Chapter IV: Part 4

Ah! Lord, Thou true and faithful art,
Thy heart can ne'er disown me;
Nerve me in fight to bear my part,
With victory then crown me!
Lay Thou on me
The load, by Thee
Appointed, that I bear it.
When Thou the rod
Dost use, my God!
In measure may I share it!

Thy strength, O Lord! is infinite,
Thy hand hath all created,
Could all again with ruin smite,
Its pow'r is unabated.
We sound Thy name
With high acclaim,
As Lord of Hosts we own Thee!
In counsel right
No skill nor might
Can foil, nor e'er dethrone Thee.

Thou who dost Israel console,
Thou, Saviour, in affliction!
Ah! why permittest Thou my soul
To sink in sore dejection?
Thou dost not rest,
Thou'rt as a guest,
Who'rt in the land a stranger!
A hero Thou
Whose courage low
Sinks 'fore disgrace or danger?

Nay, Lord, not such a one art Thou!
My inmost heart believeth;
Thou standest firm, 'mid us shines now
The light that Thy word giveth.
Here restest Thou,
Lord, with us now;
Who call upon Thee ever,
At fitting hour
Wilt by Thy pow'r
From ev'ry woe deliver.

O Lord! my lengthen'd tale is o'er,
Then hear Thou my petition,
Help me, who often at Thy door
Have knock'd, and sought admission.
Help, Helper, me!
I'll joyfully
Thankoff'rings lay before Thee;
And when life's o'er
Shall evermore
In heav'n above adore Thee.

'TIS PATIENCE MUST SUPPORT YOU.--HEB. X. 35-37.

'Tis patience must support you
When sorrow, grief, or smart,
Or whate'er else may hurt you,
Doth rend your aching heart.
Belov'd and chosen seed!
If not a death will kill you,
Yet once again I tell you,
'Tis patience that you need.

The cup of patience drinketh
With nausea flesh and blood,
Back from the cross it shrinketh;
When threaten'd with the rod,
It shuddereth with fear.
'Tis bold when nought assaileth,
Heart shrinks, and courage faileth,
When storms and rain are here.

Why patience causeth sadness,
Is that the carnal mind
Unclouded joy and gladness
In God aye hop'd to find,
Though He hath made it clear,
He chastens whom He loveth,
And whom He much approveth,
He much afflicteth here.

God giveth patience ever,
The Spirit in the breast
Begetteth it whenever
Within us He doth rest;
The worthy, noble Guest
Preserves us from despairing,
And nerves for burden-bearing
The heart when sore distress'd.

From faith all patience springeth,
On God's own word depends,
To this she firmly clingeth,
Herself with this defends.
'Tis her high tow'r and wall,
Where she securely hideth,
Where God for her provideth,
Here fears she ne'er a fall.

And patience trust reposeth
On Jesu's death and pain;
When Satan her opposeth,
Here takes she heart again,
And saith, "Thou Prince of hell!
Thou never shalt devour me,
Too high I'm lifted o'er thee,
In Jesus do I dwell."

Contented patience stayeth
On God's decree all-wise;
Although His grace delayeth,
Scarce feels fatigue arise;
With trust she bears her load,
And joyfully endureth,
This thought her heart assureth,
It is the hand of God.

Long, long, can patience waiting
The weary time beguile,
On God's word meditating
Get saving good the while.
With earnest fervent pray'r,
Each morn and eve she guardeth
Herself from ill, and wardeth
Off Satan's every snare.

To God's will patience boweth,
Doth His command fulfil,
'Mid scorn of foes she knoweth
'Tis wisest to be still.
Who will, let him despise,
Unhurt by the dishonour
And shame thus put upon her,
Her heart doth o'er it rise.

To honour patience serveth
Her God, and never more
From love and fealty swerveth;
Although He smiteth sore,
Yet doth she ever praise
His holy hand, and telleth
That God on high who dwelleth,
Doth well in all his ways.

And patience life sustaineth,
Adds to our tale of years;
She drives away what paineth
The heart, and stills its fears.
It is a beauteous light
That giveth him who heedeth,
And whom God's guidance leadeth,
A face with joy all bright.

Great joy from patience springeth,
The head a noble crown,
Gems for the neck she bringeth
From throne of Heaven down.
She wipes from weeping eyes
The tears of grief and anguish;
Whose souls with longing languish,
With ample good supplies.

My soul for patience sigheth,
My heart longs eagerly,
How urgently it crieth
And oft is known to Thee,
Of grace who hast full store!
Lord, hear my supplication,
Give patient resignation;
I ask for nothing more.

For patience the petition
Shall often up to Thee,
From out my low condition,
Ascend, O Lord, from me.
And in my dying hour,
Thy mercy still extending,
Oh! grant a patient ending,
Then need I nothing more.

WHAT PLEASETH GOD!

What pleaseth God, my faithful child,
Receive with joy; although the wild
And wintry wind thy heart appal,
Have faith, thee only can befal
What pleaseth God!

The will of God is aye the best,
In it we can so calmly rest;
Thyself to it anew resign,
And only seek to have as thine
What pleaseth God!

God's counsel is the only wise;
Soon comes to nought what men devise;
Their projects fall, fall out of use,
Oft mischief work, not oft produce
What pleaseth God!

God's mood is the most gracious mood,
To all intending, doing good;
He blesses, though hard words may speak
The wicked world, and never seek
What pleaseth God!

The truest heart is God's own heart,
Who bids our misery depart;
Who screens and shelters, day and night,
The man who makes his chief delight
What pleaseth God!

Ah! could I sing, as sing I would,
From out my heart, and ever should,
I'd ope my mouth--in Him rejoice,
This moment praise with heart and voice
What pleaseth God!

His counsel wise would I make known,
The works of wonder He hath done;
His saving grace, eternal pow'r,
That work producing every hour
What pleaseth God.

He rules above and rules below;
On Him hangs all our weal and woe;
He bears the world in His high hand,
For us brings forth the sea and land
What pleaseth God!

His hands the elements restrain;
His hands our mortal life sustain--
Give summer, winter, day, and night,
That evermore to do delight
What pleaseth God!

