Oh let me then at length be taught Nor knows the shadow of a turn. Sweet truth, and easy to repeat ! Unskilful, weak, and apt to slide. But, O my Lord, one look from thee Thou art as ready to forgive Thou, therefore, all the praise receive; . XLI. MOURNING AND LONGING. THE Saviour hides his face! My spirit thirsts to prove Renew'd supplies of pardoning grace, And never-fading love. The favour'd souls who know What glories shine in him, Pant for his presence as the roe Pants for the living stream! What trifles tease me now! They swarm like summer flies, How dull the Sabbath day, Of all the truths I hear, Yet let me (as I ought) No pleasure else is worth a thought, Though I am but a worm, Unworthy of his care, The Lord will my desire perform, XLII. SELF-ACQUAINTANCE. DEAR Lord! accept a sinful heart, And mourns, with much and frequent smart, There fiery seeds of anger lurk, Legality holds out a bribe To purchase life from thee; And discontent would fain prescribe How thou shalt deal with me. While unbelief withstands thy grace, How eager are my thoughts to roam Oh, cleanse me in a Saviour's blood, XLIII. PRAYER FOR PATIENCE. LORD, who hast suffer'd all for me, The storm of loud repining hush, I would in humble silence mourn; Man should not faint at thy rebuke, Perhaps some golden wedge suppress'd, Ah! were I buffeted all day, I Mock'd, crown'd with thorns, and spit upon; yet should have no right to say, My great distress is mine alone. Let me not angrily declare No pain was ever sharp like mine; Nor murmur at the cross I bear, But rather weep, remembering thine. XLIV. SUBMISSION. O LORD, my best desire fulfil, And help me to resign Life, health, and comfort to thy will, * Joshua vii. 10, 11. Why should I shrink at thy command, Or tremble at the gracious hand No, let me rather freely yield Thy favour, all my journey through, Wisdom and mercy guide my way, A poor blind creature of a day, But ah! my inward spirit cries, Else the next cloud that veils the skies, XLV. THE HAPPY CHANGE. How blest thy creature is, O God, The dayspring from on high! |