Chapter 13

The Glory of the Church in the Latter Day. Is. 60:1.

1 O Zion, tune thy voice, And raise thy hands on high; Tell all the earth thy joys, And boast salvation nigh. Cheerful in God, Arise and shine, While rays divine Stream all abroad.

2 He gilds thy mourning face With beams that cannot fade; His all-resplendent grace He pours around thy head. The nations round Thy form shall view, With lustre new Divinely crowned.

3 In honor to his name, Reflect that sacred light, And loud that grace proclaim, Which makes thy darkness bright; Pursue his praise, Till sovereign love In worlds above The glory raise.

320. 8s. & 7s. M. Urwick's Coll.

Desiring Christ's Triumph.

1 O thou Sun of glorious splendor, Shine with healing in thy wing; Chase away these shades of darkness; Holy light and comfort bring.

2 Let the heralds of salvation Round the world with joy proclaim, "Death and hell are spoiled and vanquished Through the great Immanuel's name."

3 Take thy power, almighty Saviour; Claim the nations for thine own; Reign, thou Lord of life and glory, Till each heart becomes thy throne.

4 Then the earth, o'erspread with glory, Decked with heavenly splendor bright Shall be made Jehovah's dwelling-- As at first, the Lord's delight.

321. H. M. Brown.

Millennium Hymn.

1 Isles of the south, awake! The song of triumph sing; Let mount, and hill, and vale, With hallelujahs ring: Shout, for the idol's overthrown, And Israel's God is God alone.

2 Wild wastes of Afric, shout! Your shackled sons are free; No mother wails her child 'Neath the banana-tree: No slave-ship dashes on thy shore; The clank of chains is heard no more.

3 Shout, vales of India, shout! No funeral fires blaze high; No idol song rings loud, As rolls the death-car by: The banner of the cross now waves Where Christian heralds made their graves.

4 Shout, hills of Palestine! Have you forgot the groan, The spear, the thorn, the cross, The wine-press trod alone, The dying prayer that rose from thee, Thou garden of Gethsemane?

5 Hail, glad, millennial day! O, shout, ye heavens above! To-day ye nations sing The song, redeeming love: Redeeming love the song shall be: Hail, blessed year of jubilee!

322. L. P. M. H. Ballou.

Kingdom of Christ.

1 To Christ, the Son, the Father spake: Lo, ask of me, and I will make The heathen to thy sceptre bend; The utmost parts of all the earth Are thine inheritance by birth, And wide thine empire shall extend.

2 Now Jesus waves his sceptre high, Unfurls his banners in the sky, While loud the gospel trumpets sound: His enemies with sore dismay, Retire in haste and yield the day, While trophies to the Lord abound.

3 Before him kings and tyrants fall, Detest their crowns, and on him call, And he a pardon free doth give: The world in sin was dead before; To life the world he will restore, And in him all the world shall live.

4 O Lord, thy government shall be Extended wide from sea to sea, And long thy sceptre thou shalt hold; As long as sun or moon shall shine, Thou King of earth shalt reign divine, The mysteries of thy grace unfold.

REPENTANCE AND REFORMATION.

323. 7s. M. Milman.

Prayer for Mercy in Spiritual Need.

1 Lord, have mercy when we pray Strength to seek a better way; When our wakening thoughts begin First to loathe their cherished sin; When our weary spirits fail, And our aching brows are pale; When our tears bedew thy word; Then, O then, have mercy, Lord.

2 Lord, have mercy when we lie On the restless bed and sigh,-- Sigh for death, yet fear it still; From the thought of former ill; When the dim, advancing gloom Tells us that our hour is come; When is loosed the silver cord; Then, O then, have mercy, Lord.

3 Lord, have mercy, when we know First how vain this world below: When its darker thoughts oppress, Doubts perplex, and fears distress; When the earliest gleam is given Of the bright but distant heaven; Then thy fostering grace afford; Then, O then, have mercy, Lord.

324. C. M. Village Hymns.

The Prodigal's Return.

