HYMN 386. L. M. [b or #]
Peace of Conscience.
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. [#]
Contentment and Resignation.
1 Ir 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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