The hand that gave it still supplies Let everlasting thanks be thine, As makes a world of darkness shine My soul rejoices to pursue Till glory breaks upon my view In brighter worlds above. XXXI. ON THE DEATH OF A MINISTER. His master taken from his head, Elisha saw him go; And in desponding accents said, But he forgot the Lord who lifts Would soon be made his own. What! when a Paul has run his course, Is Israel left without resource? And have we no supplies? Yes, while the dear Redeemer lives, We have a boundless store, And shall be fed with what he gives, Who lives for evermore. XXXII. THE SHINING LIGHT. My former hopes are fled, I feel, alas! that I am dead Ah, whither shall I fly! I hear the thunder roar ; When I review my ways, I see, or think I see, A glimmering from afar; A beam of day, that shines for me, To save me from despair. Forerunner of the sun,1 It marks the Pilgrim's way; I'll gaze upon it while I run, And watch the rising day. 1 Psalm cxxx. 6. XXXIII. SEEKING THE BELOVED. To those who know the Lord, I speak, Is my beloved near? The bridegroom of my soul I seek, Though once a man of grief and shame, And bears the greatest, sweetest name, Grace flies before, and love attends He speaks-obedient to his call Then love in every heart would reign, Such Jesus is, and such his grace, And tell him, when you see his face, XXXIV. LIGHT SHINING OUT OF DARKNESS. GOD moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants his footsteps in the sea, Deep in unfathomable mines He treasures up his bright designs, Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take, Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, His purposes will ripen fast, The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flower. 1 Blind unbelief is sure to err,1 1 John xiii. 7. 'Tis my happiness below, Not to live without the cross, But the Saviour's power to know, Sanctifying every loss: Trials must and will befall; But with humble faith to see Love inscribed upon them all, This is happiness to me. God in Israel sows the seeds Trials make the promise sweet, Trials give new life to prayer; Trials bring me to his feet, Lay me low, and keep me there. Did I meet no trials here, No chastisement by the way: 1 Hebrews xii. 8. |