1 The long-lost son, with streaming eyes, From folly just awake, Reviews his wanderings with surprise; His heart begins to break.

2 "I starve," he cries, "nor can I bear The famine in this land, While servants of my Father share The bounty of his hand.

3 "With deep repentance I'll return And seek my Father's face; Unworthy to be called a son, I'll ask a servant's place."

4 Far off the Father saw him move, In pensive silence mourn, And quickly ran with arms of love, To welcome his return.

5 O, let thy boundless mercy shine On my benighted soul, Correct my passions, mend my heart, And all my fears control.

325. L. M. 6l. Wesley's Coll.

Imploring Forgiveness and Renewal of Heart.

1 Forgive us for thy mercy's sake; Our multitude of sins forgive; And for thy own possession take, And bid us to thy glory live; Live in thy sight and gladly prove Our faith by our obedient love.

2 The covenant of forgiveness seal, And all thy mighty wonders show; Our hidden enemies expel, And conquering them to conquer go, Till all of pride and wrath be slain, And not one evil thought remain.

3 O, put it in our inward parts The living law of perfect love: Write the new precept on our hearts; We shall not then from thee remove, Who in thy glorious image shine, Thy people, and forever thine.

326. L. M. Beddome.

Inconstancy Lamented.

1 The wandering star and fleeting wind Are emblems of the fickle mind; The morning cloud and early dew Bring our inconstancy to view.

2 But cloud and wind and dew and star, Only a faint resemblance bear; Nor can there aught in nature be So changeable and frail as we.

3 Our outward walk and inward frame Are scarcely through an hour the same: We vow, and straight our vows forget, And then those very vows repeat.

4 With contrite hearts, Lord, we confess Our folly and unsteadfastness: When shall these hearts more stable be, Fixed by thy grace alone on thee?

327. S. M. Jervis.

God's Mercy to the Penitent.

1 Sweet is the friendly voice Which speaks of life and peace; Which bids the penitent rejoice, And sin and sorrow cease.

2 No balm on earth like this Can cheer the contrite heart; No flattering dreams of earthly bliss Such pure delight impart.

3 Still merciful and kind, Thy mercy, Lord, reveal: The broken heart thy love can bind, The wounded spirit heal.

4 Thy presence shall restore Peace to my anxious breast: Lord, let my steps be drawn no more From paths which thou hast blessed.

328. L. M. Doddridge.

Returning to God.

1 Lord, we have wandered from thy way, Like foolish sheep have gone astray, Our pleasant pastures we have left, And of their guard our souls bereft.

2 Exposed to want, exposed to harm, Far from our gentle Shepherd's arm; Nor will these fatal wanderings cease, Till thou reveal the paths of peace.

3 O seek thy thoughtless servants, Lord, Nor let us quite forget thy word; Our erring feet do thou restore, And keep us that we stray no more.

329. L. M. Steele.

Sense of Sin.

1 Jesus demands this heart of mine, Demands my love, my joy, my care, But ah, how dead to things divine, How cold my best affections are!

2 'Tis sin, alas! with dreadful power, Divides my Saviour from my sight; O, for one happy, shining hour Of sacred freedom, sweet delight!

3 Come, gracious Lord; thy love can raise My captive powers from sin and death, And fill my heart and life with praise, And tune my last, expiring breath.

330. C. M. Breviary.

The True Penitent.

1 O sinner! bring not tears alone, Or outward form of prayer: But let it in thy heart be known That penitence is there.

2 To beat the breast, the clothes to rend, God asketh not of thee: Thy secret soul he bids thee bend In true humility.

3 O righteous Judge! if thou wilt deign To grant us what we need; We pray for time to turn again, And grace to turn indeed.

331. L. M. Richter.

Translated by J. Wesley.

Devout Penitence.

1 My soul before thee prostrate lies; To thee, her source, my spirit flies; My wants I mourn, my chains I see; O let thy presence set me free.

2 In life's short day, let me yet more Of thy enlivening power implore; My mind must deeper sink in thee, My foot stand firm from wandering free.

