I have no punishment to fear; But, ah! that smile from Thee Imparts a pang far more severe Than woe itself would be. THE SOUL THAT LOVES GOD FINDS HIM EVERY WHERE. OH Thou, by long experience tried, All scenes alike engaging prove To me remains nor place nor time; While place we seek, or place we shun, Could I be cast where Thou art not, My country, Lord, art Thou alone; The point where all my wishes meet; I hold by nothing here below; Though pierced by scorn, oppress'd by pride, No frowns of men can hurtful prove Ah then! to His embrace repair; THE TESTIMONY OF DIVINE ADOPTION. How happy are the new-born race; How pure the bliss they share! The moment we believe, 'tis ours; The God from whom it came, But, ah! if foul and wilful sin The chaste and pure who fear to grieve Their hearts his dwelling place, Oh messenger of dear delight, No task but that of Love. 'Tis Love unites what Sin divides; Sorrow foregoes its nature there, Divested of its woes; There sovereign goodness soothes the breast, Till then incapable of rest, In sacred sure repose. DIVINE LOVE ENDURES NO RIVAL. LOVE is the Lord whom I obey, Whose will transported I perform; The centre of my rest, my stay, Love's all in all to me, myself a worm. For uncreated charms I burn, Oppress'd by slavish fear no more; For One in whom may discern, Even when he frowns, a sweetness I adore. He little loves Him who complains, And finds him rigorous and severe; His heart is sordid, and he feigns, Though loud in boasting of a soul sincere. Love causes grief, but 'tis to move And stimulate the slumbering mind; And he has never tasted love Who shuns a pang so graciously design'd. Sweet is the cross, above all sweets, To souls enamour'd with thy smiles; The keenest woe life ever meets, Love strips of all its terrors, and beguiles. 'Tis just that God should not be dear Where self engrosses all the thought, And groans and murmurs make it clear, Whatever else is loved, the Lord is not. The love of Thee flows just as much Bear not the conflict of two rival tides. Both cannot govern in one soul; Then let self-love be dispossess'd; The Love of God deserves the whole, SELF-DIFFIDENCE. SOURCE of love, and light of day, Every view and thought of mine Cast into the mould of thine; Teach, O teach this faithless heart Is it thus that I requite Can I grieve Thee, whom I love; |