278.

A Minister's Feelings before and in
Preaching.

The wind bloweth where it lifteth. John iii. 8. Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty. 2 Cor. iii. 17.

A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance. Prov. XV. 13.

1 HOW barren oft am I

When I go forth to preach?

Then "Teach me, teach me, Lord," I cry, "That I may others teach;

"Do thou ftand by me, Lord; "My mouth and wisdom be; "And greatly magnify thy word By fuch a worm as me.

2 But, when the Spirit blows,
And Jefus warms my heart,
'Tis only God himself who knows
What joy o'erflows my heart;
'Tis then I preach the word
With unction from above;
Tis then I chirrup like a bird,
And fing of dying love.

279.

A Minifter reconciled to Reproach.

It is enough for the fervant to be as his Lord. Matt. XX. 25.

We indeed justly; but this man hath done nothing amifs. Luke xxiii. 41.

Forafmuch as they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Luke vii. 42.

I WHY does my foolish heart repine

At shame and fuff'rings, Lord, like thine?

Why am I backward to go on,
And dread the thorny path to run?

2 If men difcern how vile I am,

3

They can't give me too bad a name:
Enthufiaft-Antinomian-fool-

Are too high titles for my foul.

Yet lo! my Saviour pardons all,
That I may other finners call;
He bids me teftify abroad

The gospel of the grace of God.

4 Jefu, on me thy armour gird-
The fhield of faith; the Spirit's fword;
The breaft-plate of thy righteoufnefs;
My feet well fhod with gofpel peace;

5 Salvation's helmet on my head;
My heart with living truth o'erfpread:
Jefus, lead on; make clear the way;
Thy word of truth must win the day!

280.

A Minifter rejoicing in the Teftimony of his Conscience.

It is a fmall thing that I should be judged of man's judgment. 1 Cor. iv. 3.

Our rejoicing is this-the teftimony of our, confcience. 2 Cor. i. 12.

Whatfoever they were it maketh no matter to me. Gal. ii. 6.

IF

F I know my conscience free,
What care I what others say?

If I know Chrift died for me,
Who ought to my charge shall lay?

2 All my inward confolation
Some are ready to esteem
Nothing but imagination,
Or a vain delufive dream.

3 Some are ready to condemn me,
That my doctrines lead to fin;
For an Antinomian damn me,
Who denies a work within.

4 Some inquifitors affuming

By crofs queftions try my faith;
Thefe fuppofe me too prefuming,
Preach against me law and wrath.
5 Though by men I am rejected,
Saints and finners me despise;
Lord, by thee I am refpected;
Thou doft wipe my weeping eyes!

6 Though no fingle foul approve me,
Shall it make my hope the less?
Still I know my Saviour loves me,
Still I feel an inward peace.

7 This, O Lord, crowns all my wishes:
Let thy face upon me shine;
Let my foul enjoy thofe kiffes,

Which must prove that I am thine,

The victory of the cross

The finner reconciled

For the Lord's prefence and bleffing

The temple of God

The throne of grace