His host, the stars, the moon, and sun,
Their wonted courses ever run;
Corn, oil, and must, bread, wine, and beer,
The fruitful earth brings forth each year,
Which pleaseth God!

His understanding is all wise,
He knows--they are before his eyes,
Who evil think and evil do,
As well as who the good pursue
That pleaseth God!

His little flock to Him is dear;
When sinning they forsake His fear,
He chastens with His Father's rod,
Till they return and do the good
That pleaseth God!

What cheers and strengtheneth our heart
He knows, and ever doth impart
Whatever good each one requires,
Who seeks for good and aye desires
What pleaseth God!

Is't so? then let the world retain
What pleaseth her, and she deems gain;
But thou in God delighted be,
My heart! approve whate'er you see
That pleaseth God!

Let others then in haughty mood
Rejoice in stores of earthly good;
But thou the Cross with patience bear,
Contented if thou hast the share
That pleaseth God!

Dost live in sorrow, sunk in grief,
Hast much affliction--no relief?
Still murmur not, for thou dost bear
In this thy bitter life of care
What pleaseth God!

In suff'rings art thou doom'd to live?
Then to thy great Protector cleave;
The world and all the creatures too
Are under God, can only do
What pleaseth God!

Doth ev'ry one despise Thy name?
Do foes Thee scorn and treat with shame?
Be not cast down, for Christ will raise
Thy head, who seeth in thy ways
What pleaseth God!

Faith fastens on the Saviour's love
Works patience, hope that looks above;
Lock both within thy secret heart,
Thou'lt have as thine eternal part
What pleaseth God!

Thy part is in the Heav'nly throne,
There is thy sceptre, kingdom, crown;
There shalt thou taste, and hear, and see,
There shall for ever happen thee
What pleaseth God!

IN DESPONDENCY AND TEMPTATION.

Look up to thy God again,
Soul, sunk in affliction!
Shall He be reproach'd by men
Through thy sore dejection?
Satan's wiles dost thou not see?
By severe temptation,
Gladly would he keep from thee
Jesu's consolation.

Shake thy head in scorn, and "flee,"
Bid the old deceiver--
"Wilt renew thy thrusts at me,
Me to fear deliver?
Serpent! bruis'd thy head I see;
Through His pain hath freed me
From thy grasp, my Lord, and He
To His joy will lead me.

"Dost thou charge my sin to me?
When did God command me
Judgment to require from thee?
Tell me, I demand thee!
Who did pow'r on thee bestow
Sentence to deliver?
Who thyself art sunk so low
In hell's flames for ever."

What I have not done aright
Me with sorrow filleth,
But of Jesu's blood the sight
All mine anguish stilleth.
He the ransom price hath paid,
From the cross relieves me,
When before God's throne 'tis laid,
Inward joy He gives me.

In Christ's innocence I boast,
His right is my glory,
Mine His merit, there I trust
As in stronghold hoary,
That the rage of every foe
Evermore resisteth,
Though the might of hell below
It to storm assisteth.

Rage then, devil, and thou, death!
Ye can never hurt me;
In the trials of my path
Doth God's grace support me.
God His only Son to me,
Mov'd by love, hath given,
That to endless misery
I may not be driven.

Cry then, foolish world! amain,
That God lov'd me never,
That my cherish'd hope is vain,
Has deceiv'd me ever.
Had God been averse to me,
Would He have supported
All the gifts so rich and free
He to me imparted?

What is there in sky or sea,
What the wide earth over,
What that works no good for me,
Canst thou then discover?
Why do star so beauteously
Shine on us from Heaven?
Why are, but for good to me,
Air and water given?

Why do clouds their streams outpour?
Why do dews earth cover?
Why with verdure's cover'd o'er,
Why flow blessings over
Hill and valley, field and wood?
Truly for my pleasure,
That I dwell secure, and food
Have in plenteous measure.

My soul on God's word most dear
Feeds and liveth ever,
That all Christians love to hear
Daily, tiring never.
Soon and late my heart in me
God opes for receiving
Of the Spirit's grace that He
Is so freely giving.

Why through holy men of old
Have God's words been given?
That we by their light might hold
On our way to heaven,
My heart's darkness to dispel,
From doubt to deliver,
That the conscience sure and well,
Be establish'd ever.

Now upon this holy ground
Build I most securely,
See how hell's malicious hound,
Spends 'gainst me his fury.
He can never overthrow
What God hath upraisèd,
But what Satan's hand doth do
That shall be abasèd.

I am God's, and mine is God,
Who from Him can part me?
Tho' the cross with heavy load
Press on me and smart me.
Let it press--the hand of love
Hath the cross laid on me,
He the burden will remove,
When the good is done me.

Children whom aright to guide
Parents would endeavour,
Must the father often chide,
Or they'd prosper never.
If I'm then a child of grace,
Should I shun God ever,
When He from sin's devious ways,
Seeks me to deliver?

Gracious are the thoughts of God,
In the pain He's sending,
Who here weeps beneath the rod,
Reaps not woe unending,
But eternal joy shall taste
In Christ's garden dwelling,
That he shall be there at last,
Now assurance feeling.

Often God's own children here
Sow in tears and sadness,
But at length the long'd-for year
Comes of joy and gladness;
For the reaping time appears,
All their labours after,
When are turn'd their grief and tears
Into joy and laughter.

Christian heart! courageously
All the griefs that pain thee
Cast behind thee joyfully,
More and more sustain thee
Let sweet consolation's light;
Praise and honour give you
To the God of love and might,
He'll help and relieve you.

BE THOU CONTENTED.

Be thou contented! aye relying
On thy God, who life is giving,
For He hath joys soul satisfying,
Wanting Him--in vain thy striving.
Thy Spring is He,
Thy Sun that ever
Rejoiceth thee,
And setteth never.
Be thou contented!

He lightens, comforts, and supports thee,
True in heart, by guile unstainèd;
When He is near nought ever hurts thee,
E'en when smitten sore and painèd.
Cross, need, and woe
He soon averteth,
O'er the last foe
His pow'r asserteth.
Be thou contented!

How it fareth with thee and others,
Truly none from Him concealeth,
He ever from on high discovers
Burden'd hearts, and for them feeleth.
Of weeping eyes
The tears He counteth,
The pile of sighs
'Fore Him high mounteth.
Be thou contented!

