This be my support in need,
That thou didst so freely bleed,
All my hopes and joys arise,
From thy bloody sacrifice.
This confirms me when I'm weak,
Comforts me when I am sick,
Gives me courage when I faint,
Well supplies my every want.
Saviour, to my heart be near,
Exercise the shepherd's care,
Guard my weakness by thy grace,
Let me feel a constant peace.
155. The Throne of Grace, S. M. BEHOLD the throne of grace! The promise calls me near; There Jesus shews a smiling face, And waits to answer pray'r. That rich atoning blood, Which sprinkled round I see, Provides for those who come to God, An all-prevailing plea.
My soul, ask what thou wilt,
Thou can'st not be too bold;
Since his own blood for thee he spilt, What else can he with-hold?
Thy image, Lord, bestow, Thy presence, and thy love; I ask to serve thee here below, And reign with thee above,
Teach me to live by faith, Conform my will to thine; Let me victorious be in death, And then in glory shine.
156. Affliction. 8able.
ENCOMPASS'D with clouds of distress,
Just ready all hope to resign,
I pant for the light of thy face,
And fear it will never be mine;
Dishearten'd with waiting so long,
I sink at thy feet with my load,
All plaintive I pour out my song,
And stretch forth my hands unto God.
Shine, Lord, and my terror shall cease,
The blood of atonement apply,
And lead me to Jesus for peace,
The rock that is higher than I.
Speak, Saviour, for sweet is thy voice,'
Thy presence is fair to behold:
I thirst for thy Spirit with cries
And groanings that cannot be told.
If sometimes I strive as I mourn,
My hold of thy promise to keep,
The billows more fiercely return,
And plunge me again in the deep:
While harass'd and cast from thy sight,
The tempter suggests with a roar,
"The Lord hath forsaken thee quite;
Thy God will be gracious no more."
Yet, Lord, if thy love hath design'd
No covenant blessing for me,
Ah, tell me, how is it I find
Some sweetness in waiting for thee? Almighty to rescue thou art;
Thy grace is my only resource; If e'er thou art Lord of my heart, Thy Spirit must take it by force. 157. Christ the only Refuge. 8. To whom should I fly for relief?
To him that hath lov'd me so well; And who, when I sink into grief, Doth all my infirmities feel.
O lover of sinners, on thee
My burden of trouble I cast; Whose care and compassion for me For ever and ever shall last.
Thine anger for what I have done,
O Father, I mournfully bear!
But look to thy innocent Son,
Who ever intreats thee to spare.
Be mindful of Jesus and me!
He suffer'd my pardon to buy;
And what he procur'd on the tree,
Demands for his people on high,
158. Public Worship.
LORD, we come before thee now,
At thy feet we humbly bow:
Oh do not our suit disdain!
Shall we seek thee, Lord, in vain?
Lord, on thee our souls depend,
In compassion now descend;
Fill our hearts with thy rich grace,
Tune our lips to sing thy praise.
In thine own appointed way
Now we seek thee, here we stay;
Lord, from hence we would not go,
Till a blessing thou bestow;
Send some message from thy word,
That may joy and peace afford;
Let thy Spirit now impart
Full salvation to each heart.
Comfort those that weep and mourn;
Let the time of joy return:
Those who are cast down, lift up,
Make them strong in faith and hope.
Grant that those who seek, may find
Thee a God divinely kind;
Heal the sick, the captive free;
Let us all rejoice in thee.
159. Christ bore our Griefs. 8. 8. 6. THINK, now dear Jesus, on the pain, The toil, the smart, thou didst sustain To ransom my poor heart; Kindly, dear Lamb, return and come, And make my heart thy constant home, Nor evermore depart.
No more let sable clouds of night
Arise to intercept my light,
Or earth my heart detain;
By thy dear cross still let me stay,
Here let me sing each happy day,
And die to live again.
160. Before Sermon. 8.8.6.
O JESUS, now we humbly pray,
Be gracious to thy church to day,
Thy saving health impart;
The dew of heaven on us distil,
With love each empty vessel fill,
And cheer the drooping heart.
Cut every cord that binds us here,
Us from our every hind'rance tear,
Give each a single heart;
Give grace to tread down self and sin,
Give grace eternal life to win,
Ere we from hence depart.
161. Aspiring after Christ.
O PATIENT spotless Lamb,
My heart in patience keep,
To bear the cross so easy made,
By wounding thee so deep.
Bring me, my Shepherd, where
Thy choicest flocks abide,
From wand'ring save my foolish heart,
And keep it near thy side.
My Friend, thou hast enough
My misery to relieve;
Though sin and guilt oppress me sore,
The balm is thine to give.
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