4 Burst thy shackles; drop thy clay; 5 Shudder not to pass the stream: 7 See the haven full in view 675 The dying Christian to his soul. P. M. VITAL spark of heavenly flame, Quit, O quit this mortal frame. Trembling, hoping, ling'ring, flying, O the pain, the bliss of dying! Cease, fond nature, cease thy strife, And let me languish into life. 2 Hark! they whisper: angels say,Sister spirit, come away! -What is this absorbs me quite,Steals my senses, shuts my sight,Drowns my spirit, draws my breath? Tell me, my soul, can this be death? 3 The world recedes: it disappears; Heaven opens on my eyes; my ears With sounds seraphic ring. Lend, lend your wings! I mount! I fly! THE SCRIPTURES. 676 C. M. Riches of God's word. HE counsels of redeeming grace THE The sacred leaves unfold; And here the Saviour's lovely face 2 Here light descending from above 3 Our num'rous griefs are here redress'd, 4 For these inestimable gains, O may we search with eager pains, 677 Excellency and sufficiency. C. M. F ATHER of mercies, in thy word Forever be thy Name adored For these celestial lines. 2 Here may the wretched sons of want Exhaustless riches find; Riches above what earth can grant, 3 Here the fair tree of knowledge grows, And yields a free repast; 4 Here the Redeemer's welcome voice 5 0 may these heavenly pages be And still new beauties may we see, 6 Divine Instructer, gracious Lord, Teach us to love thy sacred word, 678 WE Light and glory of the sacred page. C. M. WHAT glory gilds the sacred page! It gives a light to every age; It gives, but borrows none. 2 The power that gave it still supplies 3 Lord! everlasting thanks be thine 4 Our souls rejoicingly pursue 679 C. M. The Spirit's enlightening influences. NOME, Holy Ghost, our hearts inspire; Let us thine influence prove; COM Source of the old prophetic fire; Fountain of life and love. 2 Come, Holy Ghost, for moved by thee 3 Expand thy wings, Celestial Dove; 4 God, through himself, we then shall know, If thou within us shine; And sound, with all thy saints below, 680 The revealing Spirit. C. M. ATHER of all, in whom alone One bright, celestial ray dart down, 2 While in thy word we search for thee, Open our eyes, and let us see The wonders of thy law. 3 Now let our darkness comprehend 4 Before us make thy goodness pass, . Which here by faith we know ; 681 Perfection of the law and testimony. THY C. M. HY law is perfect, Lord of light; The statutes of thy realm are right, 2 Let these, O God, my soul convert, 3 By these may I be warn'd betimes; Lord, save me from presumptuous crimes; Cleanse me from secret sin. 4 So may the words my lips express,The thoughts that throng my mind,O Lord, my strength and righteousness, With thee acceptance find. 682 HOW C. M. Safety in keeping God's precepts. 40 may my soul, with joy, Trust in thy faithful word: Be it through life my glad employ, |