When not another on earth liveth,
To whom safe thou may'st confide thee,
He'll faithful prove, who ne'er deceiveth,
And to happiest end will guide thee.
The secret grief
Thy soul that boweth,
And when relief
To give, He knoweth.
Be thou contented!

The sighing of thy soul He ever,
And thy heart's deep plaint is hearing;
What to another thou wouldst never
Tell, reveal to God, ne'er fearing.
He is not far,
But standeth near thee,
Who poor men's pray'r
Marks, soon will hear thee.
Be thou contented!

To God cleave, He'll salvation show thee,
Let not anguish then depress thee;
Although devouring floods o'erflow thee,
Rise above it, He will bless thee.
When 'neath the load
Thy back low bendeth,
Thy Prince and God
Soon succour sendeth.
Be thou contented!

Why for thy life should care so grieve thee,
How to nourish and sustain it?
Thy God, who ever life doth give thee,
Will provide for and maintain it.
He hath a hand
With gifts o'erflowing,
On sea and land
For aye bestowing.
Be thou contented!

Who for the forest songsters careth,
To their daily portion leads them,
For sheep and ox enough prepareth,
Slakes their thirst, with plenty feeds them;
He'll care for thee,
Thee, lone one! filling,
So bounteously
Thy hunger stilling.
Be thou contented!

Say not, the means nowhere appeareth,
Where I seek, my effort faileth;
God this high name of honour beareth,
Helper, when no help availeth!
When thou and I
Fail to discover
Him, speedily
He'll us recover.
Be thou contented!

Although away thy help is staying,
He will not for ever leave thee;
Tho' anxious makes thee His delaying,
'Tis for thy greater good, believe me.
What on the way
To come ne'er hasteth,
Doth longer stay,
And sweeter tasteth.
Be thou contented!

Though 'gainst thee hosts of foes are scheming,
Let not all their lies affright thee;
Still let them rage against thee, deeming
God will hear it and will right thee.
Doth God support
Thee and thine ever?
The foe can hurt
Or ruin never.
Be thou contented!

To each his share of ill is given,
Would he only see and know it;
No course on earth so fair and even,
That no trouble lurks below it.
Who can declare,
"My house was ever
All free from care,
And troubled never?"
Be thou contented!

So must it be, in vain our grieving,
All men here must suffer ever,
Whate'er upon the earth is living,
Evil days avoideth never.
Affliction's blow
Doth oft depress us,
And lays us low,
And death then frees us.
Be thou contented!

A day will dawn of rest and blessing,
When our God will come and save us
From the vile body's bands depressing,
And the evils that enslave us.
Death soon will come,
From woe deliver,
And take us home
Then all together.
Be thou contented!

He'll bring us to the hosts in glory,
To the chosen and true-hearted,
Who when they clos'd this life's sad story,
Hence in peace to joy departed,
And on the shore,
The ever-vernal,
Hear evermore,
The voice eternal.
Be thou contented!

A SONG OF CHRISTIAN CONSOLATION AND JOY.

Is God for me? t'oppose me
A thousand may uprise;
When I to pray'r arouse me,
He'll chase mine enemies.
And doth the Head befriend me,
Am I belov'd by God?
Let foes then rise to rend me,
The wild opposing brood!

I know--from faith none moves me,
I boast--nor feel I shame,
That God as father loves me,
In Him, a friend I claim.
Whene'er the tempest rageth,
At my right hand is He,
Its violence assuageth,
And peace restores to me.

My faith securely buildeth
On Jesus, and His blood;
This, and this only, yieldeth
The true eternal good.
The life that my soul liveth,
Finds nothing on the earth;
What Christ the Saviour giveth
Of all our love is worth.

My Jesus is my Glory,
My Splendour, and clear Light,
Liv'd He not in and for me,
Before God's eye so bright,
And 'fore His pure throne never
Could I a moment stay,
Must quickly flee for ever,
As wax 'fore fire away.

My Jesus death subdueth,
My sin remitteth quite,
He washeth aad reneweth,
The crimson maketh white.
I joy in Him, can ever
A hero's courage feel,
And judgment fear dare never,
As though uncleansèd still.

Nought, nought, can e'er condemn me,
My courage take away;
Hell's flames can ne'er o'erwhelm me,
For me they're quench'd for aye.
No sentence e'er can move me,
No evil e'er deject,
My Saviour who doth love me,
Doth with His wings protect.

His Spirit in me dwelleth,
And ruleth every pow'r,
All pain and sorrow stilleth,
Dispels all clouds that low'r.
What He in me implanteth,
He blesseth every hour,
Help to say "Father" granteth,
With every ransom'd pow'r.

When heart with terror breaketh,
And weak and worn I feel,
Words whispers He and speaketh
That are unspeakable;
My mouth can frame them never,
To God they are well known,
Who what delights Him ever
Discovers in His own.

His Spirit mine relieveth
With words of comfort blest,
Shows how God succour giveth
To all who seek His rest;
And how a new and golden
Fair city rear'd hath He,
Which here from sight withholden,
My joyful eyes shall see.

My mansion's there so splendid,
Prepar'd in yonder land;
Though when my course is ended,
I fall--Heav'n still doth stand.
Though care here often saddens
And causeth tears to flow,
My Jesu's light oft gladdens
And sweetens every woe.

Whoe'er to Jesus bindeth
Himself, doth Satan hate,
He's troubled much and findeth
His burden sore and great;
To suffer scarce is able,
Disgrace and scorn he meets,
The cross and every trouble
As daily bread he eats.

My mind this clear perceiveth,
Yet am I undismay'd;
To Thee my heart aye cleaveth,
On Thee shall cares be laid.
Though life and limb it cost me
And everything I have,
Unshaken shall I trust Thee,
Thee never shall I leave.

The world may ruin shiver,
Thou liv'st eternally,
Nor sword nor flame shall ever
Divide 'twixt Thee and me.
No thirst nor gnawing hunger,
No pain nor poverty,
Nor mighty prince's anger
Shall ever hinder me.