3 Take full possession of my heart; The lowly mind of Christ impart; I still will wait, O Lord, on thee, Till, in thy light, the light I see.

4 One only care my soul should know, Father, all thy commands to do; Oh! deep engrave it on my breast, That I in thee alone am blest.

332. C. M. C. Wesley.

Vain Repentance.

1 Times without number have I prayed, "This only once forgive;" Relapsing when thy hand was stayed, And suffered me to live.

2 Yet now the kingdom of thy peace, Lord, to my heart restore; Forgive my vain repentances, And bid me sin no more.

333. P. M. Heber.

"There is Joy in Heaven over one Sinner that Repenteth."

1 There was joy in heaven! There was joy in heaven! When this goodly world to frame, The Lord of light and mercy came: Shouts of joy were heard on high, And the stars sang from the sky, "Glory to God in heaven!"

2 There was joy in heaven! There was joy in heaven! When of love the midnight beam Dawned on the towers of Bethlehem; And along the echoing hill Angels sang--"On earth good will, And glory in the heaven!"

3 There is joy in heaven! There is joy in heaven! When the sheep that went astray Turns again to virtue's way; When the soul by grace subdued Sobs its prayer of gratitude, Then is there joy in heaven!

334. 7s. M. Merrick.

Freedom from Error, Guilt and Folly.

1 Blest Instructor! from thy ways Who can tell how oft he strays? Save from error's growth our mind, Leave not, Lord, one root behind.

2 Purge us from the guilt that lies Wrapt within our heart's disguise; Let us thence, by thee renewed, Each presumptuous sin exclude.

3 Let our tongues, from error free, Speak the words approved by thee: To thine all-observing eyes, Let our thoughts accepted rise.

4 While we thus thy name adore, And thy healing grace implore, Blest Instructor! bow thine ear: God our strength! propitious hear.

335. 6s. & 4s. M. R. Palmer.

For Divine Guidance.

1 O God, thy grace impart! Revive my fainting heart; My zeal inspire; Reveal thyself to me, And may my love to thee Pure, warm, and changeless be,-- A living fire.

2 While life's dark maze I tread, And griefs around me spread, Be thou my guide; Bid darkness turn to day, Wipe sorrow's tears away, Nor let me ever stray From thee aside.

3 When ends life's transient dream, When death's cold sullen stream Shall o'er me roll, O Father, then in love, Fear and distress remove, And bear me safe above,-- A ransomed soul.

336. C. P. M. Henry Moore.

Pardon.

1 Soft are the fruitful showers that bring The welcome promise of the spring, And soft the vernal gale: Sweet the wild warblings of the grove, The voice of nature and of love, That gladden every vale.

2 But softer in the mourner's ear Sounds the mild voice of mercy near, That whispers sins forgiven; And sweeter far the music swells, When to the raptured soul she tells Of peace and promised heaven.

3 Fair are the flowers that deck the ground; And groves and gardens blooming round, Unnumbered charms unfold: Bright is the sun's meridian ray, And bright the beams of setting day, That robe the clouds in gold.

4 But far more fair the pious breast, In richer robes of goodness dressed, Where heaven's own graces shine; And brighter far the prospects rise, That burst on faith's delighted eyes, From glories all divine.

337. L. M. Cowper.

Peace after a Storm.

1 When darkness long has veiled my mind, And smiling day once more appears, Then, my Creator! then I find The folly of my doubts and fears.

2 Straight I upbraid my wandering heart, And blush that I should ever be Thus prone to act so base a part, Or harbor one hard thought of thee.

3 O! let me then at length be taught, What I am still so slow to learn,-- That God is love, and changes not, Nor knows the shadow of a turn.

4 Sweet truth, and easy to repeat! But when my faith is sharply tried, I find myself a learner yet, Unskilful, weak, and apt to slide.

5 But, O my God! one look from thee Subdues the disobedient will, Drives doubt and discontent away, And thy rebellious child is still.

