XXIX. EXHORTATION TO PRAYER. WHAT various hind'rances we meet In coming to a mercy-seat! Yet who that knows the worth of prayer, Prayer makes the darken'd cloud withdraw, The weakest saint upon his knees. While Moses stood with arms spread wide, Have you no words? Ah! think again, XXX. THE LIGHT AND GLORY OF THE WORD THE Spirit breathes upon the word, And brings the truth to sight; Precepts and promises afford A sanctifying light. A glory gilds the sacred page, It gives a light to every age, The hand that gave it still supplies Let everlasting thanks be thine, My soul rejoices to pursue The steps of him I love, XXXI. ON THE DEATH OF A MINISTER. His master taken from his head, Elisha saw him go; And in desponding accents said, 66 'Ah, what must Israel do ?" But he forgot the Lord, who lifts What! when a Paul has run his course, Is Israel left without resource, And have we no supplies? Yes, while the dear Redeemer lives, And shall be fed with what he gives, XXXII. THE SHINING LIGHT. My former hopes are fled, I feel, alas! that I am dead Ah, whither shall I fly? When I review my ways, I dread impending doom: But sure a friendly whisper says, A glimmering from afar ; A beam of day, that shines for me, XXXIII. THE WAITING SOUL.t BREATHE from the gentle south, O Lord, I wish, Thou know'st, to be resign'd, Help me to reach the distant goal; Pity the sickness of a soul That faints for love of thee! Cold as I feel this heart of mine, It yields some hope of life divine *Psalm cxxx. 6. This Hymn, which has not been marked as Cowper's in the Olney Collection, and consequently not included in any edition of his works, is here restored to him on the authority of Mrs. Johnson, the widow of his excellent kinsman. I seem forsaken and alone, I hear the lion roar; And every door is shut but one, There, till the dear Deliverer come XXXIV. SEEKING THE BELOVED. To those who know the Lord I speak ; The bridegroom of my soul I seek, ? Though once a man of grief and shame, And bears the greatest, sweetest name, Grace flies before, and love attends He speaks ;-obedient to his call Our warm affections move : Then love in every heart would reign, Such Jesus is, and such his grace; And tell him, when you see his face, *Cant. v. 8. XXXV. LIGHT SHINING OUT OF DARKNESS. GOD moves in a mysterious way He plants his footsteps in the sea, And rides upon the storm. He treasures up his bright designs, His purposes will ripen fast, The bud may have a bitter taste, Blind unbelief is sure to err,* XXXVI. WELCOME CROSS. 'Tis my happiness below Not to live without the cross, But the Saviour's power to know, Sanctifying every loss: Trials must and will befall; But with humble faith to see Love inscribed upon them all, This is happiness to me. * John, xiii. 7. |