Chapter 10

In God's love there is no ending, Ne'er a limit find I there, So my hands to Thee extending, As Thy child, I raise my pray'r. Father! deign Thy grace to give me, That I may with all my might Thee embrace both day and night, All my life may never leave thee, And when life is o'er with me, Love and praise eternally.

PROTECTION OF GOD IN HITHERTO DANGEROUS TIMES OF WAR.

How heavy is the burden made That Thou upon our backs hast laid, O God! the Lord of Hosts, O God, whose anger rises high 'Gainst workers of iniquity.

The burden is the cruel tide Of war, that earth with blood has dyed, And fill'd with bitter tears. It is a fire that rages high 'Neath suns of almost every sky.

The burden's great and hard to bear, But Thy strong arm and Father's care Are not to us unknown. Thou punishest, but 'mid the woe Thou love and friendliness dost show.

But true to Thee must we abide, For ne'er from us dost Thou quite hide Thy saving health and light. How many hast Thou given o'er, We've oft been shielded by Thy pow'r.

In many a sad and weary hour, When gath'ring clouds did o'er us low'r Above our anxious heads, Thou still'd'st the storm, whose mighty hand Upholdeth sky and sea and land.

How often, Lord, by day and night, Our enemies with craft and might Have threaten'd us, Thy flock! But, faithful Shepherd! Thou wast near, Repell'dst the wolf and still'dst our fear.

Our brethren are compell'd to roam, Are driven forth from house and home, While we, Lord, still enjoy Each one his seat beneath the shade By his own vine and fig-tree made.

Behold! my heart, on every hand The towns and fields of many a land Are doom'd to ruin sure, The homes of men are overthrown, The houses of our God cast down.

But rest and order still remain With us, and we can still maintain The worship of our God. God's mind from out His holy word 'Mongst us is daily taught and heard.

Whoever this doth not perceive, But to the winds such thoughts doth give, Who in such blessèd light No grace, no love, no goodness find, How dark, thrice darken'd is their mind!

O gracious God! preserve us free For aye from such stupidity; Lord, give us gratitude, That songs of praise in sweetest tone We may present before Thy throne.

To nought we've done, or e'er can do, To Thee--to Thee alone is due The praise, O fount of love! We've earned destruction from Thy face, Thou deal'st with us in love and grace.

Oh! may we meditate Thy grace, Till heart shall burn and tongue shall praise, And give angelic zeal, That every throbbing pulse may be A note of praise, O Lord! to Thee.

But let the tide of woe recede, Restore to us our joy, we plead, May peace to us return. How many in this vale of tears Have never witness'd peaceful years!

Are we unworthy? then with Thee We plead for helpless infancy, Who wrong have never done. Shall cradled infants feel the stroke, Shall they endure the heavy yoke?

Have pity, Lord! oh, tender heart! What heavy sighs, what bitter smart, From our sad hearts are wrung! No stone, our Saviour God art Thou, How canst Thou so afflict us now?

How grievous are our wounds and sore, They stink and fester more and more, But Thou canst heal them all. Pour in the oil of grace, that whole Can make the body and the soul.

This wilt Thou do, we certainly Believe, although we nowhere see The means in all the world. But Thou in our extremity Dost find Thine opportunity.

THANKSGIVING FOR THE DECLARATION OF PEACE.

Praise God! for forth hath sounded The noble word of joy and peace, There's rest where strife abounded, The sword and spear their murders cease. Up! up! again, and bring ye Now forth the sounding lyre, O Germany! and sing ye In full and noble choir, Your hearts and minds now raise ye And thank the Lord, and say, "Thy grace and goodness praise we For they endure for aye!"

'Twere just if God were driving Us in dire wrath from 'fore His face, For with us still are thriving The thorns of sin that grow apace. In deed and truth we feel it-- His rod of chastisement! But say whoe'er can tell it-- Who are they who repent? We're only evil ever, God's true continually, He helpeth to deliver From war and misery.

With grateful hearts o'erflowing We greet thee, noble gift of peace! Where'er thou dwell'st, now knowing How richly thou dost ever bless. God to thy keeping giveth Our good and happiness, Who woundeth thee and grieveth, In his own heart doth press Grief's arrow, and in madness He quencheth in the land The golden light of gladness With suicidal hand.

What could this lesson ever Grave on our hearts so solemnly, As forts laid low for ever, And towns that now in ruins lie: As fair and fertile meadows That wav'd with golden grain, Now wrapt in forest shadows And run to waste again. As graves full of the buried, Who fell in the dread hour Of battle in ranks serried, Whose like we'll see no more.