No angel, nought that gladdens,
No throne nor majesty,
No love nor aught that saddens,
No grief nor misery,
Nor aught that man discovers,
Be it small or great,
From Thee, my heav'nly Lover's
Embrace can separate.

My heart with joy is springing,
And sad I cannot be,
'Tis full of joy and singing,
The sunshine doth it see.
The Sun that looks with pleasure
On me is Christ my King;
The glory beyond measure
That waits me, makes me sing.

A SONG OF CHRISTIAN JOY.

Why should sorrow ever grieve me?
Christ is near,
What can here
E'er of Him deprive me?
Who can rob me of my heaven
That God's Son,
As mine own,
To my faith hath given?

Naked was I and unswathèd
When on earth
At my birth
My first breath I breathèd.
Naked hence shall I betake me,
When I go
From earth's woe,
And my breath forsake me.

Nought--not e'en the life I'm living,
Is mine own,
God alone
All to me is giving.
Must I then His own restore Him?
Though bereft
Of each gift
Still shall I adore Him.

Though a heavy cross I'm bearing,
And my heart
Feels the smart,
Shall I be despairing?
God can help me, who doth send it,
He doth know
All my woe
And how best to end it.

God oft gives me days of gladness,
Shall I grieve
If He give
Seasons too of sadness?
God is good, and tempers ever
Every hurt,
Me desert
Wholly can He never,

Though united world and devil,
All their pow'r
Can no more
Do than mock and cavil.
Let derision now employ them,
Christ e'en here
Will appear
And 'fore all destroy them.

True believers shrinking never,
Where they dwell
Should reveal
Their true colours ever.
When approaching death would scare them,
Still should they
Patient stay
And with courage bear them.

Death can never kill us even,
But relief
From all grief
To us then is given.
It doth close life's mournful story,
Make a way
That we may
Pass to heav'nly glory.

There I'll reap enduring pleasure,
After woe
Here below
Suffer'd in large measure.
Lasting good we find here never,
All the earth
Deemeth worth
Vanisheth for ever.

What is all this life possesseth?
But a hand
Fall of sand
That the heart distresseth.
Noble gifts that pall me never,
Christ so free
There gives me
To enjoy for ever.

Shepherd! Lord! joy's fountain ever,
Thou art mine,
I am Thine,
No one can us sever.
I am Thine, because Thou gavest
Life and blood
For my good,
By Thy death me savest.

Thou'rt mine, for I love and own Thee,
Ne'er shall I,
Light of joy,
From my heart dethrone Thee.
Let me, let me soon behold Thee
Face to face,
Thy embrace
May it soon enfold me!

CHRISTIAN DEVOTION TO GOD'S WILL.

I into God's own heart and mind
My heart and mind deliver,
What evil seems, a gain I find,
E'en death is life for ever.
I am His son,
Who spread the throne
Of heaven high above me.
Tho' I bend low
Beneath His blow,
Yet still His heart doth love me.

He ne'er can prove untrue to me,
My Father aye must love me,
And tho' He cast me in the sea,
He only thus would prove me;
In what He good
Doth count, He would
My heart establish ever.
And if I stand,
His mighty hand
Will raise me, and deliver.

Vain had my own pow'r ever been,
To have adorn'd or made me;
In soul and body God is seen,
He form'd and He array'd me,
Plac'd mind and wit
On the soul's seat,
And flesh and bones did give me.
Who thus so free
Supplieth me
Can ne'er mean to deceive me.

Say, where a place to lay my head,
On earth had I attainèd?
Long since had I been cold and dead
Had God not me sustainèd
With His strong arm,
That ever warm,
And glad and healthy maketh.
Whom He gives joy
May praise employ,
What He leaves, falls and breaketh.

Wisdom and understanding true
In Him are ever dwelling;
Time, place, to leave undone or do,
He knoweth, never failing.
He ever knows
When joys, when woes,
Are best for those He loveth.
What He doth here--
Tho' it appear
Ill--to be good aye proveth.

Thou think'st indeed, if thou hast not
What flesh and blood is yearning
To have, that trial mars thy lot,
Thy light to darkness turning.
Of toil and care
Thou hast large share,
Ere thou thy wish attainest,
And dost not see
Whatever thee
Befals, thereby thou gainest.

In truth, He who created thee,
His glory in thee showing,
Hath long ago in His decree
Determin'd--all foreknowing--
What good for thee
And thine will be,
In faithfulness he'll give it.
Curb thou thy will,
Wait! be thou still,
To His good pleasure leave it.

Whate'er to send, seems good to God,
'Twill be at last refreshing,
Altho' thou call'st it cross and load
'Tis fraught with richest blessing.
Wait patiently,
His grace to thee
He'll speedily discover.
All grief and fear
Shall disappear
Like mist the hills spread over.

The field, unless the storm rage high,
Its ripe fruits yieldeth never,
So men were ruin'd utterly
If all were prosp'rous ever.
Though health it gives,
And thus relieves,
The bitter aloe paineth;
So must the heart
With anguish smart,
Ere it to health attaineth.

My God! my God! into Thy hand
I joyfully now yield me,
Keep me, a stranger in the land,
E'en to the end, Lord! shield me.
Deal with me now
As well dost know,
That I may profit by it;
Then more and more
Thy glorious pow'r,
Lord! show, and magnify it.

Wilt cause Thy sun on me to shine,
With pleasure, Lord, I'll share it;
Should trial or mischance be mine,
Then patiently I'll bear it.
Of life the door
Should it before
Me open here stand ever,
Where Thou lead'st me,
I'll joyfully
Go with Thee, shrinking never.

Should I along the path of death,
Through the dark vale be treading,
'Tis well, 'tis the appointed path,
E'en there Thine eyes are leading.
My Shepherd! Thou
Art all below
To such an issue bringing,
That I to Thee,
Eternally,
Shall songs of praise be singing.

COMMIT THY WAY UNTO THE LORD, TRUST ALSO IN HIM, AND HE SHALL BRING
IT TO PASS.--PSALM XXXVII. 5.

Commit whatever grieves thee
At heart, and all thy ways,
To Him who never leaves thee,
On whom creation stays.
Who freest courses maketh
For clouds, and air, and wind,
And care who ever taketh
A path for thee to find.

