
And the pealing thunders shock,
They shall sit, and nought shall frighten,
Like the dove hid in the rock;
They'll remain eternally,
And their memory shall be
Upon every side extending,
As their branches trees are sending.

When misfortunes overtake them,
Whereby sinners low are laid,
Firm their courage, nought can shake them,
And their hearts are undismay'd;
Undismay'd, from care are free,
Hearts that unreservedly
To the Lord their God are given,
Love Him when forsaken even.

Who delight take in relieving
Sad ones, to the Lord are dear;
What the loving hands are giving,
God will recompense e'en here.
Who much giveth much will gain,
He shall not desire in vain,
What his heart desires and willeth,
God in His good time fulfilleth.

But the foes who triumph'd o'er them,
They shall see depart beneath;
Satan who such malice bore them,
Evermore shall gnash his teeth:
Sorely will it him displease
When their blessedness he sees,
Yet that he can rob them never,
Only waste himself for ever.

THE 121ST PSALM OF DAVID.

Lord! to Thee alone I raise
Evermore mine eager eyes,
Upturn'd is my constant gaze
To the hills that pierce the skies:
To the hills whence flow to me
Help and saving health from Thee!

All my succour comes to me
From my great Creator's hand,
Who hath deck'd so beauteously
Earth and sky, air, sea, and land,
And with ev'ry good supplied,
That our needs be satisfied.

Lest thy feet, my soul! should stray
From the narrow path of right,
He is with thee in the way,
And preserves thee day and night.
Trust Him! and the hosts of hell
Never more shall work thee ill.

Sleepless vigils doth He keep
When thou liest down to rest;
When thou'rt sunk in slumbers deep,
To thy side at His behest
Angel hosts then wing their flight,
Thee to guard through all the night.

All thou hast and all thou art
Is encircled by His love;
Ev'ry grief that wrings thy heart
Doth He graciously remove.
Soul and body shieldeth He,
When dark tempests threaten thee.

When the noonday's burning sun
All thy body's strength doth blight,
When the midnight stars and moon
Dazzle with their brilliant light,
Then His hand of mighty pow'r,
Shades thee in the trying hour.

May He still protection yield,
Faithful Shepherd be, and near
Still remain thy rock and shield,
When thy heart's oppress'd with fear.
When of need thou feel'st the smart,
May He press thee to His heart.

Dost thou sit or rise again,
Dost thou speak or dost thou hear,
Still at home dost thou remain,
Art abroad when none is near,
Dost thou wander in or out?
He will compass thee about.

THE 139TH PSALM OF DAVID.

Lord, Thou my heart dost search and try,
And what is hidden from mine eye
Thou seest, all I am and own
To Thine omniscient mind is known.

Whene'r I sit, lie down, or stand,
Or walk, or run, on ev'ry hand
Thy presence doth encompass me,
At all times I am hard by Thee.

And all the thoughts that stir my heart,
That lurk in its most secret part,
Thy searching eye doth scrutinize
Ere they to consciousness arise.

And never from my tongue a word
Escapes, by Thee, O Lord, unheard;
Thou order'st all I speak or do,
And guidest me life's journey through.

'Tis true, I know, but must remain
A knowledge I can ne'er attain,
A mystery beyond the ken
Of feeble and short-sighted men.

Where shall I from Thy Spirit fly,
Escape from Thine omniscient eye?
Where shall I from Thy presence hide,
And where remote from Thee abide?

If I ascend the utmost height
Of heav'n, there art Thou, thron'd in light;
Or should I down to hell repair
And make my bed, I'd find Thee there.

Should I on morning's pinions ride,
As far as ocean's empire wide
Of stormy waves breaks on the land,
I'd be upheld by Thy right hand.

Or if the help of night I sought,
No change by darkness would be wrought,
For let the night be as it may,
With Thee is ever cloudless day.

'Mid darkest shadows Thou canst see,
The darkness is a light to Thee,
Thy glance is ever clear and bright,
From sun and moon Thou need'st no light.

My reins Thou ever hast possess'd,
For in Thy hand they ever rest,
From infancy Thou hast me led,
With daily blessings crown'd my head.

