But ah! my inward spirit cries, Else the next cloud that veils the skies XLVI. THE HAPPY CHANGE How blest thy creature is, O God, Through all the storms that veil the skies The Sun of Righteousness he eyes Struck by that light, the human heart, Sends the sweet smell of grace abroad, The soul, a dreary province once Feels a new empire formed within, The glorious orb whose golden beams Since first, obedient to thy word, Has cheered the nations with the joys But, Jesus, 'tis thy light alone Can shine upon the heart. ་ XLVII. RETIREMENT FAR from the world, O Lord, I flee, From scenes where Satan wages still F The calm retreat, the silent shade, There, if thy Spirit touch the soul, Oh! with what peace, and joy, and love, There like the nightingale she pours Her solitary lays; Nor asks a witness of her song, Nor thirsts for human praise. Author and guardian of my life, What thanks I owe thee, and what love Shall echo through the realms above, XLVIII. THE HIDDEN LIFE To tell the Saviour all my wants, My labouring spirit vainly seeks To tell but half the joy, With how much tenderness he speaks, And helps me to reply. Nor were it wise, nor should I choose, Such secrets to declare; Like precious wines their taste they lose, But this with boldness I proclaim, Nor care if thousands hear, Sweet is the ointment of his name, And can you frown, my former friends, Who knew what once I was, And blame the song that thus commends Trust me, I draw the likeness true, Such honour may he give to you, XLIX. JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING SOMETIMES a light surprises The Christian while he sings; In holy contemplation It can bring with it nothing Though vine nor fig-tree neither Yet, God the same abiding, His praise shall tune my voice ; I cannot but rejoice. L. TRUE PLEASURES LORD, my soul with pleasure springs Still delighted I perceive; Clothed in sanctity and grace, Those who love thee as they pass, What we owe to love divine ; Those the comforts I possess, And all his paths are peace. And find his burden light. LI. THE CHRISTIAN HONOUR and happiness unite To make the Christian's name a praise; How fair the scene, how clear the light, That fills the remnant of his days! A kingly character he bears, No change his priestly office knows; Unfading is the crown he wears, His joys can never reach a close. Adorned with glory from on high, Salvation shines upon his face; His robe is of the ethereal dye, His steps are dignity and grace. Inferior honours he disdains, Nor stoops to take applause from earth; The noblest creature seen below, My soul is ravished at the thought! And shout him welcome to the skies' LII. LIVELY HOPE AND GRACIOUS FEAR I was a grovelling creature once, I wanted spirit to renounce The clod that gave me birth. But God has breathed upon a worm, Wings such as clothe an angel's form, With these to Pisgah's top I fly, The Lord of all the vast domain The length and breadth of all the plain How glorious is my privilege! I stand upon a mountain's edge, Though much exalted in the Lord, |