The Lord thou must repose on
If thou wouldst prosper sure,
His work must ever gaze on
If thine is to endure.
By anxious care and grieving,
By self-consuming pain,
God is not mov'd to giving;
By pray'r must thou obtain.

Thy grace that ever floweth,
O Father! what is good,
Or evil, ever knoweth,
To mortal flesh and blood.
What to Thine eye all-seeing,
And to Thy counsel wise
Seems good, doth into being,
O mighty Prince, arise!

For means it fails Thee never,
Thou always find'st a way,
Thy doing's blessing ever,
Thy path like brightest day.
Thy work can no one hinder,
Thy labour cannot rest,
If Thou design'st Thy tender
Children should be bless'd.

Though all the powers of evil
Should rise up to resist,
Without a doubt or cavil
God never will desist;
His undertakings ever
At length He carries through;
What He designs He never
Can fail at all to do.

Hope on, thou heart, grief-riven,
Hope, and courageous be,
Where anguish thee hath driven,
Thou shalt deliv'rance see.
God, from thy pit of sadness
Shall raise thee graciously;
Wait, and the sun of gladness
Thine eyes shall early see.

Up! up! to pain and anguish
A long good night now say;
Drive all that makes thee languish
In grief and woe away.
Thine 'tis not to endeavour
The ruler's part to play,
God sits as ruler ever,
Guides all things well each day.

Let Him alone--and tarry
He is a Prince all wise,
He shall Himself so carry,
'Twill strange seem in thine eyes,
When He as Him beseemeth,
In wonderful decree,
Shall as Himself good deemeth,
O'errule what grieveth thee.

He may awhile still staying
His comforts keep from thee,
And on His part delaying,
Seem to have utterly
Forgotten and forsaken
And put thee out of mind,
Though thou'rt by grief o'ertaken,
No time for thee to find.

But if thou never shrinkest,
And true dost still remain,
He'll come when least thou thinkest,
And set thee free again,
Thee from the load deliver,
That burdeneth thy heart,
That thou hast carried never
For any evil part.

Hail! child of faith, who gainest
The victory alway,
Who honour's crown obtainest,
That never fades away.
God in thy hand will give thee,
One day, the glorious palm;
Who ne'er in grief did leave thee,
To Him thou'lt sing thy psalm.

O Lord no longer lengthen
Our time of misery,
Our hands and feet now strengthen,
And until death may we
By Thee be watched and car'd for,
In faithfulness and love,
So come we where prepar'd for
Us is our bless'd abode.

SONG OF CONSOLATION.

Thou must not altogether be
O'ercome by sad vexation,
God soon will cause to shine on thee
The light of consolation.
In patience wait, and be thou still,
And let the Lord do what He will,
He never can do evil.

Is this the first time we have known
And tasted sore affliction?
What have we had but grief alone
On earth, and sore dejection?
We've had an ample share of grief,
Yet God hath sometimes sent relief,
A respite brief of gladness.

Not so doth God our Father mean,
When His afflictions grieve us,
That no more shall His face be seen
That He'll for ever leave us;
His purposes quite other are,
That those who from Him wander far
By trial be recover'd.

It is our nature's evil mood
That when in joys we're living,
We then forsake our highest good,
Ourselves to license giving.
We earthly are, and deem more worth
The things and pleasures of the earth,
Than all that dwells in heaven.

God therefore all our joys doth blight,
Lets trials overtake us,
Takes that wherein our hearts delight,
Look up to Him to make us,
That to His goodness and His pow'r,
That we've neglected heretofore,
We may return as children.

When we return to Him again
He graciously receives us,
To joy He turns our every pain,
To laughter turns what grieves us;
To Him it is a simple art,
He soon doth help to him impart
Whom He with love embraceth.

Afflicted band! oh, fall ye now
With contrite hearts before Him,
Tell Him that ye in homage bow
To His great name; implore Him
In grace your sins to take away,
The load He on your backs did lay
To bear, your wounds to bind up.

Grace always before right must go,
And wrath to love yield ever;
His merest mercy, when we low
Are lying, must deliver.
His hand it is upholds us all,
If we let go, then break and fall
Must all our work to pieces.

On God's love must thou ever stay,
Nor let aught overthrow thee,
E'en when the heav'ns shall pass away
And earth shall crash below thee:
God promiseth His grace to thee,
His word is clear, who fearlessly
Trusts it, is ne'er deceivèd.

So darest thou His pow'r so great
Ne'er doubt a moment even,
Who is it that doth all create,--
By whom all gifts are given?
God doth it, and His counsel wise
Can ever ways and means devise,
When every man despaireth.

Seems help impossible to thee?
This should'st thou know however,
God by our narrow thoughts can be
Hemm'd and confinèd never,
This ne'er to us alloweth He;
He everywhere,--His arm is free,--
Doth more than we can fathom.

What is His wide dominion fair?
'Tis full of varied wonder;
He helpeth us when dark despair
We helplessly sink under,
To His great name this is the praise,
If thou wilt see His holy place,
Thou must ascribe for ever.

THE 13TH PSALM OF DAVID.

How long, Lord, in forgetfulness
And darkness wilt Thou leave me?
How long will sorrow on me press
And deep heart-anguish grieve me?
Wilt Thou Thy face, Lord, utterly
Turn from me? wilt ne'er look on me
In grace and in compassion?

How long shall I, thy stricken child,
Bereft of soul-rest languish?
How long shall storm and wind so wild,
Fill heart with fear and anguish?
How long shall my proud enemy,
Who only meaneth ill to me,
Exult o'er me in triumph?

Ah! look on me, my Shield and Lord!
Down from Thy holy heaven,
And hear now my complaining word,
My pray'r from heart grief-riven.
Give to mine eyes, Lord, pow'r and might,
And do not let death's gloomy night
So speedily o'ertake me.

For then, Lord, ev'ry enemy
Would never cease to glory,
And were I prostrate utterly,
Would ever triumph o'er me.
"There lieth he," they'd cry in joy,
"Who caus'd us evermore annoy,
He's prostrate and ne'er riseth."