Thou hast, who'rt greatly to be fear'd,
My frame with cunning hand uprear'd;
Thy works, Thy wondrous pow'r forth tell,
And that my soul doth know right well.

My substance was not hid from Thee,
When I in secret curiously
Was fashion'd in the depths of earth,
From whence Thy pow'r hath brought me forth.

Before my time, my times for me
Determin'd were by Thy decree,
The tale of years and days I'd see,
Hours, moments, all were fix'd by Thee.

My God, how precious, sweet, and fair,
I see array'd before me there
The thoughts of wisdom of Thy heart,
In all Thy bounty doth impart.

The sum of these so high doth mount,
That when their number I would count,
I find them infinitely more
Than dust or sand, on field or shore.

How doth the bold blaspheming band
Thee vilify on every hand,
O God of wonders! and Thy name
Despise and treat with open shame.

Their scornful mouths, Lord, close and seal,
Against them speedily reveal
Thy wrath! against Thy foes arise,
Thy foes are hateful in mine eyes.

Though in return, their hatred sore
Against Thee burn, I do no more
Amid the rage of angry foes,
Than 'neath Thy shelt'ring wings repose.

Lord, search and know my heart and mood,
See if my way be right and good,
The everlasting joyful road
Lead me that brings me home to God.

Songs of the Cross and Consolation.

UNDER THE TRIALS OF THIS LIFE.

Full often as I meditate
Upon the world's disorder'd state,
I ask myself if earthly life
Be good, and worthy of the strife,
Has he not acted for the best
Who laid himself betimes to rest?

Reflect, my friend, say, if you know
What station is there here below
Without its fall and daily share
Of sorrow, pain, and anxious care?
And tell me if a place there be
From sorrow, tears, vexation free.

And doth not every passing day,
From youth to manhood, bear away
Its own peculiar load of grief
Upon its back, and such relief
As transient joy may seem to bring,
Is it not full of suffering?

If times be good, and fortune smile,
My God! how envy storms the while;
If dignity and honours great
Attend thy steps, alas! their weight.
If others thou'rt preferr'd before,
Than others too thou'rt burden'd more.

Art thou to-day in joyous mood,
Rejoicing in thy share of good?
Lo! ere thou think'st, thy gains are gone,
Thy joyous mood with them is flown,
The hurricane so suddenly
Doth sweep away thy property.

Dost from the world withdraw thyself,
And lov'st God more than gold or pelf?
Thy crown, thy jewel, thy good name
Is cover'd by the world with shame.
For he who can't dissembler play,
The world as fool will spurn away.

'Tis true, alas! that trouble waits
In daily watch before our gates;
On earth the cross is borne by all,
All feel its weight, and taste its gall;
But shall we therefore cast away
The Christian's light? I tell thee--nay.

The saints, who to their Saviour cleave,
In faith and in the Spirit live,
Unhurt by any ill or woe
Pass through their pilgrimage below;
Though things may sometimes fall out ill
Yet with them it is ever well.

Though they no gold have stor'd away,
They've God, and care not what men say,
Reject with joy, and aye despise
The world's vain pomp and vanities;
Their honour is to hope and wait,
From God alone comes all their state.

The Christian, God as Father knows,
Can in His faithfulness repose;
Whatever trial God may send,
Can't separate him from his friend;
The more He smites, he loves the more,
Remaineth true, though chasten'd sore.

He only plays a hero's part
Who cherishes within his heart
The Saviour's love; whate'er betide,
Firm as a rock shall he abide
When heav'n and earth shall pass away;
Though men forsake, God's word's his stay.

The word of God beguiles our fears,
And turns to smiles our bitter tears;
It robs misfortune of the pow'r
Of hurting in the evil hour;
It brings the sadden'd heart relief,
When bow'd beneath the load of grief.

Now cease, I pray, your tale of woe:
Though full of grief this life below,
Still falleth to the Christian's share
Salvation and God's guardian care;
Who loves the Saviour, trusts in God,
Remains unmov'd beneath the rod.

As gold into the fire is cast,
And comes forth purified at last,
So saints supported by God's grace
Uninjur'd through affliction pass;
A child his father's child is still,
Although his father's rod he feel.

