2 Shouldst thou, O God! minutely scan Our faults, and as severely chide; No mortal seed of sinful man Could such a scrutiny abide; 3 With longing eyes we seek the Lord, Our faith is fixed, our hopes depend: 4 Ye contrite minds! on God rely; 220. S. M. Peace to the returning Penitent. 1 SWEET is the friendly voice, 2 No balm on earth beside 3 Still merciful and kind, That mercy, LORD! reveal: The broken heart 't is thou canst bind, 4 Thy presence can restore Peace to my anxious breast: 5 Let me with wilful mind, 10 THOU, the wretched's sure retreat, And with the cheerful smile of peace 2 Did ever thy propitious ear Or when did plaintive misery sigh, 3 Oppressed with grief and shame, dissolved In penitential tears; Thy goodness calms our anxious doubts, 4 New life from thy refreshing grace Thy gentlest, best-loved attribute, 5 From that blest source, propitious hope And sheds her soft and cheering beam 6 Our hearts adore thy mercy, Lord, Which ushers in the smiling morn Encouraging Assurance of the divine Presence. 1 AND art thou with us, gracious Lord! Dost thou proclaim thyself our God, Isa. xli. 10. 2 Doth thy right hand which formed the earth, 3 And wilt thou lead our weary souls 4 On thy support our souls shall lean, The gloomy vale of death will smile, 5 While we his gracious succour prove, 'Midst all our various ways, The darkest shades through which we pass, Shall echo with his praise. 223. C. M. The Influence of habitual Piety. 1 BLEST is the man who fears the Lord! 2 Oft through the deep and stormy sea, 3 Though dark his present prospects be, 4 Full in the presence of his God, 5 No dangers can his soul alarm; A good Conscience the best Support. 1 WHILE Some in folly's pleasures roll, And court the joys which hurt the soul; Be mine that silent, calm repast, A peaceful conscience to the last ; 2 That tree which bears immortal fruit, That friend, who never fails the just, 3 With this companion in the shade, 4 Though heaven afflict, shall I repine? 6 His hand will smooth my rugged way, 1 WHEN storms hang o'er the Christian's head, He seeks his covenant-God: And under his refreshing shade 2 When foes and fears of every name Those foes his God will put to shame, |