57 4 Then in a nobler, sweeter song When this poor lisping, stammering tongue William Cowper. 1779. 76,76,76,76. "The Lord possessed me in the beginning of his way." 1 ERE God had built the mountains 2 When, like a tent to dwell in, 3 Thus wisdom's words discover Of our unworthy race: 58 4 And couldst thou be delighted And mystery divine; The voice that speaks in thunder, William Cowper. 1779. "The loving-kindness of the Lord." 1 AWAKE, my soul, in joyful lays, 2 He saw me ruined in the fall, 3 Through mighty hosts of cruel foes, 4 Often I feel my sinful heart 5 So when I pass death's gloomy vale, L.M. 6 Then shall I mount, and soar away Samuel Medley. 1785. 59 1 S.M.D. 2 3 "Whom having not seen ye love." How strange is heavenly love! I never trod his courts above, I feel he is my God, my King, How strong is heavenly love! Though wide and wild my passions rove, What though I see him not, I feel the ardour burn, He hath for me the victory wrought, I love him in return. How sweet is heavenly love! 'Tis all in all to me; I muse on him in field or grove, John Antes La Trobe. 1841. 60 61 "Thou art fairer than the children of men." 1 JESUS, my Lord, divinely fair, 2 He loved me first, he loves me still, 3 With steady feet I still would tread 4 But O how oft I step aside; L.M. Benjamin Beddome. 1818. 84,84,888,4. "Closer than a brother. 1 ONE there is above all others, O how he loves! His is love beyond a brother's, Earthly friends may fail and leave us, 62 2 Blessed Jesus, would'st thou know him? Give thine heart, thine all unto him; Is it sin that pains and grieves thee? Jesus can from all release thee, 3 Love this friend who longs to save thee: Dost thou love? he will not leave thee; Think no more then of to-morrow, O how he loves! 4 All thy sins shall be forgiven, Backward shall thy foes be driven; Best of blessings he 'll provide thee, O how he loves! 1 'Tis evening; over Salem's towers a golden lustre gleams, And lovingly and lingeringly the sun prolongs his beams. He looks as on some work undone, for which the hour has passed, So tender is his glance and mild, it seems to be his last. |