Dear heart, chase all thy fears away,
On thy God's faithfulness now stay,
Though smiting with His chast'ning rod,
He means it well, 'tis for thy good;
Confide in Him, His guiding hand
Will bring thee to the better land.

Live on according to His will,
Although the way be rough, be still!
In heav'n Thou hast a mansion fair,
Where joy will banish every care;
If here we to the Saviour cleave,
With Jesu's angels shall we live.

THOU ART BUT MAN!

Thou art but man, to thee 'tis known,
Why dost thou then endeavour
To do what God should do alone,
Or can accomplish ever?
A thousand griefs thou goest through,
In spite of all thy wit can do;
Upon thine end thou pond'rest,
What it will be thou wond'rest.

'Tis all in vain, in vain thy care,
With all thy musings earnest,
In all thy life a single hair
Thou white or black ne'er turnest.
The griefs by which thou'rt sore distress'd
Can only serve to mar thy rest,
Cause anguish unavailing,
Thy life itself curtailing.

Wilt thou do what is for thy good,
And what thy God good seeth?
Then cast on Him each heavy load,
'Fore whom earth and heav'n fleeth.
Thy life and labour, all that's thine,
With joy into God's hand resign;
A happy end He'll ever
Give thee, and thee deliver.

Who car'd for thee ere light of day
Had dawn'd upon thy vision,
While in the womb thy soul still lay
As in a gloomy prison?
Who thought upon thy welfare then?
What good did all the might of men
Do, when to thee were given
Life, mind, and pow'r from heaven?

Whose skill was it that fashion'd thee?
And who thy frame uprearèd?
To glad our eyes, by whose decree,
Say, hath the light appearèd?
Who hath thy veins in order laid,
For each a course convenient made?
Who hath thy frame replenish'd
With members fair and finish'd?

Where were thy mind and will and heart
When land and ocean over,
Yea, even earth's remotest part,
The sky was spread to cover?
Who made the sun and moon to shine,
Who gave herbs, trees, and beasts as thine,
Who bid them satisfy thee,
And no desire deny thee?

Lift up thy head, see everywhere,
Above, around, below thee,
How God in all for thee His care,
And at all times, doth show thee!
Thy meat and drink, the clothes dost wear,
Did God, ere need thou felt'st, prepare.
God, ere thou wast, prepar'd thee
Thy mother's milk, that rear'd thee.

The raiment that in infancy
Thy nakedness did cover,
The cradle that receivèd thee,
The roof thy young head over,
Were all in love prepar'd for thee,
Ere yet thine eye was op'd to see
The wonders that abounded,
The world that thee surrounded.

Yet wilt thou walk by thine own light
Thy life long, only heeding,
Believing nothing but thy sight,
Go whither it is leading.
In all that thou dost undertake,
Thy heart thy counsellor dost make,
Unless by it selected,
Is ev'ry plan rejected.

Behold! how oft and openly
God's providence undoeth
The plans thy hand so ardently
And hopefully pursueth.
But it doth happen frequently,
That e'en the very things we see
The wisest men could never
Predict, or think of ever.

How oft thy stiff-neck'd self-will hath
To bitter need reduc'd thee!
When heart and mind deluded, death
To take for life, seduc'd thee!
And had the Lord thy work and deed
Along the path allow'd proceed
That thou thyself had'st taken,
Lost wert thou and forsaken.

He who to us love endless feels,
When self-involv'd, then frees us,
Ev'n self-inflicted wounds He heals,
Guides when astray He sees us.
Paternal kindness, tender love,
To these His heart doth ever move,
This love poor sinners beareth,
For whom as sons He careth.

Ah! silence doth He often keep,
But still the while He blesses,
E'en though we tears of anguish weep,
Though grief the heart depresses,
Although our eager eyes we strain,
And seek for light, but seek in vain,
And seek deliv'rance ever
From woe, but find it never.

But God our Lord still onward straight
His path pursueth ever,
And brings us to heav'n's peaceful gate,
Where storms assail us never.
What dark was and mysterious here
In all God's ways, shall be then clear,
His wisdom we'll discover
When our life-work is over.

Then peace, be still, my troubled breast!
And let no grief distress thee,
God ever plans for thee the best,
His heart is set to bless thee.
Thy cause the Saviour ne'er can leave,
In this assuredly believe,
Tow'rd us He ever yearneth,
His ardent love aye burneth.

