My soul rejoices to pursue XXXI. ON THE DEATH OF A MINISTER. HIS master taken from his head, And in desponding accents said, What! when a Paul has run his course, Is Israel left without resource, Yes, while the dear Redeemer lives, We have a boundless store, And shall be fed with what he gives, XXXII. THE SHINING LIGHT. My former hopes are fled, Ah, whither shall I fly? I hear the thunder roar; The Law proclaims Destruction nigh, When I review my ways, But sure a friendly whisper says, "Flee from the wrath to come." I see, or think I see, A glimmering from afar ; 17 Forerunner of the sun17, It marks the pilgrim's way; XXXIII. THE WAITING SOUL18. 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, I seem forsaken and alone, I hear the lion roar ; And every door is shut but one, There, till the dear Deliverer come, The Lord shall find him there. 17 Psalm cxxx. 6. 18 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. XXXIV. SEEKING THE BELOVED. To those who love 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, 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, XXXV. LIGHT SHINING OUT OF DARKNESS. GOD moves in a mysterious way He plants his footsteps in the sea, Deep in unfathomable mines He treasures up his bright designs, S. C.-5. 19 Cant. v. 8. F Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, The bud may have a bitter taste, '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. God in Israel sows the seeds Of affliction, pain, and toil ; These spring up and choke the weeds Which would else o'erspread the soil: Trials make the promise sweet, Trials give new life to prayer; Trials bring me to his feet, Lay me low, and keep me there. Did I meet no trials here, Bastards may escape the rod", XXXVII. Must not, would not, if he might. AFFLICTIONS SANCTIFIED BY THE WOrd. O HOW I love thy holy word, Thy gracious covenant, O Lord! It guides me in the peaceful way; What are the mines of shining wealth, What though it pierced my fainting heart, But saved me from eternal woe. Oh! hadst thou left me unchastised, I love thee, therefore, O my God, THE billows swell, the winds are high, 21 Hebrews, xii. 8. 22 Psalm cxix. 71. |