64. C.M.-“ But now, O LORD, Thou art our Father.” Isa. Ixiv. 8. 1 OUR Father sits on yonder throne, Amidst the hosts above; He reigns, the God of love. Was with us, though unseen; His favour came to us unsought, His love has wondrous been. 3 He keeps us now, securely keeps, (Whatever foe assails,) With vigilance that never sleeps, With power that never fails. 4 He gives us hope, that we shall be Ere long with him above: That we shall all his glory see, And celebrate his love. 5 Then let us, while we dwell below, Obey our Father's voice; To all his dispensations bow, And in his name rejoice. " Ye blessed children come; 65. C.M.-Gratitude to God. My rising soul surveys; In wonder, love, and praise. The gratitude declare, But thou canst read it there. 3 Thy providence my life sustaind, And all my wants redrest, When in the silent womb I lay, Or hung upon the breast. Thy mercy lent an ear, To form themselves in prayer. 5 Unnumber'd comforts to my soul Thy tender care bestow'd, From whom those comforts flow'd. 6 When in the slippery paths of youth With heedless steps I ran, to man. 7 Through hidden dangers, toils, and deaths, It gently clear’d my way, More to be fear'd than they. With health renew'd my face; And when in sins and sorrows sunk, Revived my soul with grace. . 9 Thy bounteous hand with worldly bliss Mas made my cup run o'er, And in a kind and faithful friend Has doubled all my store. My daily thanks employ; That taste those gifts with joy. 11 Through every period of my life Thy goodness I'll pursue; The glorious theme renew. 12 When nature fails, and day and night Divide thy works no more, Thy mercy shall adore. A joyful song I'll raise, To utter all thy praise. 66. S.M.- Trust in God. And ways into his hands, Who earth and heaven commands. Whom winds and seas obey, He shall prepare thy way. 2 Thou on the Lord rely, So safe shalt thou go on; So shall thy work be done. By self-consuming care; Attends the softest prayer. 3 Thine everlasting truth, Father, thy ceaseless love, What best for each will prove. Thou dost, O King of kings; Thy power to being brings. 4 Thou every where hast way, And all things serve thy might; Thy every act pure blessing is, Thy path unsullied light. When thou arisest, Lord, What shall thy work withstand? When all thy children want, thou giv'st, Who, who shall stay thy hand. 67. S.M.-Second Part. 1 GIVE to the winds thy fears; Hope, and be undismay'd; God hears thy sighs, and counts thy tears, God shall lift up thy head. Through waves, and clouds, and storms, He gently clears thy way; Wait thou his time; so shall this night Soon end in joyous day. 2 Still heavy is thy heart? Still sink thy spirits down? Bid every care be gone. Yet heaven, and earth, and hell And ruleth all things well! 3 Leave to his sovereign sway To choose, and to command; How wise, how strong his hand! His counsel shall appear, That caused thy needless fear. 6 Thou seest our weakness, Lord, Our hearts are known to thee; 0, lift thou up the sinking hand, Confirm the feeble knee! Thy steadfast truth declare, Thy love and guardian care. 68. C.M.- The goodness which God has wrought and laid up for his people. Ps. xxxi. 19. The bounties of thy grace; For them that seek thy face! Oft makes their cup run o'er; And in the covenant of thy love They find diviner store. 3 Here mercy hides their numerous sins; Here grace their souls renews; Here thy own reconciled face Doth heavenly beams diffuse. Are lodged in worlds to come! How happy is their home. Or how such goodness own? Thy servants' hearts are known. 6 Thine eyes shall read those grateful thoughts No language can express: Our debts do most increase. |