5 Could I joy his saints to meet, 6 Lord decide the doubtful case, 7 Let me love thee more and more, If I have not lov'd before, Hymn 157. C. M. Religion the one thing Needful. 1 RELIGION is the chief concern 2 More needful this than glitt'ring wealth, 3 Religion should our thoughts engage, Amidst our youthful bloom i "Twill fit us for declining age, And for the awful tomb. 4 O may my heart by grace renew'd, 5 Let deep repentance, faith and love, And all my conversation prove 6 Preserve me from the snares of sin Hymn 158. C. M. Famine of the Word. 1 GLADNESS was spread through Israel's host, 2 But when they had it long enjoy'd Their hearts were by the plenty cloy'd, 3 Thus gospel bread at first is prized, But afterwards, too much despis'd, 4 But should the Lord, displeas'd, withhold 5 How tedious would the week appear, 7 Preserve us from this judgment, Lord, Hymn 159. C. M. [Tune, Stade, Vil. Har.] Deliverance from a Storm. 1 OUR little bark, on boist'rous seas, Without one cheerful beam of hope, 2 We to the Lord in humble pray'r 3 With pitying eyes, the Prince of Grace Beheld our helpless grief; He saw, and (O, amazing love!) He came to our relief. Hallelujah. 4 The stormy winds did cease to blow, Spoke comfort to each soul. Hal. 5 O! may our grateful, trembling hearts Sweet hallelujah's sing, To him who hath our lives preserv'd, Let us proclaim to all the world, Hymn 160. L. M. Prayer Answered by Crosses. 1 I ASK'D the Lord that I might grow 4 Yea more, with his own hand he seem'd Intent to aggravate my wo: Cross'd all the fair designs I schem❜d, Blasted my gourds and laid me low. 5" Lord, why is this," I trembling cry'd, "Wilt thou pursue thy worm to death? ""Tis in this way," the Lord reply'd, "I answer prayer for grace and faith. 6 "These inward trials I employ, "From self, and pride, to set thee free; "And break thy schemes of earthly joy, "That thou may'st seek thy All in me.' Hymn 161. S. M. [Tune, Gospel Pool.] Bethesda's Pool. John v. 2-4. 1 BESIDE the gospel pool, Appointed for the poor, From year to year my helples soul 2 How often have I seen 1 3 4 And others round me stepping in, But my complaints remain ; As full of guilt, and fear, and pain, As when at first I came. O, would the Lord appear He knows how long I've languish'd here, 5 [How often have I thought, Why should I longer lie? 6 But whither can I go? 7 8 Where streams of sov'reign virtue flow Here, then, from day to day, No-he is full of grace; He never will permit A soul, that fain would see his face, To perish at his feet. The Pool of Bethesda. John v. 2-4. 1 How long, thou faithful God, shall I |