2 Without beginning or decline, He shines eternal ages hence. 3 As much, when in the manger laid, As when the six days' work he made 4 Of all the crowns Jehovah bears, That gracious sound well pleased he hears, 5 A cheerful confidence I feel, My well-placed hopes with joy I see; 6 As Man, he pities my complaint, His power and truth are all divine ; XXVI. ON OPENING A PLACE FOR SOCIAL PRAYER. 1 JESUS! where'er thy people meet, 2 For thou, within no walls confined, Such ever bring thee where they come, 3 Dear Shepherd of thy chosen few! 4 Here may we prove the power of prayer, 5 Behold, at thy commanding word We stretch the curtain and the cord;" 6 Lord, we are few, but thou art near; Nor short thine arm, nor deaf thine ear; XXVII. WELCOME TO THE TABLE. 1 THIS is the feast of heavenly wine, The juices of the living Vine Were press'd to fill the cup. 'Bring all heaven before our eyes:' from Milton's 'Il Penseroso.' * Isaiah liv. 2. 2 Oh! bless the Saviour, ye that eat, Not heaven affords a costlier treat, 3 The vile, the lost, he calls to them, 4 Approach, ye poor, nor dare refuse 5 If guilt and sin afford a plea, Surely the Lord will welcome me, XXVIII. JESUS HASTING TO SUFFER. 1 THE Saviour, what a noble flame When hasting to Jerusalem, 2 Good-will to men and zeal for God He longs to be baptized with blood, 1 1 Luke xii. 50. 3 With all his sufferings full in view, Forth to the task his spirit flew ; 4 Lord, we return thee what we can : Salvation to the dying Man, 5 And while thy bleeding glories here XXIX. EXHORTATION TO PRAYER. 1 WHAT various hindrances we meet In coming to a mercy-seat! Yet who that knows the worth of prayer, 2 Prayer makes the darken'd cloud withdraw, Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw, Gives exercise to faith and love, 3 Restraining prayer, we cease to fight; Prayer makes the Christian's armour bright; And Satan trembles when he sees The weakest saint upon his knees. 4 While Moses stood with arms spread wide, 5 Have you no words? Ah! think again, 6 Were half the breath thus vainly spent Your cheerful song would oftener be, XXX. THE LIGHT AND GLORY OF THE WORD. 1 THE Spirit breathes upon the Word, Precepts and promises afford 2 A glory gilds the sacred page, It gives a light to every age, 3 The hand that gave it still supplies His truths upon the nations rise; 1 Exodus xvii. 11. |