338. L. M. Mrs. Cotterill.

For a Life devoted to God's Glory.

1 O thou, who hast at thy command The hearts of all men in thy hand! Our wayward, erring hearts incline To have no other will but thine.

2 Our wishes, our desires, control; Mould every purpose of the soul; O'er all may we victorious be That stands between ourselves and thee.

3 Thrice blest will all our blessings be, When we can look through them to thee, When each glad heart its tribute pays Of love, and gratitude, and praise.

4 And while we to thy glory live, May we to thee all glory give, Until the final summons come, That calls thy willing servants home.

CHRISTIAN CHARACTER AND LIFE.

339. L. M. Watts.

"Ye shall know them by their Fruits."

1 So let our lips and lives express The holy gospel we profess: So let our works and virtues shine, To prove the doctrine all divine.

2 Thus shall we best proclaim abroad The honors of our Saviour, God, When the salvation reigns within. And grace subdues the power of sin.

3 Our flesh and sense must be denied, Passion and envy, lust and pride, While justice, temperance, truth and love, Our inward piety approve.

4 Religion bears our spirits up, While we expect that blessed hope, The bright appearance of the Lord, And faith stands leaning on his word.

340. C. M. Gisborne.

The Christian's Life and his Hope.

1 A soldier's course, from battles won To new-commencing strife; A pilgrim's, restless as the sun-- Behold the Christian's life!

2 O! let us seek our heavenly home, Revealed in sacred lore; The land whence pilgrims never roam, Where soldiers war no more;

3 Where grief shall never wound, nor death, Beneath the Saviour's reign; Nor sin, with pestilential breath, His holy realm profane;

4 The land where, suns and moons unknown, And night's alternate sway, Jehovah's ever-burning throne Upholds unbroken day;

5 Where they who meet shall never part; Where grace achieves its plan; And God, uniting every heart, Dwells face to face with man.

341. L. M. E. Taylor.

"Thou shalt love the Lord thy God."

1 "Thus shalt thou love the Almighty Lord, With all thy heart, and soul, and mind:" So speaks to man that sacred word, For counsel and reproof designed.

2 "With all thy heart;" no idol thing, Though close around the heart it twine, Its interposing shade must fling, To darken that pure love of thine.

3 "With all thy mind;" each varied power, Creative fancy, musings high, And thoughts that glance behind, before, These must religion sanctify.

4 "With soul and strength;" thy days of ease, While vigor nerves each youthful limb, And hope and joy, and health and peace, All must be freely brought to him.

342. C. M. Doddridge.

Walking with God.

1 Thrice happy souls, who, born from heaven, While yet they sojourn here, Do all their days with God begin, And spend them in his fear.

2 'Midst hourly cares, may love present Its incense to thy throne; And while the world our hands employs, Our hearts be thine alone.

3 As sanctified to noblest ends, Be each refreshment sought; And by each various providence Some wise instruction brought.

4 When to laborious duties called, Or by temptations tried, We'll seek the shelter of thy wings, And in thy strength confide.

5 In solid, pure delights like these, Let all our days be past; Nor shall we then impatient wish, Nor shall we fear, the last.

343. S. M. Heath.

Watchfulness and Prayer inculcated.

1 My soul, be on thy guard; Ten thousand foes arise; The hosts of sin are pressing hard To draw thee from the skies.

2 O, watch, and fight, and pray; The battle ne'er give o'er; Renew it boldly every day, And help divine implore.

3 Ne'er think the victory won, Nor lay thine armor down: Thy arduous work will not be done Till thou obtain thy crown.

4 Fight on, my soul, till death Shall bring thee to thy God; He'll take thee, at thy parting breath, To his divine abode.

344. L. M. Watts.

The Beatitudes.

1 Blest are the humble souls that see Their emptiness and poverty; Treasures of grace to them are given, And crowns of joy laid up in heaven.

2 Blest are the souls that thirst for grace, Hunger and long for righteousness; They shall be well supplied and fed With living streams and living bread.

