XV. [Pardoning, sanctifying, and sustaining love, constrain to obedience by changing " duty into choice."] No strength of nature can suffice How long beneath the law I lay Then, to abstain from outward sin, Then all my servile works were done A righteousness to raise ; Now, freely chosen in the Son, I freely choose his ways. What shall I do, was then the word, Is my inquiry now. To see the law by Christ fulfill'd, * Romans, iii. 31. XVI. [All comforts, temporal as well as spiritual, come from God. The contrasts which the hymn presents between the condescending providence of God towards his creatures, and his own infinite exaltation, are well calculated to warm devotion; and the fourth stanza is sweetly adapted to tranquillize the heart, amid painful misgivings.] ALMIGHTY King! whose wondrous hand Thy providence supplies my food, My streams of outward comfort came Either his hand preserves from pain, From Satan's malice shields my breast, Forgive the song that falls so low XVII. [Praise for spiritual truth. The sentiments are reproduced in a different form in one of the most splendid passages in the Task, where God is justly represented as the best of his own gracious gifts.] Of all the gifts thine hand bestows, Thou Giver of all good! Faith, too, the blood-receiving grace, Till thou thy teaching power apply Blind to the merits of thy Son, What misery we endure! Yet fly that hand, from which alone We could expect a cure. We praise thee, and would praise thee more, The precious Saviour, and the power That makes him precious too. XVIII. [Praise due from man at all seasons: a delightful composition, in the very harmony of which there is a glad movement inspiring cheerful gratitude and love. The fifth and sixth verses have a solemn tenderness which comes over the mind with the purity and calm of the seasons and imagery which they describe.] WINTER has a joy for me, While the Saviour's charms I read, In the snow-drop's pensive head. Spring returns, and brings along Hark! the turtle's plaintive song Summer has a thousand charms, What! has autumn left to say Light appears with early dawn; Evening with a silent pace, Shews an emblem of his grace, II. PRAYER. XIX. [The duty, the comforts, and the effects of prayer: a truly scriptural exposition of this ordinance.] WHAT Various hindrances we meet In coming to a mercy-seat! Yet who that knows the worth of prayer, But wishes to be often there? Prayer makes the darken'd cloud withdraw, Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw, Gives exercise to faith and love, Brings every blessing from above. Restraining prayer, we cease to fight; The weakest saint upon his knees. While Moses stood with arms spread wide, Have you no words? Ah! think again, Were half the breath thus vainly spent, Your cheerful song would oftener be, XX. [Mourning the withdrawal of heavenly communion, and imploring a renewal of that peace which passeth all understanding. An aspiration affecting in reference to its author, and coming home to the personal experience of all humble and sincere Christians, for all such have at times felt as if the Lord had forgotten to be gracious.] OH! for a closer walk with God, A calm and heavenly frame; Where is the blessedness I knew, What peaceful hours I once enjoy'd! |