Through all the storms that veil the skies, And frown on earthly things, The Sun of Righteousness he eyes, With healing on his wings. Struck by that light, the human heart, Sends the sweet smell of grace abroad, The soul a dreary province once Feels a new empire form'd within, The glorious orb, whose golden beams Has cheer'd the nations with the joys His orient rays impart ; But, Jesus, 'tis thy light alone XLVI. RETIREMENT. FAR from the world, O Lord, I flee, * Isaiah xxxv. 7. The calm retreat, the silent shade, There, if thy Spirit touch the soul, Oh, with what peace, and joy, and love, There like the nightingale she pours Her solitary lays; Nor asks a witness of her song, Nor thirsts for human praise. Author and Guardian of my life, What thanks I owe thee, and what love, Shall echo through the realms above XLVII. THE HIDDEN LIFE. To tell the Saviour all my wants, Nor less to praise him when he grants My labouring spirit vainly seeks With how much tenderness he speaks, Nor were it wise, nor should I choose, Like precious wines their tastes they lose, But this with boldness I proclaim, Not life is half so dear. And can you frown, my former friends, And blame the song that thus commends Trust me, I draw the likeness true, And not as fancy paints; Such honour may he give to you, For such have all his saints. XLVIII. JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING. SOMETIMES a light surprises The Christian while he sings; It is the Lord who rises With healing in his wings: When comforts are declining, In holy contemplation, Set free from present sorrow E'en let the unknown to-morrow * It can bring with it nothing, The vine nor fig-tree neither+ Their wonted fruit should bear, Though all the field should wither, Nor flocks nor herds be there: Yet God the same abiding, His praise shall tune my voice; For, while in him confiding, I cannot but rejoice. *Matthew vi. 34. Habakkuk iii. 17, 18. C XLIX. TRUE PLEASURES. LORD, my soul with pleasure springs, When Jesus' name I hear; And when God the Spirit brings Still delighted I perceive; Nor have words that can express Clothed in sanctity and grace, Those who love thee as they pass, What we owe to love divine; * Those the comforts I possess, *Prov. iii. 17 VOL. VIII. + Matt. xi. 30. L |