His faith is nothing but an empty boast,
A notion, or a useless form at most.
Be not deceiv'd, but like some ever-green,
Let faith in works of holiness be seen;
For if it does not in the life appear,
Our poverty, and want of grace is clear.
Then we for help to God must humbly turn,
And o'er our own delusion deeply mourn,
that we may not die,

Imploring mercy,

While mercy's angel-form is passing by.
So when the clouds, that seem to promise rain,
Disperse in air, and clear the sky again;

The farmer, grieving for his parched land,
Waits until God the genial shower command.

ON ELECTION AND EFFICACIOUS GRACE.

My

Y soul with all her powers would try
To lift her Maker's praise on high ;~
Thy goodness, Lord, to all display,
And with due thanks thy love repay;
For ere the eternal hills were made,
Or their foundations firmly laid,

Thy grace in Christ to me was given,*
That I might be an heir of heaven.

Within thy book my members were, With ev'ry feature that I bear; And while conceal'd my substance lay, Thy hand was with me ev'ry day. When through the gates of life I came, I was not injur'd, blind, or lame; While many only leave the womb To pass through sorrows to the tomb. Thy hand my heritage did give Where I amongst thy saints might live; Whereas my lot might just as well Have been in Heathen lands to dwell.

Though I, through Adam's fault of old, Was unto sin and Satan sold, Thy grace through my Redeemer slain, My lasting freedom did obtain. What love with this shall I compare, When God's own Son, of all things heir, Came down, beneath the curse to lie, And on the cross for man to die!Through his dear name I live anew,Those works of grace with wonder view;

Eph. i. 3---6.

And though a child of wrath before,
I find salvation, and adore!

Call'd by a voice distinct and loud,
I now forsake the drunken crowd, 17
My Father's child in truth to be,
And he the source of joy to me.
Created in his image bright,

I would be found a child of light,—
From vile affections purified,

Like gold, that by the fire is tried;
For now I feel conferr'd on me
A ray of pure divinity :*—
Fain would my spirit upward soar,
And dwell with God for evermore.

Though truly wretched once my case, And both my works and nature base; Yet, gracious God, when most undone, My hope was found in thy dear Son. Yes, and I shall, for Jesus' sake, The joy and bliss of heaven partake; And there inherit the reward, For all thy saints above prepar'd. Then shall I dwell in perfect peace,

When all my pains and labours cease; And when the world shall hear from high The great Archangel's powerful cry,

* 2 Peter i. 4.

My flesh shall from the dust arise

To join its partner in the skies!

For such bright hopes and prospects given,
How shall I bless the King of heaven?
Help me, ye angels, to proclaim

The honours of his matchless name!
O for the grace to praise him more,
And still my Saviour to adore!
I would to all eternity,

Speak of his kindness shewn to me,

PERSEVERANCE IN THE CHRISTIAN LIFE.

TRUE

RUE to his purpose, as the sun is true

To wake the morning, and the day renew,
Jehovah visits all the chosen race,-

Restores their souls, and fills them with his grace.
Before his power had form'd the heavens of old,
Their names were in the Book of Life enrol'd;
He knows the souls whom he in Christ did choose,
Nor will he one of all their number loșe.

Those whom he favour'd thus, before the fall, He does in time to faith and virtue call. According to his promise, he imparts

His fear to awe them, and to rule their hearts;
And though imperfectly to him they cleave,
The way of truth they cannot wholly leave.
On them the God of mercy sets his seal,
While they, by works, their character reveal;
He gives the earnest of eternal joys,
And in his service all their powers employs.

Eternal life the blessed Saviour gives, To each who truly in his name believes; And lest from virtue they should ever fall, The Spirit of his grace preserves them all: Their souls from fatal error he reclaims, And from presumptuous sin their will restrains. Thus they continue in his ways to go, Because no change his gifts and calling know.

Though sin be even found in God's elect, And though the saints their duty oft neglect; Yet never can they go so far astray,

As finally to lose the narrow way.

Though David, in a deadly snare was found;
Though Peter his Redeemer once disown'd ;
Yet saying help was soon in mercy sent,
And both were brought sincerely to repent.→→→