With grace and truth His loving heart
For evermore is glowing,
And keenly feeleth He the smart,
When from our eyes are flowing
Hot tears, caus'd by vain sorrow's load,
As if in wrath and hate our God
Could ever helpless leave us,
Would never comfort give us!

The evil thought, ah! put away,
No more may it deceive thee,
Although what happ'neth, seldom may
Increase of pleasure give thee.
But that will happen certainly
Which God thy Father doth decree;
From what He wills to send thee,
No mortal can defend thee.

Then to thy Father's arms of love
In confidence betake thee,
Pray on till His compassion move,
His special care He make thee!
Then by His Spirit will He guide,
Through unknown paths still at thy side,
From all thy woe and striving
At last deliv'rance giving.

CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT.

O my soul, why dost thou grieve,
Why dost mourn so bitterly,
That more freely God doth give
Gifts to others than to thee?
In thy God delight thy heart,
He's the good enduring part.

Of the human race have none
In this world to be a right,
All, yea each created one,
But a guest is for a night.
God in His house Lord is still,
Gifts divideth as He will.

Know, thou art not therefore here,
That thou should'st possess the earth;
Look thou up to heav'n so clear,
There's thy gold of priceless worth,
There is honour, there is joy,
Without envy or alloy!

Great the folly his who grieves
For a little vanity,
When God to him freely gives
Treasures of eternity.
Is the handredweight thy gain?
Thou canst then despise the grain.

All thy fair possessions see,
That are valued by thy heart,
None of them can go with thee
When from earth thou must depart.
Thou must leave them here below,
When death's door thou passest through.

The soul's nourishment, God's grace,
And the Saviour's precious blood,
Ne'er through time in worth decrease,
But remain for ever good.
Earthly goods must pass away,
Soul-goods never can decay.

Still art thou so blind, alas!
Thinking--but all erringly,
Eyes hast thou, but in the glass
Of the word thou dost not see.
Child of man! fix there thine eyes,
For it is a peerless prize.

Count thy fingers every one,
And thine other members o'er,
They are precious, they're thine own,
Lov'd by thee than treasure more,
Gold could never from thee buy
E'en the least, though men should try.

Search and ask thine inmost heart,
'Twill instruct thee what of good
Daily falleth to thy part,
By God's bounteous hand bestow'd;
Than the sand upon the shore
More, and yet desir'st thou more!

Did thy Heav'nly Father see
That it would be for thy good,
What desires so eagerly
Thy misguided flesh and blood,
He would ne'er thee joyless leave,
But would of His bounty give.

God to thee is full of love,
Faithful and sincere is He,
When thou wishest aught, He'd prove
Of what kind thy wish may be:
If 'tis good, He will bestow,
If 'tis ill, He'll answer--no.

Meanwhile doth His Spirit give
Manna to thy fainting heart,
Food by which the angels live,
Grace to deck thee doth impart,
For His portion chooseth thee,
Thou shalt share salvation free.

Look then to thy God above,
Sad and troubled countenance!
Cease to sigh, faith's virtue prove,
By thy clear and joyous glance!
While thy sky is overcast
By affliction, hold it fast!

And as Heav'n's adopted son,
Thy rebellious will restrain;
Touch thy harp, let 'fore God's throne
Grateful songs resound again.
More at all times doth God give
Than thou'rt worthy to receive.

Live thou ever in God's fear,
As thou journeyest to heav'n,
Take whate'er befalls thee here
As a gift in wisdom giv'n.
Are they evil days, thou'lt see
God and Heav'n endure for thee.

UNDER THE VEXATIONS OF THE WICKED PROSPEROUS WORLD.

Ah! lovely innocence, how evil art thou deem'd,
How lightly oft thy work by all the world's esteem'd!
Thou servest God, thy Lord, and to His word thou cleavest;
For this, from men thou nought but scorn and hate receivest.

Right on thy road thou go'st, flee'st from the crooked way;
Another steppeth in and bears the prize away,
Increaseth his small store, his chests and barns he filleth;
Thou'rt poor with all thy house, scarce earn'st what hunger stilleth.