O man! be now afflicted, And let thy tears in torrents flow, With countenance dejected To ponder to thy closet go; What heretofore hath given Thy God, didst thou deride, Thy Father who's in Heaven Now turn'd hath to thy side. From fury and from pressing He turneth for thy good, As if by love and blessing Constrain thy heart He would.

Awake thee! now awake thee! Thou hard, cold world awaken'd be; Ere doom's dread hour o'ertake thee, By thee unlook'd for, suddenly. Ye for the Saviour living! Unshaken be your mood, The peace He now is giving Can only bring us good. This lesson He is giving, The end of all is nigh, Thou shalt with Him be living In peace eternally.

O LORD! I SING WITH MOUTH AND HEART.

O Lord! I sing with mouth and heart, Joy of my soul! to Thee To earth Thy knowledge I impart, As it is known to me.

Thou art the Fount of grace, I know, And Spring aye fall and free, Whence saving health and goodness flow Each day so bounteously.

What have we here or what are we, Of good what can earth give, That we do not alone from Thee, Our Father, aye receive?

The tent-like firmament who builds, Who spreads th' expanse of blue, Who sends to fertilize our fields Refreshing rain and dew?

Who warmeth us in cold and frost, Who shields us from the wind, Who orders it that wine and must We in their season find?

Who is it life and health bestows, Who keeps us with His hand In golden peace, wards off war's woes, From our dear native land?

The work is Thine, my God! my Lord! And Thine must ever be; Before our door Thou keepest guard, In rest we're kept by Thee.

Thou feedest us from year to year, And constant dost abide; When danger fills our hearts with fear, With help art at our side.

With patience dost Thou ever chide, Nor long Thine anger keep, But castest all our sins aside Into the ocean deep.

Whene'er our burden'd hearts we raise To Thee, Thou'rt soon appeas'd; The help Thou send'st shows forth Thy praise, And our sad hearts are eas'd.

Thou mark'st how oft Thy people weep And what their sorrows are, Their tears dost in Thy bottle keep, However small they are.

Our deepest needs dost Thou supply, Thou giv'st what lasts for aye, Thou lead'st us to our home on high, When hence we pass away.

Awake! my heart, awake and sing, And joyous be thy mood, Thy God who maketh everything Is, and abides thy good--

Thy treasure and inheritance! Thy glory and delight! Thy saving health and sure defence! He keeps and guides thee right.

Why do thy cares both night and day Grieve thee so bitterly? Upon thy God thy burden lay, Who gave thy life to thee.

Hath He not all the weary way From youth till now thee led, Oft chas'd misfortune's clouds away That gather'd o'er thy head?

In all His rule no oversight Can happen, no mistakes; Whate'er He does or leaves is right, A happy issue takes.

Let Him work who doth all things well, Nor with Him interfere, And so thou shalt in glory dwell, And peace enjoy while here.

TO GOD ALONE BE GLORY.

How can it be, my highest Light! That as before Thy face so bright All things must pale and vanish, That my poor feeble flesh and blood Can summon a courageous mood To meet Thee, and fear banish?

But dust and ashes what am I? My body what but grass so dry? What good the life I'm living? What can I with my utmost pow'r? What have I, Lord! from hour to hour But what Thyself art giving?

I am a poor and feeble worm, A straw, the lightest passing storm Could drive away before it. When Thou Thy hand, that all doth stay, Dost on me e'er so lightly lay, I know not how t' endure it.

Lord! I am nought, but Thou art He Who art all--all belongs to Thee, And live and move I ever In Thee--if Thou me terrifi'st, No store of grace to help suppli'st I can recover never.

I am unjust, but true Thy heart, I evil am--Thou holy art, This thought should shame be giving, That I in such an evil stand, Should from Thy mild paternal hand, The least good be receiving.

Nought else but ill from infancy Up e'en till now I've done to Thee, In sin was I begotten; And didst Thou not in faithfulness My sin remit, and me release, Lost were I and forgotten.

Let boasting then be far from me, What is Thy due I render Thee, To Thee alone be glory! O Christ! may while I live below My spirit, and what thence may flow, With reverence adore Thee.

And if aught hath been done by me That is well done, it came from Thee, My pow'r could do it never. Thee thanks and honour, Lord! I bring, All my life long Thy praise I'll sing, And tell Thy glory ever.

SONG OF THANKSGIVING AFTER GREAT SORROW AND AFFLICTION.

