136.

C. M.

HERVEY.

God's Providence always Kind.

1 THROUGH all the downward tracts of time
God's watchful eye surveys:
O, who so wise to choose our lot,
And regulate our ways?

2 I cannot doubt his bounteous love,
Immeasurably kind:

To his unerring, gracious will
Be every wish resigned.

3 Good when he gives, supremely good
Nor less when he denies;

Even crosses from his sovereign hand
Are blessings in disguise.

137.

C. M.

ANONYMOUS.

God Just and Wise in Afflictions.

1 IF Providence, to try my heart,
Afflictions should prepare,
To God submissive may I bend,
And keep me from despair.

2 Whate'er he orders must be just;
Then let me kiss the rod,
Nor, poorly sunk, at all distrust
The goodness of my God.

3 The mind to which I owe my own
To guide this mind is wise,

And he to whom my faults are known
The fittest to chastise.'

4 Then, till life's latest sands are run, O teach me, Power Divine,

Still to reply, Thy will be done,
Whate'er becomes of mine.'

138.

S. M.

DODDRIDGE.

God Wise and Merciful in Chastisements.

1 How gracious and how wise
Is our chastising God!
And O how rich the blessings are
That blossom from his rod !

2 He lifts it up on high

With pity in his heart,

That every stroke his children feel
May grace and peace impart.

3 Instructed thus, they bow,

And own his sovereign sway; They turn their erring footsteps back To his forsaken way.

4 His covenant love they seek,

And seek the happy bands
That closer still engage their hearts

To honor his commands.

5 Our Father! we consent To discipline divine,

And bless the pains that make our souls Still more completely thine.

139.

L. M.

WATTS.

God's Protection, Grace, and Truth. Ps. 57.

1 My God, in whom are all the springs
Of boundless love and grace unknown!
Hide me beneath thy spreading wings
Till the dark cloud is overblown.

2 Up to the heavens I send my cry:
The Lord will my desires perform;
He sends his angels from the sky,
And saves me from the threatening storm.

3 Be thou exalted, O my God!

Above the heavens where angels dwell;
Thy power on earth be known abroad,
And land to land thy wonders tell.

4 My heart is fixed-my song shall raise
Immortal honors to thy name:

Awake, my tongue, to sound his praise,
My tongue, the glory of my frame.

5 High o'er the earth his mercy reigns,
And reaches to the utmost sky;

His truth to endless years remains
When lower worlds dissolve and die.

6 Be thou exalted, O my God!

Above the heavens where angels dwell;
Thy power on earth be known abroad,
And land to land thy wonders tell.

140.

L. M.

DODDRIDGE.

God our Refuge and Home. Ps. 90.

1 THOU, Lord, through every changing scene,
Hast to thy saints a refuge been-
Through every age, eternal God,
Their pleasing home, their safe abode.

2 In thee our fathers sought their rest;
In thee our fathers still are blest;
And while the tomb confines their dust,
In thee their souls abide and trust.

3 Lo, we are risen, a feeble race,
Awhile to fill our fathers' place ;
Our helpless state with pity view,
And let us share their refuge too.

4 Through all the thorny paths we trace
In this uncertain wilderness,

When friends desert, and foes invade,
Revive our heart, and guard our head.

5 So, when this pilgrimage is o'er,
And we must dwell in flesh no more,
To thee our separate souls shall come,
And find in thee a surer home.

6 To thee our infant race we leave ; Them may their fathers' God receive, That voices yet unformed may raise Succeeding hymns of humble praise. 12*

141.

C. M.

TATE & BRADY.

God our Deliverer and Comforter. Ps. 34.

1 THROUGH all the changing scenes of life, In trouble and in joy,

The praises of my God shall still
My heart and tongue employ.

2 Of his deliverance I will boast
Till all that are distrest
From my example comfort take,
And charm their griefs to rest.

3 Their drooping hearts were soon refreshed
Who looked to him for aid;
Desired success in every face
A cheerful air displayed.

4 The hosts of God encamp around
The dwellings of the just;
Deliverance he affords to all
Who on his succor trust.

5 0, make but trial of his love:
Experience will decide

How blest they are, and only they,
Who in his truth confide.

142.

L. P. M.

TATE & BRADY.

God our Refuge. Ps. 46.

1 God is our refuge in distress—
A present help when dangers press:
În him, undaunted, we'll confide,