1 WHILE Some in folly's pleasure roll,
And seek the joys which hurt the soul,
Be mine that silent, calm repast,
A peaceful conscience to the last.
2 With this companion in the shade,
My soul no more shall be dismayed;
I will defy the midnight gloom,
And the pale monarch of the tomb.
3 Amidst the various scenes of ills,
Each stroke some kind design fulfils;
And shall I murmur at my God,
When sovereign love directs the rod ?
4 His hand will smooth my rugged way,
And lead me to the realms of day;
To milder skics and brighter plains,
Where everlasting pleasure reigns.
HYMN 387. C. M. [#or b]
Resignation and Rest.
1 WHEN I Survey life's varied scene,
Amidst the darkest hours,
Bright rays of comfort shine between,
And thorns are mixed with flowers.
2 This thought can all my fears control, And bid my sorrows fly;
No harm can ever reach my soul
Beneath my Father's eye.
3 Whate'er thy sacred will ordains,
O give me strength to bear;
And let me know my Father reigns,
And trust his tender care.
4 If cares and sorrows me surround,
Their power why should I fear?
My inward peace they cannot wound,
If thou, my God, art near.
HYMN 388. L. M. [#]
Reconciliation and Gratitude.
1 THE trifling joys this world can give
A thirsty soul can ne'er supply;
A soul which hopes, through grace, to live
In realms of bliss beyond the sky.
2 Yet, O my God, I would not slight
The smallest of thy gifts to me;
The least affords me some delight,
And shows thy mercy rich and free. 3 My friends, my health, my daily food, All blessings granted here below, Proclaim aloud that thou art good; Thy goodness all the world shall know.
4 But, O, it is a greater joy
To feel my heart is reconciled;
To know thou wilt my sins destroy,
And claim me as thy ransomed child.
HYMN 389. C. P. M.
C. P. M. [#]
Contentment and Resignation.
1 IF solid happiness we prize,
Within our breasts the jewel lies;
Nor need we roam abroad:
The world has little to bestow;
From pious hearts our joys must flow,
Hearts that delight in God.
2 To be resigned when ills betide,
Patient when favours are denied,
And pleased with favours given,-
This is the wise, the pious part,
This is that incense of the heart,
Whose fragrance reaches heaven.
3 Thus through life's changing scenes we'll go ; Its chequered paths of joy and wo
With holy care we'll tread;
Quit its vain scenes without a tear,
Without a trouble or a fear,
And mingle with the dead.
ZEAL, FORTITUDE AND PRUDENCE.
HYMN 390. C. M. [#]
Zeal true and false.
1 ZEAL is that pure and heavenly flame,
The fire of love supplies;
While that which often bears the name
Is self in a disguise.
2 True zeal is merciful and mild,
Can pity and forbear
The false is headstrong, fierce and wild,
And breathes revenge and war.
3 While zeal for truth the Christian warms,
He knows the worth of peace;
But self contends for names and forms,
Its party to increase.
4 Zeal has attained its highest aim,
Its end is satisfied,
If sinners love the Saviour's name ;
Nor seeks it aught beside.
5 But self, however well employed,
Has its own ends in view;
And says, as boasting Jehu cried,
Come, see what I can do.
6 Dear Lord, the idol self dethrone,
And from our hearts remove;
And let no zeal by us be shown,
But that which springs from love.
HYMN 391. L. M. [#]
Persecution and Intolerance absurd.
1 ABSURD and vain attempt to bind,
With iron chains, the free-born mind;
To force conviction, and reclaim
The wandering by destructive flame!
2 Bold arrogance, to snatch from heaven
Dominion not to mortals given;
O'er conscience to usurp the throne
Accountable to God alone!
3 Our Master's gentle law of love
Does no such cruelties approve;
Mild as himself, his doctrine wields
No arms but those persuasion yields.
4 By proofs divine, and reasons strong,
It draws the willing soul along;
And conquests to his truth acquires
By eloquence which heaven inspires.
HYMN 392. C. M. [#]
Zeal and Vigour in the Christian Race.
1 AWAKE, my soul, stretch every nerve,
And press with vigour on;
A heavenly race demands thy zeal,
And an immortal crown.
2 A cloud of witnesses around
Hold thee in full survey:
Forget the steps already trod,
And onward urge thy way.
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