I know them, and I know fall well
The wickedness they're planning,
Their hearts with ev'ry evil swell,
No good them e'er restraining.
But Thou, the faithful One, Lord, art,
And those who choose Thee for their part,
Thou nevermore forsakest.

My soul doth calmly trust in Thee,
Thou true to me remainest,
Of malice and of subtlety
The course, with pow'r restrainest.
This makes my heart with joy o'erflow,
That willingly dost Thou bestow
Salvation on the trusting.

O Lord! for aye I'll trust in Thee,
Thou'rt my sole joy for ever;
Thou doest well, protectest me,
From sorrow dost deliver.
And therefore I my whole life long,
Will sing Thee oft a gladsome song
Of praise and of thanksgiving.

Songs of Praise and Thanksgiving.

IN GRATEFUL SONGS.

In grateful songs your voices raise,
All people here below,
To Him whom angels ever praise,
In heav'n His glory show.

With gladsome songs now fill the air
To God our chiefest Joy,
Who worketh wonders ev'rywhere,
Whose hands great things employ;

Who from the womb to latest years
Upholds the life He gave;
Who when no help from man appears
Himself appears to save;

Who though our way His heart oft grieves,
Maintains a gracious mood,
Remits the pains, the sin forgives,
And doth us nought but good.

Oh, may He give a joyous heart,
The mind from sorrow keep,
And cast all care, fear, grief, and smart
Into the ocean deep.

And may His blessing ever rest
On Israel's favour'd head;
May all we do by Him be bless'd,
May His salvation spread.

May love and goodness toward us flow,
In bounteous streams each day,
And every anxious care we know,
Be chas'd by Him away.

As long as beats each throbbing heart,
Our Saviour may He be,
Our portion when from earth we part,
To all eternity.

When sinks the heart, when strength decays,
By Him our eyes be press'd,
Then may we see His open face,
In everlasting rest.

SHALL I NOT MY GOD BE PRAISING?

Shall I not my God be praising,
And in Him not joyful be?
For in all His works amazing,
See I not His care for me?
Is it not pure love that filleth,
And His faithful heart o'erflows,
When He ever cares for those,
Who do only what He willeth?
All things run their course below,
God's love doth for ever flow.

As its brood the eagle over,
Ever more its wings doth spread.
So the Highest aye doth cover
With His arms of pow'r my head.
In the womb e'en of my mother,
When to me He being gave,
E'en the life that now I have,
Was He then my shield and cover.
All things run their course below,
God's love doth for ever flow.

Not too great a gift He even
Deem'd His only Son to be;
Him to death hath freely given,
Me from fear of hell to free.
Oh! Thou spring of boundless blessing,
How could e'er my feeble mind
Of Thy depth the bottom find,
Though my efforts were unceasing?
All things run their course below,
God's love doth for ever flow.

And the Holy Ghost to guide me,
Noble Leader! He hath giv'n,
That He through the world may lead me,
Onward to the gate of heav'n.
That my heart He may be filling
With th' unclouded light of faith,
That can break the pow'r of death,
And hell's rage hath pow'r of stilling.
All things run their course below,
God's love doth for ever flow.

For my soul's well-being ever
Full provision doth He make,
And in ev'ry need deliver,
For the body care doth take.
When my pow'r, my best endeavour
Cometh to extremity,
Then my God appears to me,
With His might comes to deliver.
All things run their course below,
God's love doth for ever flow.

All the things in earth and heaven,
E'en where'er I turn my eye,
For my benefit are given,
That they may my need supply.
All that's living, all that's growing,
On the hills or in the woods,
In the vales or 'neath the floods,
God is for my good bestowing.
All things run their course below,
God's love doth for ever flow.

When I sleep, His eye is waking,
When I wake, He strength'neth me,
Each new morn fresh courage taking,
I new love and goodness see.
Had my God existed never,
Had His face not guided me,
From such ills so frequently,
None could have deliver'd ever.
All things run their course below,
God's love doth for ever flow.

'Gainst me many is the weapon,
Forg'd by Satan's enmity,
But no real hurt can happen,
None hath yet befallen me.
God's own angel whom He sendeth,
Wardeth off each deadly blow
Aim'd by the untiring foe,
Who our ruin thus intendeth.
All things run their course below,
God's love doth for ever flow.

As a father ne'er withdraweth
From his child his love away,
Though he often evil doeth,
And from wisdom's paths doth stray.
So God's heart towards me moveth,
All my sins forgiveth He,
Not in vengeance smiteth me,
As a Father He reproveth.
All things run their course below,
God's love doth for ever flow.

Ev'ry blow His hand inflicteth,
Though the heart with pain it rend,
When my heart aright reflecteth,
Is a token that my Friend
Thinks on me, and tow'rds me yearneth,
Me from this ill world would free,
That has so entangled me,
By the cross to Him me turneth.
All things run their course below,
God's love doth for ever flow.

This I know full well, and never
Let it from my mind depart,
Christ's cross hath its limit ever,
And at length must cease to smart.
When the winter snows are over
Lovely summer will appear,
Who can hope, from ev'ry fear,
And from pain, shall they recover.
All things run their course below,
God's love doth for ever flow.

In God's love there is no ending,
Ne'er a limit find I there,
So my hands to Thee extending,
As Thy child, I raise my pray'r.
Father! deign Thy grace to give me,
That I may with all my might
Thee embrace both day and night,
All my life may never leave thee,
And when life is o'er with me,
Love and praise eternally.

PROTECTION OF GOD IN HITHERTO DANGEROUS TIMES OF WAR.

How heavy is the burden made
That Thou upon our backs hast laid,
O God! the Lord of Hosts,
O God, whose anger rises high
'Gainst workers of iniquity.

The burden is the cruel tide
Of war, that earth with blood has dyed,
And fill'd with bitter tears.
It is a fire that rages high
'Neath suns of almost every sky.

The burden's great and hard to bear,
But Thy strong arm and Father's care
Are not to us unknown.
Thou punishest, but 'mid the woe
Thou love and friendliness dost show.

But true to Thee must we abide,
For ne'er from us dost Thou quite hide
Thy saving health and light.
How many hast Thou given o'er,
We've oft been shielded by Thy pow'r.

