Jesus! in whom but Thee above, Loved in comparison with Thee? My flesh is hastening to decay; Soon shall the world have pass'd away ; And what can mortal friends avail, When heart, and strength, and life shall fail? But oh, be thou, my Saviour, nigh, And I will triumph while I die. My strength, my portion is Divine; And Jesus is for ever mine. 1809. "O Lord, thou hast searched me and known me."-Psalm cxxxix. 1. LORD! whate'er in mortal eyes Which veils the most sincere, Thou dost, with all-piercing view, In my native vileness seen, All the sinner might have been, All that makes me still Sigh or tremble, doubt or moan, Known to Thee, and Thee alone. In abasement at thy feet, Lord, I would ever lie. Yet, it is a mercy-seat, And I may venture nigh. Who the contrite shall condemn ? Christ hath died, and pleads for them. Let me still, in human sight, A holy semblance wear. What but Mercy Infinite Could perfect knowledge bear? He that fashion'd knows my frame, But if thine approving smile, My Father, cheer my breast, Let the world account me vile, It shall not break my rest. Strong in weakness I shall be; Rich, however poor, in Thee. "I was brought low, and he helped me."-Psalm cxvi. 6. O THOU God who hearest prayer, Every hour and every where! Listen to my feeble breath Now I touch the gates of death. For His sake whose blood I plead, Hear and save me, gracious Lord! For my trust is in Thy word. Dearest Lord, may I so much As thy garment's hem but touch; Or but raise my languid eye To the Cross where thou didst die ; It shall make my spirit whole, It shall heal and save my soul. -Thou art merciful to save! Thou hast snatch'd me from the grave! I would kiss the chastening rod, Leave me not, my strength, my trust! Oh, remember I am dust. Leave me not again to stray; Leave me not the Tempter's prey. Fix my heart on things above: Make me happy in Thy love. Sept. 1820. E |