FORTRESS. 8, 7, 6. f C MARTIN LUther. cres. 1 A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing: Our Helper he, a-mid the flood Of mortal ills pre-vailing. For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe; His craft and power are great, And, armed with cruel hate, On earth is not his e qual. 1. They come, God's messengers of love,They come from realms of peace above, From homes of never-fading light, From blissful mansions ever bright. 222 -0-0 167 God's messengers of love. 2 They come to watch around us here, To soothe our sorrow, calm our fear: Ye heavenly guides, speed not away, God willeth you with us to stay. 3 But chiefly at its journey's end "Tis yours the spirit to befriend, And whisper to the faithful heart, "O Christian soul, in peace depart." 4 Blest Jesus, thou whose groans and tears Have sanctified frail nature's fears, To earth in bitter sorrow weighed, 5 An angel guard to us supply, 1 GOD is our refuge and defense; In trouble our unfailing aid: Secure in his omnipotence, What foe can make our souls afraid? 2 Yea, though the earth's foundations rock, And mountains down the gulf be hurled, His people smile amid the shock: They look beyond this transient world. 3 There is a river pure and bright, Whose streams make glad the heavenly plains; Where, in eternity of light, The city of our God remains. 4 Built by the word of his command, With his unclouded presence blest, Firm as his throne the bulwarks stand; There is our home, our hope, our rest. James Montgomery. 4 I have no skill the snare to shun, But thou, O Christ, my wisdom art: I ever into ruin run, But thou art greater than my heart. 5 Foolish, and impotent, and blind, Lead me a way I have not known; Bring me where I heaven may find, my The heaven of loving thee alone. Charles Wesley. 170 Quietness and assurance. 1 How do Thy mercies close me round! Forever be thy name adored; I blush in all things to abound; The servant is above his Lord. He had not where to lay his head. He smooths my bed, and gives me sleep. 4 Jesus protects; my fears, be gone: I lean upon my Saviour's breast. ZION. 8, 7, 4. THOMAS HASTINGS. O thou great Je - hovah, Pil-grim through this bar ren land: 1 am weak, but thou art mighty; Hold me with thy powerful hand: Bread of 1 {Guide m heaven, Feed me till I want no more. Bread of heaven, Feed me till I want no more. 1. My soul, repeat His praise, Whose mercies are so great; Whose anger is so slow to rise, So read-y to a-bate. 173 25 2 Omnipotent goodness. 1 AWAY, my needless fears, 2 Thrice comfortable hope, That calms my troubled breast; My Father's hand prepares the cup, And what he wills is best. 3 If what I wish is good, And suits the will divine, By earth and hell in vain withstood, 4 Still let them counsel take To frustrate his decree; They cannot keep a blessing back, 5 Here then I doubt no more, Whose wisdom, love, and truth, and power, Engage to make me blest. Charles Wesley. 174 Through a glass, darkly.—1 Cor. 13: 12. 1 THY way is in the sea; Thy paths we cannot trace; Nor solve, O Lord, the mystery Of thy unbounded grace. 2 Here the dark veils of sense Our captive souls surround; Mysterious deeps of providence Our wondering thoughts confound. 1 How gentle God's commands! 2 Beneath his watchful eye His saints securely dwell; That hand which bears all nature up 3 Why should this anxious load Press down your weary mind? Haste to your heavenly Father's throne, 4 His goodness stands approved, 177 Philip Doddridge. Afflictions blessed. 1 How tender is thy hand, O thou most gracious Lord! Afflictions came at thy command, And left us at thy word. 2 How gentle was the rod That chastened us for sin! How soon we found a smiling God Where deep distress had been! 3 A Father's hand we felt, A Father's love we knew: 'Mid tears of penitence we knelt, And found his promise true. 4 Now will we bless the Lord, And in his strength confide: Forever be his name adored, For there is none beside. |