The calm retreat, the silent shade, There if thy Spirit touch the soul, Oh, with what peace, and joy, and love, There like the nightingale she pours Her solitary lays; Nor asks a witness of her song, Nor thirsts for human praise. Author and guardian of my life, My Saviour, thou art mine! What thanks I owe thee, and what love, A boundless, endless store, Shall echo through the realms above XLVIII. THE HIDDEN LIFE. To tell the Saviour all my wants, Nor less to praise him when he grants HYMNS. My labouring spirit vainly seeks With how much tenderness he speaks, And helps me to reply. Nor were it wise, nor should I choose, Like precious wines their taste they lose, But this with boldness I proclaim, Nor care if thousands hear, Sweet is the ointment of his name, Not life is half so dear. And can you frown, my former friends, Who knew what once I was; And blame the song that thus commends Trust me, I draw the likeness true, XLIX. JOY AND PEACE IN BELIEVING. SOMETIMES a light surprises The Christian while he sings; It is the Lord who rises With healing on his wings: When comforts are declining, In holy contemplation, We sweetly then pursue Set free from present sorrow, It can bring with it nothing, Though vine nor fig tree neither 2 Yet God the same abiding, His praise shall tune my voice; I cannot but rejoice. 1 Matthew vi. 34. 2 Habakkuk iii. 17, 18 L. TRUE PLEASURES. LORD, my soul with pleasure springs The word of promise near: Still delighted I perceive; Clothed in sanctity and grace, Those who love thee as they pass, What we owe to love divine; Those the comforts I possess, 1 Prov. iii. 17. 2 Matt. xi 30. LI. THE CHRISTIAN. HONOUR and happiness unite To make the Christian's name a praise; No change his priestly office knows; His steps are dignity and grace. Nor stoops to take applause from earth; The noblest creature seen below, My soul is ravish'd at the thought! And shout him welcome to the skies! |