After clouds we see the sun, Joy we feel when grief is gone, After bitter pain and sore Cometh consolation's hour. Then my soul that sank before, Even down to hell's dark door, To the heav'nly choir doth soar.

He 'fore whom the world shall flee, In my spirit comforts me, With His high and mighty hand, Tears me from the hellish band. With the love to me He shows, Swells my heart and overflows, And my blood with rapture glows.

Did I e'er 'neath sorrow bend? Did my heart grief ever rend? Have I e'er been vexèd sore? Satan e'er fool'd me before? Aye--but henceforth am I free, Faithfully thou shieldest me, My salvation comes from Thee!

What thou mean'st, my bitter foe! By thy deeds tow'rds me I know; Truly thou with all thy pow'r Seek'st me ever to devour. Had I too much trusted thee, Then had'st thou, ere I could see, In thy snares entangled me.

All the guile I know full well That in thy bad heart doth dwell; Thou my God malign'st to me, Turn'st His praise to obloquy; Speaketh out His loving heart, Keeps He silence on His part, All He doth dost thou pervert.

If I hope and look for good, If I'm in a joyous mood, From my mind thou driv'st away Every good thought--and dost say: "God doth far from thee abide, Riseth high misfortune's tide Round thee now on every side."

Hence depart! thou lying mouth, Here is God's own ground in truth, For the face of God is here, And the beauteous light and clear Of His favour, here doth rise, All His word and counsel wise, Op'd are now before mine eyes.

God lets none in sadness stay, He with shame drives none away, Who themselves up to Him give, With the whole heart to Him cleave, Who their cares on Him aye cast, And hope in Him--joy at last, For the soul and body taste.

Though it comes not as we will, Just to-day--yet be thou still, For perchance to-morrow may Be the bright and joyous day. God's time comes with measur'd step, When it comes His word He'll keep And joy's harvest we shall reap.

Ah! how often did I think, As my feet began to sink 'Neath the heavy load of care, In the mire of blank despair, Now there is no hope for me, Rest for me there cannot be Till I enter death's dark sea.

But my God put forth His pow'r To avert and to restore, That I ne'er enough can tell What His arm hath done so well; When no path I could descry, When no help to guide was nigh, Help God sent me from on high.

When I timid and perplex'd Often have my spirit vex'd, Sleepless toss'd thro' all the night, Sick at heart when dawn'd the light, When heart fail'd me utterly, Hast Thou then appear'd to me, Turning my captivity.

Now as long as here I roam, Have on earth a house and home, 'Fore mine eyes continually Shall this thing of wonder be. All my life long shall I bring Offerings of thanks, and sing Songs of praise to God my King.

Every grief and every smart, By th'eternal Father's heart Ever yet appointed me, Or that may hereafter be Chosen for me, all my days From His gracious hand always, I'll receive with joy and praise.

I will tread woe's bitter path, I will onward go to death, I into the grave will go, Still my heart with joy shall glow. Whom the Highest will raise high, Whom th' Almighty standeth nigh, Ne'er can perish utterly.

THE 23RD PSALM OF DAVID.

The Lord, the earth who ruleth, And with His hand controlleth, Whose goodness never endeth, He watcheth me and tendeth.

As long as He is near me With every gift He'll cheer me, Of fulness overflowing The riches aye bestowing.

By pastures green He leads me, With gladness there He feeds me, From purest springs revives me, In need He counsel gives me.

And when the soul is fearful Through grievous thoughts and careful, He comfort giveth ever And knows how to deliver.

My steps aright He leadeth, And what to do me guideth, And for His name's sake glorious O'er fear makes me victorious.

Though often left to ponder, While in dark vales I wander, No evil fear I ever, Distress o'ertakes me never.

Thou standest still beside me, From wicked men dost hide me, Thy rod and staff protect me, And no fear can deject me.

My table Thou preparest, For my refreshment carest, When foes are plotting round me, And seek to pain and wound me.

My head with oil anointest, My empty soul appointest Of every good and pleasure A full o'erflowing measure.

The goodness Thou bestowest, The mercy that Thou showest, Till life itself forsake me, Shall glad and joyful make me.

Thy service will I never Forsake, but praise Thee ever, In Thy house where Thou livest, Reward to goodness givest.

As long as life is given On earth here, and in heaven Where I shall stand before Thee, I'll evermore adore Thee!

Morning and Evening Songs.

MORNING BLESSING.