3 Blest are the pure, whose hearts are clean From the defiling power of sin; With endless pleasure they shall see A God of spotless purity.

4 Blest are the men of peaceful life, Who quench the coals of growing strife; They shall be called the heirs of bliss, The sons of God, the God of peace.

5 Blest are the sufferers who partake Of pain and shame for Jesus' sake; Their souls shall triumph in the Lord; Glory and joy are their reward.

345. L. M. Rippon's Coll.

Patience.

1 Patience, O, 't is a grace divine, Sent from the God of peace and love, That leans upon our Father's arm, As through the wilds of life we rove.

2 By patience, we serenely bear The troubles of our mortal state, And wait, contented, our discharge, Nor think our glory comes too late.

3 O, for this grace to aid us on, And arm with fortitude the breast, Till, life's tumultuous voyage o'er, We reach the shores of endless rest.

4 Faith into vision shall resign, Hope shall in full fruition die, And patience in possession end, In the bright worlds of bliss on high.

346. 7s. M. Merrick.

"Who shall abide in thy tabernacle?" Ps. 15.

1 Who shall towards thy chosen seat Turn, O Lord, his favored feet? Who shall at thine altar bend? Who shall Zion's hill ascend? Who, great God, a welcome guest, On thy holy mountain rest?

2 He whose heart thy love has warmed, He whose will, to thine conformed, Bids his life unsullied run; He whose word and thought are one; Who, from sin's contagion free, Lifts his willing soul to thee.

3 He who thus, with heart unstained, Treads the path by thee ordained, He shall towards thy chosen seat Turn, O Lord, his favored feet; He thy ceaseless care shall prove, He shall share thy constant love.

347. C. M. Tate & Brady.

The Same.

1 Lord, who's the happy man, that may To thy blest courts repair, Not, stranger-like, to visit them, But to inhabit there?

2 'Tis he whose every thought and deed By rules of virtue moves; Whose generous tongue disdains to speak The thing his heart disproves;

3 Who never did a slander forge, His neighbor's fame to wound; Nor hearken to a false report, By malice whispered round;

4 Who to his plighted vows and trust Has ever firmly stood; And though he promise to his loss, He makes his promise good.

5 The man who by this steady course Has happiness ensured, When earth's foundations shake, shall stand By Providence secured.

348. S. M. Anonymous.

"Blessed are the Meek."

1 "Blest are the meek," he said, Whose doctrine is divine; The humble-minded earth possess, And bright in heaven will shine.

2 While here on earth they stay, Calm peace with them shall dwell, And cheerful hope and heavenly joy Beyond what tongue can tell.

3 The God of peace is theirs; They own his gracious sway; And yielding all their wills to him, His sovereign laws obey.

4 O gracious Father, grant, That we this influence feel, That all we hope, or wish, may be Subjected to thy will.

349. L. M. Scott.

The Blessing of Meekness.

1 Happy the meek, whose gentle breast, Clear as the summer's evening ray, Calm as the regions of the blest, Enjoys on earth celestial day.

2 His heart no broken friendships sting, No storms his peaceful tent invade; He rests beneath th' Almighty wing, Hostile to none, of none afraid.

3 Spirit of grace, all meek and mild, Inspire our breasts, our souls possess; Repel each passion rude and wild, And bless us as we aim to bless.

350. C. M. M. W. Hale.

The Pure Heart.

1 Whatever dims thy sense of truth, Or stains thy purity, Though light as breath of summer air Count it as sin to thee.

2 Preserve the tablet of thy thoughts From every blemish free, While the Redeemer's lowly faith Its temple makes with thee.

3 And pray of God, that grace be given To tread time's narrow way:-- How dark soever it may be, It leads to cloudless day.

351. S. M. Keble.

"Blessed are the Pure in Heart."

1 Blest are the pure in heart For they shall see our God; The secret of the Lord is theirs, Their soul is Christ's abode.

2 Still to the lowly soul He doth himself impart, And for his temple and his throne Chooseth the pure in heart.

352. C. M. Watts.