In many a sad and weary hour,
When gath'ring clouds did o'er us low'r
Above our anxious heads,
Thou still'd'st the storm, whose mighty hand
Upholdeth sky and sea and land.

How often, Lord, by day and night,
Our enemies with craft and might
Have threaten'd us, Thy flock!
But, faithful Shepherd! Thou wast near,
Repell'dst the wolf and still'dst our fear.

Our brethren are compell'd to roam,
Are driven forth from house and home,
While we, Lord, still enjoy
Each one his seat beneath the shade
By his own vine and fig-tree made.

Behold! my heart, on every hand
The towns and fields of many a land
Are doom'd to ruin sure,
The homes of men are overthrown,
The houses of our God cast down.

But rest and order still remain
With us, and we can still maintain
The worship of our God.
God's mind from out His holy word
'Mongst us is daily taught and heard.

Whoever this doth not perceive,
But to the winds such thoughts doth give,
Who in such blessèd light
No grace, no love, no goodness find,
How dark, thrice darken'd is their mind!

O gracious God! preserve us free
For aye from such stupidity;
Lord, give us gratitude,
That songs of praise in sweetest tone
We may present before Thy throne.

To nought we've done, or e'er can do,
To Thee--to Thee alone is due
The praise, O fount of love!
We've earned destruction from Thy face,
Thou deal'st with us in love and grace.

Oh! may we meditate Thy grace,
Till heart shall burn and tongue shall praise,
And give angelic zeal,
That every throbbing pulse may be
A note of praise, O Lord! to Thee.

But let the tide of woe recede,
Restore to us our joy, we plead,
May peace to us return.
How many in this vale of tears
Have never witness'd peaceful years!

Are we unworthy? then with Thee
We plead for helpless infancy,
Who wrong have never done.
Shall cradled infants feel the stroke,
Shall they endure the heavy yoke?

Have pity, Lord! oh, tender heart!
What heavy sighs, what bitter smart,
From our sad hearts are wrung!
No stone, our Saviour God art Thou,
How canst Thou so afflict us now?

How grievous are our wounds and sore,
They stink and fester more and more,
But Thou canst heal them all.
Pour in the oil of grace, that whole
Can make the body and the soul.

This wilt Thou do, we certainly
Believe, although we nowhere see
The means in all the world.
But Thou in our extremity
Dost find Thine opportunity.

THANKSGIVING FOR THE DECLARATION OF PEACE.

Praise God! for forth hath sounded
The noble word of joy and peace,
There's rest where strife abounded,
The sword and spear their murders cease.
Up! up! again, and bring ye
Now forth the sounding lyre,
O Germany! and sing ye
In full and noble choir,
Your hearts and minds now raise ye
And thank the Lord, and say,
"Thy grace and goodness praise we
For they endure for aye!"

'Twere just if God were driving
Us in dire wrath from 'fore His face,
For with us still are thriving
The thorns of sin that grow apace.
In deed and truth we feel it--
His rod of chastisement!
But say whoe'er can tell it--
Who are they who repent?
We're only evil ever,
God's true continually,
He helpeth to deliver
From war and misery.

With grateful hearts o'erflowing
We greet thee, noble gift of peace!
Where'er thou dwell'st, now knowing
How richly thou dost ever bless.
God to thy keeping giveth
Our good and happiness,
Who woundeth thee and grieveth,
In his own heart doth press
Grief's arrow, and in madness
He quencheth in the land
The golden light of gladness
With suicidal hand.

What could this lesson ever
Grave on our hearts so solemnly,
As forts laid low for ever,
And towns that now in ruins lie:
As fair and fertile meadows
That wav'd with golden grain,
Now wrapt in forest shadows
And run to waste again.
As graves full of the buried,
Who fell in the dread hour
Of battle in ranks serried,
Whose like we'll see no more.

O man! be now afflicted,
And let thy tears in torrents flow,
With countenance dejected
To ponder to thy closet go;
What heretofore hath given
Thy God, didst thou deride,
Thy Father who's in Heaven
Now turn'd hath to thy side.
From fury and from pressing
He turneth for thy good,
As if by love and blessing
Constrain thy heart He would.

Awake thee! now awake thee!
Thou hard, cold world awaken'd be;
Ere doom's dread hour o'ertake thee,
By thee unlook'd for, suddenly.
Ye for the Saviour living!
Unshaken be your mood,
The peace He now is giving
Can only bring us good.
This lesson He is giving,
The end of all is nigh,
Thou shalt with Him be living
In peace eternally.

O LORD! I SING WITH MOUTH AND HEART.

O Lord! I sing with mouth and heart,
Joy of my soul! to Thee
To earth Thy knowledge I impart,
As it is known to me.

Thou art the Fount of grace, I know,
And Spring aye fall and free,
Whence saving health and goodness flow
Each day so bounteously.

What have we here or what are we,
Of good what can earth give,
That we do not alone from Thee,
Our Father, aye receive?

The tent-like firmament who builds,
Who spreads th' expanse of blue,
Who sends to fertilize our fields
Refreshing rain and dew?

Who warmeth us in cold and frost,
Who shields us from the wind,
Who orders it that wine and must
We in their season find?

Who is it life and health bestows,
Who keeps us with His hand
In golden peace, wards off war's woes,
From our dear native land?

The work is Thine, my God! my Lord!
And Thine must ever be;
Before our door Thou keepest guard,
In rest we're kept by Thee.

Thou feedest us from year to year,
And constant dost abide;
When danger fills our hearts with fear,
With help art at our side.

With patience dost Thou ever chide,
Nor long Thine anger keep,
But castest all our sins aside
Into the ocean deep.

Whene'er our burden'd hearts we raise
To Thee, Thou'rt soon appeas'd;
The help Thou send'st shows forth Thy praise,
And our sad hearts are eas'd.

Thou mark'st how oft Thy people weep
And what their sorrows are,
Their tears dost in Thy bottle keep,
However small they are.

Our deepest needs dost Thou supply,
Thou giv'st what lasts for aye,
Thou lead'st us to our home on high,
When hence we pass away.

Awake! my heart, awake and sing,
And joyous be thy mood,
Thy God who maketh everything
Is, and abides thy good--

Thy treasure and inheritance!
Thy glory and delight!
Thy saving health and sure defence!
He keeps and guides thee right.

