THE

MESSIAH;

OR THE

REDEMPTION OF MAN.

BOOK V.

The Argument.

The Prophecies of David King of Israel, respecting the Messiah, foretelling, upwards of one thousand years before they took place, his Advent, Ministry, Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension into Heaven; also the future state of the Christian Church-His final Conquest of the World by the destruction of all His enemies-The glorious and happy state of Mankind under His government, and His finally descending to judge mankind after the general resurrection. (15)

THE

MESSIAH;

OR THE

REDEMPTION OF MAN.

BOOK V.

DAVID.

AWAKE, my lute! Awake, my tuneful lyre !*
O thou my soul, replete with holy fire,
Ere in effulgence shines the morning-ray,t
To thy good God exalted honors pay!

My voice, thy num'rous varied powers employ,
Emphatic raise the sublime song of joy!
My tongue, enunciate the pleasing strain,
Appropriate make the harmony and theme;
For gratitude loud calls, and bids Me raise
My Hallelujahs to Messiah's praise !
Great God, assist me,-all my powers move
To sing the glories of Redeeming Love!

Thy word at first the truth to man reveal'd,
The consolation's not to me withheld;

The wondrous fact my heart with joy inspires,
Confirms my hopes, elates my low desires:
Thy great redemption, I for certain know,
Shall be complete, and Thou wilt mercy shew
To a lost world; if distant, still I see
That all the faithful shall ascend to Thee.

Hail, God's anointed, holy Saviour, Thy glory comes at the appointed hour, To ease the burden'd, set the captive free, A world in bondage give sweet liberty!

Transgression led to death and lasting wo* But love and goodness MERCY caus'd to flow ; She kindly quits her throne above the sky, And wings to earth eternal life and joy. Ye thirsty souls to her sweet fount repair, Take of its waters, healing, clean, and pure; The holy draught shall ease tormenting pain, Life renovate, and make the weak be strong.

No sorrow shall her faithful servants know, But songs of praise their festive hours employ; Dull night retreat before her radiance bright, In fullest glory, darting heavenly light.

*See Psalm 72.