4 Let fools my wiser choice deride, Nor scorn of men, nor rage of hell 5 With ardent eye that bright reward And in the blooming prospect lose 282. L.M.-Choosing the Narrow Way. 1 WHAT thousands never knew the road! What thousands hate it when 'tis known! None but the chosen tribes of God Will seek or choose it for their own. 2 A thousand ways in ruin end, One only leads to joys on high; By that my willing steps ascend, Pleas'd with a journey to the sky. 3 No more I ask, or hope to find Delight or happiness below; Sorrow may well possess the mind That feeds where thorns and thistles grow. 4 The joy that fades is not for me, 283. C.M.-Jacob's Vow. Gen. xxviii. 20-22. 1 O GOD of Jacob, by whose hand Who through this weary pilgrimage K 2 To thee our humble vows we raise, And in thy kind and faithful breast 3 If thou, through each perplexing path, 4 If thou wilt spread thy shield around, 5 To thee, as to our covenant God, 284. P.M.-Social Dedication to God. 1 GOD of all-redeeming grace, While we die to thee alone. 2 Meet it is, and just, and right, In thy blessed service join: Might proclaim how good thou art; "Holiness unto the Lord," Still be written on our heart. 285. S.M.-The willing Sacrifice. Rom. xii. 1. 1 AND will the eternal King That offering, Lord, with joy we bring, 2 We own thy various claim, 3 The sacrifice inflame, So shall a grateful odour rise Through our Redeemer's name. 286. C.M.-Renewed Dedication. 1 DEAR Lord, accept a sinful heart, Which of itself complains, And mourns with much and frequent smart, 2 How eager are my thoughts to roam 3 O cleanse me in a Saviour's blood, 1 And make me thy belov'd abode, 287. S.M.-Dependence. MAN's wisdom is to seek His strength in God alone, And e'en an angel would be weak 2 Retreat beneath his wings, This more exalts the King of kings That all your works beside. 3 In Jesus is our store, Grace issues from his throne; Whoever says, I want no more," 1 2 Confesses he has none. 288. S.M.-For power to watch, and pray, and persevere. A CHARGE to keep I have; A God to glorify; A never-dying soul to save, O may it all my powers engage, To do my Master's will! Arm me with jealous care, As in thy sight to live; And O! thy servant, Lord, prepare, Help me to watch and pray, Assur'd, if I my trust betray, 289. S.M. The active Christian. Luke xii. 35-38. 1 YE servants of the Lord, 2 Each in his office wait, Let all your lamps be bright, 3 4 5 Watch, 'tis your Lord's command; And while we speak he's near; Mark the first signal of his hand, And ready all appear. O happy servant he In such a posture found! He shall his Lord with rapture see, Christ shall the banquet spread, And raise that favourite servant's head Amidst the' angelic band. 290. S.M.-Watchfulness and Prayer. Matt. xxvi. 41. 1 THOU Judge of quick and dead, 2 3 And fill us now with watchful care, And stir us up to pray. To pray, and wait the hour, When, rob'd in majesty and power, Thou shalt from heaven come down; The' immortal Son of Man, To damp our earthly joys, To' increase our gracious fears, |