Why do thy cares both night and day
Grieve thee so bitterly?
Upon thy God thy burden lay,
Who gave thy life to thee.

Hath He not all the weary way
From youth till now thee led,
Oft chas'd misfortune's clouds away
That gather'd o'er thy head?

In all His rule no oversight
Can happen, no mistakes;
Whate'er He does or leaves is right,
A happy issue takes.

Let Him work who doth all things well,
Nor with Him interfere,
And so thou shalt in glory dwell,
And peace enjoy while here.

TO GOD ALONE BE GLORY.

How can it be, my highest Light!
That as before Thy face so bright
All things must pale and vanish,
That my poor feeble flesh and blood
Can summon a courageous mood
To meet Thee, and fear banish?

But dust and ashes what am I?
My body what but grass so dry?
What good the life I'm living?
What can I with my utmost pow'r?
What have I, Lord! from hour to hour
But what Thyself art giving?

I am a poor and feeble worm,
A straw, the lightest passing storm
Could drive away before it.
When Thou Thy hand, that all doth stay,
Dost on me e'er so lightly lay,
I know not how t' endure it.

Lord! I am nought, but Thou art He
Who art all--all belongs to Thee,
And live and move I ever
In Thee--if Thou me terrifi'st,
No store of grace to help suppli'st
I can recover never.

I am unjust, but true Thy heart,
I evil am--Thou holy art,
This thought should shame be giving,
That I in such an evil stand,
Should from Thy mild paternal hand,
The least good be receiving.

Nought else but ill from infancy
Up e'en till now I've done to Thee,
In sin was I begotten;
And didst Thou not in faithfulness
My sin remit, and me release,
Lost were I and forgotten.

Let boasting then be far from me,
What is Thy due I render Thee,
To Thee alone be glory!
O Christ! may while I live below
My spirit, and what thence may flow,
With reverence adore Thee.

And if aught hath been done by me
That is well done, it came from Thee,
My pow'r could do it never.
Thee thanks and honour, Lord! I bring,
All my life long Thy praise I'll sing,
And tell Thy glory ever.

SONG OF THANKSGIVING AFTER GREAT SORROW AND AFFLICTION.

After clouds we see the sun,
Joy we feel when grief is gone,
After bitter pain and sore
Cometh consolation's hour.
Then my soul that sank before,
Even down to hell's dark door,
To the heav'nly choir doth soar.

He 'fore whom the world shall flee,
In my spirit comforts me,
With His high and mighty hand,
Tears me from the hellish band.
With the love to me He shows,
Swells my heart and overflows,
And my blood with rapture glows.

Did I e'er 'neath sorrow bend?
Did my heart grief ever rend?
Have I e'er been vexèd sore?
Satan e'er fool'd me before?
Aye--but henceforth am I free,
Faithfully thou shieldest me,
My salvation comes from Thee!

What thou mean'st, my bitter foe!
By thy deeds tow'rds me I know;
Truly thou with all thy pow'r
Seek'st me ever to devour.
Had I too much trusted thee,
Then had'st thou, ere I could see,
In thy snares entangled me.

All the guile I know full well
That in thy bad heart doth dwell;
Thou my God malign'st to me,
Turn'st His praise to obloquy;
Speaketh out His loving heart,
Keeps He silence on His part,
All He doth dost thou pervert.

If I hope and look for good,
If I'm in a joyous mood,
From my mind thou driv'st away
Every good thought--and dost say:
"God doth far from thee abide,
Riseth high misfortune's tide
Round thee now on every side."

Hence depart! thou lying mouth,
Here is God's own ground in truth,
For the face of God is here,
And the beauteous light and clear
Of His favour, here doth rise,
All His word and counsel wise,
Op'd are now before mine eyes.

God lets none in sadness stay,
He with shame drives none away,
Who themselves up to Him give,
With the whole heart to Him cleave,
Who their cares on Him aye cast,
And hope in Him--joy at last,
For the soul and body taste.

Though it comes not as we will,
Just to-day--yet be thou still,
For perchance to-morrow may
Be the bright and joyous day.
God's time comes with measur'd step,
When it comes His word He'll keep
And joy's harvest we shall reap.

Ah! how often did I think,
As my feet began to sink
'Neath the heavy load of care,
In the mire of blank despair,
Now there is no hope for me,
Rest for me there cannot be
Till I enter death's dark sea.

But my God put forth His pow'r
To avert and to restore,
That I ne'er enough can tell
What His arm hath done so well;
When no path I could descry,
When no help to guide was nigh,
Help God sent me from on high.

When I timid and perplex'd
Often have my spirit vex'd,
Sleepless toss'd thro' all the night,
Sick at heart when dawn'd the light,
When heart fail'd me utterly,
Hast Thou then appear'd to me,
Turning my captivity.

Now as long as here I roam,
Have on earth a house and home,
'Fore mine eyes continually
Shall this thing of wonder be.
All my life long shall I bring
Offerings of thanks, and sing
Songs of praise to God my King.

Every grief and every smart,
By th'eternal Father's heart
Ever yet appointed me,
Or that may hereafter be
Chosen for me, all my days
From His gracious hand always,
I'll receive with joy and praise.

I will tread woe's bitter path,
I will onward go to death,
I into the grave will go,
Still my heart with joy shall glow.
Whom the Highest will raise high,
Whom th' Almighty standeth nigh,
Ne'er can perish utterly.

THE 23RD PSALM OF DAVID.

The Lord, the earth who ruleth,
And with His hand controlleth,
Whose goodness never endeth,
He watcheth me and tendeth.

As long as He is near me
With every gift He'll cheer me,
Of fulness overflowing
The riches aye bestowing.

By pastures green He leads me,
With gladness there He feeds me,
From purest springs revives me,
In need He counsel gives me.

And when the soul is fearful
Through grievous thoughts and careful,
He comfort giveth ever
And knows how to deliver.

My steps aright He leadeth,
And what to do me guideth,
And for His name's sake glorious
O'er fear makes me victorious.

Though often left to ponder,
While in dark vales I wander,
No evil fear I ever,
Distress o'ertakes me never.