The wicked one thou chid'st, who walks not righteously,
Another practiseth a sweet hypocrisy
That love and praise secures, and him on high upraises,
While in the lurch the world thee leaves, and much abases.

Thou say'st that virtue is the Christian's fairest crown,
But reputation doth the world lay stress upon;
He who will this secure, it saith, must ever labour
To suit the times, and live and act just like his neighbour.

Thou boast'st thyself in God, thy tongue doth aye commend
The blessing God doth as His children's portion send:
"If this be then the case," the world says, "come and show it,
The happy fortune thou hast had, we'd see and know it."

Stand firm, thou pious heart, stand firm, thy faith retain!
'Mid disappointment sore thy God will true remain,
Commit thy ways to Him, let Him protect and guide thee,
Thou'lt triumph at the last o'er evils that betide thee.

Dost fail to please thy kind?--It is a sad disgrace!
Enough, if on thee smile thy heav'nly Father's face.
The worst that man can do is to betray and leave thee;
But God is righteous, and His judgment can't deceive thee.

Doth He say, "Thou art Mine, thy way doth please Me well?"
Then be thy heart consol'd, let joy thy bosom swell,
Cast to the wind the lies by wicked men indited,
Be still, and thou shalt see, by God shall all be righted.

Pride, arrogance, and pomp are ne'er enduring found,
Like brightest glass they fall, and break upon the ground;
So when the luck of men has mounted up to heaven,
It soon comes crashing down, and on the earth lies riven.

And all ill-gotten wealth, when right our estimate,
Is on the heart and mind a dead oppressive weight
That burdens evermore, with pain the conscience wringeth,
Its quiet rest disturbs, and into trouble bringeth.

And what have many more than of the poor the sweat?
What do they eat and drink, and what gain do they get?
They rob the widows' store, spite of their tears them wronging,
Who like a thirsty land for sympathy are longing.

Is this felicity? is this magnificence?
Oh! what a sentence dire will God the Judge pronounce
Upon the day of doom, when from His throne so loudly
It sounds, how shall they seem who strut and boast so proudly!

But thou who now thy God dost honour with whole heart,
And never from His ways dost let thy feet depart,
Shalt in the goodly throng, whom God with manna feedeth,
With praise and honour clad, walk with Him where he leadeth.

In patience, then, possess thy soul a little while,
Do right, and persevere and live all free from guile,
Act that the fairest prize in yonder life be given
Thee, from His gracious hand who rules in earth and heaven.

Whate'er on earth betide, from care remain all free,
'Twill fall out for thy good, as God the best may see;
Rest thou assur'd, He will no wish of thine deny thee,
With joy fulfil thy will, with every good supply thee.

"I WILL ENDURE THE INDIGNATION OF THE LORD."--MICAH VII.

I have deserv'd it, cease t' oppose
The Lord's will, shall I never?
Thou bitter cup, thou heavy cross,
Come hither to me ever!
From pain all free
May never be
He 'gainst the Lord who fighteth,
As I each day,
Who trod the way
Wherein the world delighteth.

I'll bear the chastisement of God,
A patient soul possessing,
For born in sin, sin's path I trod,
Aye ventur'd on transgressing,
That pleasures vain
I might attain,
In wantonness time wasting,
The gracious word
Of God the Lord,
As I ought, never tasting.

The road of God's commandments good
I often have forsaken,
And on the way that leads from God
Am therefore overtaken
By grief and smart,
That pierce my heart;
God's hand thus am I feeling,
Who 'fore His throne
To each his own
Awards, in justice dealing.

For just and true is God above,
We fail His goodness telling,
A mother's truth, a father's love
Alike in him are dwelling.
God's wrath, I ween,
As oft hath been
Ours, is not unrelenting.
Men steel their heart,
Refuse t' impart
Grace e'en to the repenting.

In sooth 'tis not the mind of God,
His anger ever endeth,
Return we, He removes the rod,
And to the weary sendeth
A sweet release,
To mark doth cease,
And visit our transgressing;
His wrath He turns,
And tow'rd us yearns,
Gives after cursing blessing.

And so the Lord will deal with me,
And every one behold it,
And vindicate the right will He,
My cause, He will uphold it.
Thy face so bright,
Lord! to the light,
From deepest pit will raise me,
That ever I
May heartily
Thy truth exalt, and praise Thee.

