Some style him the pearl of great price, And cleave to the world and its toys: If ask'd what of Jesus I think? Though still my best thoughts are but poor; A MORNING HYMN. ARISE my soul, with rapture rise! And fill'd with love and fear-adore The awful Sovereign of the skies, Whose mercy lends thee one day more. And may this day-indulgent Power! But can it be! that Power divine- Will deign to lend a fav'ring ear When I, poor abject mortal, pray? Then let me serve thee all my days, TRANSIENT AND LASTING HAPPI. NESS. TELL me, wand'rer! wildly roving From the path that leads to peace, Pleasure's false enchantments loving,When will thy delusion cease? Once, like thee, by joys surrounded, Then, the moments flew unheeded, But those cloudless hours that bless'd me, Such is pleasure's transient story! Only in the path to glory In the Saviour's love alone. "WHAT IS YOUR LIFE?" LORD, what is life?—Tis like a flow'r, We see it flourish for an hour, With all its beauty on; But death comes, like a wintry day, Lord, what is life?'Tis like the bow We love to see its colours glow; Six thousand years have passed away For life, in all its health and pride, And yet, this short uncertain space That heav'n, that lasting dwelling-place, The worlds of sorrow and of bliss, Lord, what is life?-If spent with thee In duty, praise, and prayer, However short or long it be, We need but little care; Because eternity will last, When life and death itself are past. LIGHT SHINING OUT OF DARKNESS. God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform; He plants his footsteps in the sea, Deep in unfathomable mines He treasures up his bright designs, Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, His purposes will ripen fast, The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower. |