PRAYER is the soul's sincere desire, Uttered or unexpress'd; The motion of a hidden fire 2 Prayer is the burden of a sigh, The upward glancing of an eye, 8 Prayer is the simplest form of speech That infant lips can try; Prayer the sublimest strains that reach 4 Prayer is the Christian's vital breath, The Christian's native air; His watchword at the gate of death. 5 Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice, While angels in their songs rejoice, 60 thou by whom we come to God, ROM whence does this union arise, That hatred is conquered by love? It fastens our souls with such ties Nor yet was in paradise lost; 2 My friends are so dear unto me, At a distance we can not remain. 8 And when we shall see that bright day, 136 0 C. M. FOR a closer walk with God, 2 Where is the blessedness I knew 8 What peaceful hours I once enjoy'd! Return, O Holy Dove, return, I hate the sins that made thee mourn, 5 The dearest idol I have known, Whate'er that idol be, Help me to tear it from thy throne, And worship only thee. 5 So shall my walk be close with God, Calm and serene my frame; So purer light shall mark the road 137 A C. M. MI a soldier of the cross- And shall I fear to own his cause, Must I be carried to the skies While others fought to win the prize, Are there no foes for me to face? Is this vile world a friend to grace, Sure I must fight, if I would reign; Thy saints, in all this glorious war, They see the triumph from afar, 6 When that illustrious day shall rise, In robes of victory, through the skies, 138 10, 11. THOUGH troubles assail us, and dangers affright Though friends should all fail us, and foes all unite Yet one thing secures us, whatever betide, The promise assures us, the Lord will provide. 2 The birds without barn or storehouse, are fed; From them let us learn to trust for our bread. His saints what is fitting shall ne'er be denied, So long as 'tis written, the Lord will provide. 8 We all may, like ships, by the tempest be tossed, On perilous deeps, but need not be lost. Though Satan enrages the wind and the tide, Yet Scripture engages, the Lord will provide. 4 His call we obey, like Abraham of old: We know not the way, but faith makes us bold; For though we are strangers, we have a sure guide, And trust in all dangers, the Lord will provide. 5 No strength of our own, nor goodness we claim, Our trust is all thrown on Jesus' name; In this, our strong tower, for safety we hide, 6 When life sinks apace, and death is in view, The word of his grace shall comfort us thro'; Not fearing or doubting, with Christ on our side, We hope to die shouting, the Lord will provide. OW tedious and tasteless the hours, H When Jesus no longer I see! Sweet prospects, sweet birds and sweet flowers 2 His name yields the richest perfume, My summer would last all the year. 3 Content with beholding his face, Would make any change in my mind. If Jesus would dwell with me there. |