Rejoice not o'er me, then, my foes,
I lie not here for ever,
My God will come ere ye suppose,
And speedily deliver.
His holy hand
Will make me stand,
Firm and secure for ever;
Good times to me
And joy will He
Give after stormy weather.

I am in need, yet scarce can speak
Of real need and sorrow;
When God my Light is, day must break
And bring a glorious morrow,
E'en in the night,
While yet the might
Of darkness much increaseth,
And when this Light
Dawns on my sight,
Whate'er oppresses ceaseth.

The time will come, e'en now 'tis near,
When I shall sing salvation,
When he who lov'd to mock and jeer
At me in tribulation,
And bid me tell
Where God doth dwell,
Shall from God's face be driven
With head cast down;
To me a crown
Of honour shall be given!

FOR PATIENCE IN GREAT SORROW.

Ah! faithful God, compass'nate heart,
Whose goodness never endeth,
I know this bitter cross and smart
Thy hand it is that sendeth!
Yea, Lord, I know this burden great
Thou sendest not in wrath and hate,
But 'tis in love appointed.

That ever is Thy way all-wise,
Thy child in woe must languish,
Thou whom Thou lovest, dost chastise,
'Fore joy Thou sendest anguish,
Sink'st us to hell, in woe we lie,
And raisest us again on high,
Thus with us fares it always.

Thou ever leadest wondrously
Thy children dear who please Thee!
Would I have life? Then first must I
E'en down to death abase me.
In honour who'd be raised on high,
He self-abas'd on earth must lie
As worthless dust and ashes.

On earth, Lord, Thy belovèd Son
Such sorrow had to try Him;
Ere He could reach His glorious throne
Ill men must crucify Him.
He pass'd through trouble, need, and woe,
Nor shrunk He from death's cruel blow,
To reach the joys of heaven.

Did then Thy good and holy Son
Himself for us deliver,
And I enslavèd, sinful one,
Shall I resist Thee ever?
Of patience aye the glass is He,
And who His face desires to see
Must in His footsteps follow.

How is it reason finds it hard,
The truth so oft rejecteth,
That Thou with favour dost regard
E'en while Thy hand afflicteth?
How long doth oft the cross remain,
How hardly can we love and pain
Then reconcile together.

God of the Church! when fails my pow'r,
Strength graciously then give me;
And grant that nought in trial's hour
Of faith may e'er deprive me.
Uphold me by Thy might, O Lord,
Establish me then in Thy word,
From murmuring deliver!

When I am weak, be Thou my stay,
In faithfulness be near me,
That I continually may pray,
And call on Thee to hear me.
While yet a heart hopes and believes,
And still in pray'r unceasing lives,
Bold is it, and unvanquish'd.

In measure, Lord, apply the rod,
Lest I sink altogether;
Thou know'st how I can bear the load,
How life's imperill'd ever,
For neither steel nor stone am I,
But sooner pass away and die,
E'en than a fleeting vapour.

Ah! Jesus, who did'st stoop so low,
Thy blood shed, life that giveth,
The bitter cross full well dost know,
And how the spirit grieveth
When cross and heavy woe combine,
So wilt Thou hear each cry of mine,
When bitterly complaining.

I know Thou feelest sympathy
When want and woe distress me,
That Thou with help wilt visit me,
And graciously wilt bless me.
Ah! strengthen Thou my feeble hand,
And lead my feet where I may stand
In safety--Come and save me!

Speak courage to my fainting heart,
With comfort, Lord, support me.
Of weary souls the Rest Thou art,
My Tow'r, where none can hurt me!
My Rock, where from the sun I hide,
My Tent, where safely I abide
When storms without are raging!

And as in love, while here I dwell,
Thou suff'ring hast decreed me,
Thy grace vouchsafe Thy child, Lord, still,
In Thy green pastures lead me;
That I in faith may patience gain,
Through patience rich reward attain,
When I've endur'd the trial.

Oh! Holy Ghost, of joy the Oil,
Whom God from Heaven giveth,
Refresh me, pour into my soul
What heart and flesh reviveth.
Of glory, Thou the Spirit art,
Know'st what in heav'n shall be my part
Of grace, joy, consolation!

