7 The law, like this hand-writing, stands, And cancels it with blood, JONAH. LXXV. The Gourd. Chap. iv. 7. 1 As once for Jonah, so the Lord, To sooth and cheer my mournful hours, Prepar'd for me a pleasing gourd; Cool was its shade and sweet its flow'rs. 2 To prize his gift was surely right, But through the folly of my heart, It hid the Giver from my sight, And soon my joy was chang'd to smart. 3 While I admir'd its beauteous form, 4 I trembled when I saw it fade, But guilt restrain'd the murm'ring word; 5 His wond'rous love can ne'er be told, 6 Now, Lord, my gourd is mine no more, Henceforth shall flourish to thy praise. ZECHARIAH LXXVI. Prayer for the Lord's promised Presence. Chap. ii. 10. 1 Son of God! thy people shield! Thou hast said, "I will return." 2. Gracious Leader, now appear, 3 As a mother counts the days 4 Come, and let us feel thee nigh, Then thy sheep shall feed in peace; Plenty bless us from on high, 5 'With thy love, and voice, and aid, Though the world and Satan rage. 6 Thus each day for thee we'll spend, 7 Let thy light be ne'er withdrawn, Thus we pray at early dawn, This shall be our ev'ning song. LXXVII. A Brand plucked out of the Fire. 1 WITH Satan, my accuser, near, My spirit trembled when I saw The Lord in majesty appear, And heard the language of his law. 2 In vain I wish'd and strove to hide The tatter'd filthy rags I wore; While my fierce foe insulting cry'd, "See what you trusted in before !" 3 Struck dumb, and left without a plea, 4" This is a brand which I, in love, "I answer all, and claim him mine." 5 At his rebuke the tempter fled; Then he remov'd my filthy dress; "Poor sinner, take this robe," he said, "It is thy Saviour's righteousness. 6" And see, a crown of life prepar'd! "That I might thus thy head adorn; "I thought no shame or suffering hard, "But wore for thee a crown of thorn." 7 O how I heard these gracious words! They broke and heal'd my heart at once; Constrain'd me to become the Lord's, And all my idol-gods renounce. Hymn 78. 8 Now, Satan, thou hast lost thy aim, Against this brand thy threats are vain; And who shall put it in again? LXXVIII. On one Stone shall be seven Eyes. 1 JESUS Christ, the Lord's anointed, And the church is on him built: 2 Many eyes at once are fixed Love, with awful justice mixed, 3 By the Father's eye approved, Lo, a voice is heard from heav'n*; "Sinners, this is my beloved, "For your ransom freely given : "All offences, for his sake, shall be forgiven." 4 Angels with their eyes pursu'd him†, [known. Angels worshipp'd him who was on earth un 5 Satan and his host amazed, Saw this stone in Zion laid; Jesus, though to death abased, Bruis'd the subtle serpent's head‡, When, to save us, on the cross his blood he shed. * Matth. iii. 17. † 1 Tim. iii. 16. John xii. 31. 6 When a guilty sinner sees him, While he looks, his soul is heal'd ; . And imparts a pardon seal'd* : May this Saviour be to all our hearts reveal'd. 7 With desire and admiration, All his blood-bought flock behold; Him who wrought out their salvation, And enclos'd them in his foldt: Yet their warmest love and praises are too cold. 8 By the eye of carnal reason Many view him with disdaint; When he'll come with all his train? Toescape him then they'll wish,but wish in vain 9 How their hearts will melt and tremble But his saints he'll then assemble, And receive them to his everlasting joys. LXXIX. C. Praise for the Fountain opened. 1 THERE is a fountain fill'd with blood 2 The dying thief rejoic'd to see And there have I, as vile as he, *John iii. 15. Ps. cxviii. 22. † 1 Pet. ii. 7. § Rev. i. 7. |