284

L. M.

The Descent of the Spirit.

CHANDLER.

From the Breviary

1 OUR prayer is heard; the holy Dove,
Sent from the Father's breast above,
Brings down to mortal man's abode
The gifts, the promised gifts, of God.

2 And, 0, what wonders were displayed,
When he on earth his entrance made!
A blast, loud rushing through the sky,
Gave notice that the Lord was nigh.
3 And then the Holy Spirit came,
In form of fast-descending flame,
And rested on the assembled choir,
Like cloven tongues of living fire.

4 And those bright flames, thus gently shed
On each apostle's hallowed head,
Within their hearts and senses pour
A life and strength unknown before.
5 Amazed the Gentiles stand around,
And listen to the varied sound;
Each hears the gospel's glad command
In accents of his native land.

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1 'TWAS by an order from the Lord The ancient prophets spoke his word; His Spirit did their tongues inspire,

And warmed their hearts with heavenly fire.

2 The works and wonders which they wrought
Confirmed the messages they brought;
The prophet's pen succeeds his breath
To save the holy words from death.

3 Let the false raptures of the mind
Be lost and vanish in the wind;
Here I can fix my hope secure ;
This is thy word, and must endure.

286

C. M.

MRS. STEELE.

The Excellency of the Holy Scriptures.

1 FATHER of mercies, in thy word

What endless glory shines!

Forever be thy name adored
For these celestial lines.

2 Here may the wretched sons of want
Exhaustless riches find;

Riches, above what earth can grant,
And lasting as the mind.

3 Here the fair tree of knowledge grows,
And yields a free repast;
Sublimer sweets than nature knows
Invite the longing taste.

4 Here springs of consolation rise,
To cheer the fainting mind,
And thirsty souls receive supplies,
And sweet refreshment find.

5 Here the Redeemer's welcome voice
Spreads heavenly peace around,
And life and everlasting joys
Attend the blissful sound.

6 O, may these heavenly pages be
My ever-dear delight!

And still new beauties may I
And still increasing light!

see,

1 GOD, in the gospel of his Son, Makes his eternal counsels known; "Tis here his richest mercy shines, And truth is drawn in fairest lines.

BEDDOME.

2 Wisdom its dictates here imparts,
To form our minds, to cheer our hearts;
Its influence makes the sinner live;
It bids the drooping saint revive.

3 Our raging passions it controls,
And comfort yields to contrite souls;
It brings a better world in view,
And guides us all our journey through.

4 May this blest volume ever lie
Close to my heart and near my eye,
Till life's last hour my soul engage,
And be my chosen heritage.

288

C. M.

WATTS.

The Excellency of Scripture. Ps. 119.

1 LORD, I have made thy word my choice, My lasting heritage;

There shall my noblest powers rejoice,
My warmest thoughts engage.

2 I'll read the histories of thy love,
And keep thy laws in sight,
While through the promises I rove
With ever-fresh delight.

3 'Tis a broad land of wealth unknown,
Where springs of life arise,

Seeds of immortal bliss are sown,
And hidden glory lies.

4 The best relief that mourners have,
It makes our sorrows blest,

Our fairest hope beyond the grave,
And our eternal rest.

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289

S. M.

WATTS.

God's Word most excellent. Ps. 19.

1 BEHOLD, the morning sun
Begins his glorious way;

His beams through all the nations run,
And life and light convey.

2 But where the gospel comes,
It spreads diviner light;

It calls dead sinners from their tombs,
And gives the blind their sight.

3 How perfect is thy word!

And all thy judgments just!
Forever sure thy promise, Lord,
And men securely trust.

4 My gracious God, how plain
Are thy directions given!
O, may I never read in vain,
But find the path to heaven!

5 I hear thy word with love,
And I would fain obey;
Send thy good Spirit from above,
To guide me lest I stray.

6 While with my heart and tongue
I spread thy praise abroad,
Accept the worship and the song,
My Savior and my God.

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