How fair 'twill be, ah! let me gaze
Upon the life so glorious,
That Thou wilt give to those who pass
Through trials sore, victorious.
The earth with all its treasures fair
Can never with this life compare,
They pale and fade before it.

Thou'lt deal with me so graciously,
I'll endless joy be tasting,
For trials known to Thee and me
Have glory everlasting.
Thou'lt wipe the tear-drop from mine eyes,
To exultation turn my sighs,
Lord! I believe it. Amen!

UNDER THE CROSS WHEN GOD DELAYS HIS HELP.

Father of mercies! God most high,
Deign graciously to hear me,
Thou say'st, "Knock at my door and cry,
In time of need draw near me.
As urgently
Thou long'st, to thee
I'll come to help and raise thee,
That with thy mouth,
In very truth,
Thou joyfully may'st praise me."

Commit to God, both morn and night,
Thy ways, and doings ever;
He knoweth how to guide thee right,
And always will deliver.
To Him reveal
Whate'er dost feel
Thy heart to sorrow moveth;
He is Thy Lord,
Knows how to guard
And shield thee whom He loveth.

For His belovèd child will care
The faithful loving Father;
Who righteous and believing are,
He to His rest will gather.
Then, people dear,
Hope ever here
On Him who aye relieves you;
His throne before
Your hearts outpour,
Tell Him whatever grieves you!

Ah! God our Shield! Thy word how sweet
It sounds to Thine afflicted:
"I'll come to thee with succour meet,
When thy heart is dejected.
He loveth me,
So lov'd shall be,
Secure for aye I'll make him,
From care all free
Shall sit by me,
I'll to my bosom take him."

The Lord to them is ever nigh
Who trustfully draw near Him,
He's at their side whene'er they cry,
Helps them o'ercome, who fear Him.
In misery
Who low do lie,
He raiseth and relieveth,
And joy imparts
To fainting hearts,
Them pow'r and might he giveth.

"In truth, who my great name doth fear,"
Saith Christ, "and firm believeth,
God doth regard his pray'r sincere,
His heart's wish freely giveth."
Then one and all
Draw near and call,
Who asketh, he obtaineth;
Who seeketh there,
The fruit so fair
With great advantage gaineth.

Hear what yon unjust judge doth say:
"This widow's supplication
I must regard, lest day by day
Her coming cause vexation."
His people's cry
Shall God deny,
Who day and night are praying?
It cannot be,
He'll set them free
From woe, not long delaying.

For when the just shed tears through care,
God soon with joy relieveth,
To those who broken-hearted are,
Again He laughter giveth.
He'll suffer woe
Who will below
'Mid men be godly living;
But at his side
Will God abide,
Him grace sufficient giving.

"A moment I've forsaken thee,
And left thee in temptation;
With mercy great, as thou shalt see,
And boundless consolation,
I'll give the crown,
And to the throne
Of glory shall I raise thee,
To joy convert
Thy grief and hurt,
Thou evermore shalt praise me."

Ah! gracious God, ah! Father's heart!
For years my consolation!
Why dost Thou let me feel such smart,
Pass through such tribulation?
My sad heart aches,
My eye awakes,
And bitter tears sheds ever,
My face once bright
Doth lose its light,
From sighing ceasing never.

How long, O blessèd Lord! wilt Thou,
Unmindful of me, leave me?
How long shall I in grief lie low,
And inward sorrow grieve me?
How long wilt chide,
And Thy face hide,
In darkness let me languish?
Say, when care's load
Shall cease, my God!
To wring my heart with anguish?

Wilt Thou eternally repel,
And show Thy goodness never?
And shall Thy word and promise fail,
Be put to shame for ever?
Doth wrath so burn,
That Thou'lt ne'er turn
To me, and stand beside me?
Yet, Lord, I will
Cleave to Thee still,
Thy hand in all can guide me.

My heart amid earth's misery
For Thee, O Lord! is aching;
My God! I wait and hope in Thee,
Let not shame me o'ertaking;
Thy friend in woe
Plunge, or the foe
Give cause for jubilation;
But, Lord, may I
Rejoice, rais'd high,
In glorious exaltation.