My dear and kind defender Preserves me safely here, From men of pomp and splendour, ASPIRATIONS OF THE SOUL AFTER GOD. Mr Spouse in whose presence I live, Who know'st what a flame I conceive, I find even sorrow made sweet; Because 'tis assign'd me by thee. Transported I see thee display For thou art as faithful as strong; My spirit and faculties fail; Oh finish what love has begun! And dwell in the soul thou hast won! Dear theme of my wonder and praise, Oh glory in which I am lost, Too deep for the plummet of thought; On an ocean of deity toss'd, I am swallow'd, I sink into nought. Yet, lost and absorb'd as I seem, I chant to the praise of my King; And, though overwhelm'd by the theme, Am happy whenever I sing. GRATITUDE AND LOVE TO GOD. ALL are indebted much to thee, From many a deadly snare set free, Overwhelm me, from above, What bonds of gratitude I feel 'Tis more than I can bear: When shall I that blessing prove, To return thee love for love? Spirit of charity, dispense Drive self from every part; Break the chains in which we lie! All selfish souls, whate'er they feign, They boast of liberty in vain, Oh blessedness, all bliss above, We learn its name, but not its powers, HAPPY SOLITUDE-UNHAPPY MEN My heart is easy, and my burden light; There, while a solemn stillness reigns around, Thy creatures wrong thee, O thou sovereign Good! Thou art not loved, because not understood; This grieves me most, that vain pursuits beguile Ungrateful men, regardless of thy smile. Frail beauty and false honour are adored; LIVING WATER. THE fountain in its source No drought of summer fears; But shallow cisterns yield A scanty short supply; The morning sees them amply fill'd, TRUTH AND DIVINE LOVE REJECTED BY THE WORLD. O LOVE, of pure and heavenly birth Smother and quench, with reasonings vain, While error and deception reign, Whence comes it, that, your power the same Or heart that makes you welcome here?—— The world is proud, and cannot bear Then, let the price be what it may, DIVINE JUSTICE AMIABLE. THOU hast no lightnings, O thou just! And, if thou strike me into dust, |