The golden morning, Joy her adorning, With splendour near us Draweth, to cheer us With her heart-refreshing and lovely light. My head and members Lay wrapt all in slumbers, But now awaking, And sleep from me shaking, Heaven's bless'd sunshine doth gladden my sight.

Mine eye beholdeth What God upholdeth, Made for His glory, To tell the story To us of His power and might so great, And where the Father The faithful shall gather In peace, whenever Earth's lies they shall sever And leave this mortal and perishing state.

Come ye with singing, To God be bringing Goods and each blessing-- All we're possessing-- All be to God as an offering brought. Hearts with love glowing, With praises o'erflowing, Thanksgiving voices, In these God rejoices, All other off'rings without them are nought.

To morn and even His thoughts are given, Increase He giveth, Sorrow relieveth, These are the works that He doeth alone. When we are sleeping Watch is He aye keeping, When we're awaking Care still of us taking, He makes the light of His grace to shine down.

My thoughts I've raisèd To Thee who'rt praisèd For aye in Heaven! Success be given, May all my endeavours unhinder'd be! From ev'ry evil And work of the devil, All malice ever, Oh do Thou deliver! In all Thy precepts establish Thou me!

May't pleasure give me, May no pain grieve me To see flow over The cup my brother Or neighbour hath, with Thy blessings so free. Covetous burning And unchristian yearning For ill possessions, Blot out such transgressions, Cast them, O Father! all into the sea!

The life we're living What is it giving? Ere any thinketh To ground it sinketh, Soon as the breath of the grave on it blow. All things together Dread ruin must shiver, The earth and heaven They must perish even, Wrapt in the flames that shall ardently glow!

All--all decayeth, But God still stayeth, His thoughts they waver A moment never, His word and will both eternally 'dure. His grace and favour Uninjur'd are ever, Deadly wounds healing, The heart with peace filling, Health here and yonder to us they ensure.

My God for ever Do Thou deliver! Shield me, and cover My debts all over, In grace, Thine eyes from my sins turn away. Govern and guide me, Be ever beside me, As it is pleasing To Thee! am I placing All in Thy hand and disposal for aye.

Wilt Thou give ever To me whatever My life is needing? May I be heeding Ever the faithful word spoken by Thee. God is the highest, The greatest, the nighest, Gracious is ever, Is changeable never, Of all our treasures the noblest is He.

Wilt Thou then grieve me, Gall to drink give me? Must I be passing Through cares harassing? Do then as seemeth it good unto Thee. Whate'er supporteth, Is useful or hurteth, Thou knowest ever, And chastenest never Too much, in case we o'erburden'd should be.

Trial God sendeth, Speedily endeth The storms of ocean, The wind's commotion Lightens the sunshine so gladsome and bright. Fulness of pleasure, And glorious leisure, Will then be given To me in yon Heaven Whither my thoughts aye to turn take delight.

AWAKE, MY HEART!

Awake, my heart! be singing, Praise to thy Maker bringing, Of every good the Giver, Who men protecteth ever.

As shades of night spread over Earth as a pall did cover, Then Satan sought to have me, But God was near to save me.

When Satan would devour me, Thou, Father! spreadest o'er me Thy wing, Thou me embraced'st, All fear away Thou chased'st.

Thou said'st "Lie still, I'm near thee; In spite of him who'd tear thee, Sleep, child! let nought affright thee, The sunlight shall delight thee."

Thou truly, Lord! hast told it, The light--mine eyes behold it, From dangers hast releas'd me, Thou hast renew'd and bless'd me.

Thou sacrifice would'st ever, My gifts I bring Thee hither, The offerings I'm bringing My pray'rs are and my singing.

Such Thou disdainest never, The heart Thou can'st search ever, Thou know'st none can deceive Thee No better can I give Thee.

Thou wilt, O Lord! be ending Thy work in me, and sending Who in his hands will take me, To-day his care will make me.

May I in all I'm doing Wise courses be pursuing, Beginning, middle, ending, May all to bliss be tending.

Thy blessings richly give me, My heart would now receive Thee, Thy word as food be given To me till I reach Heaven.

PRAISE YE JEHOVAH!

Praise ye Jehovah, All ye men who fear Him! Let us with gladness to His name be singing, Be thanks and praises to His altar bringing. Praise ye Jehovah!

The life we're living Who is ever giving; Care all the night who like a father taketh, And who with gladness us from sleep awaketh. Praise ye Jehovah!

That we enjoy them, And can still employ them, Our mind and senses and our every member, Thanks do we owe for this let us remember. Praise ye Jehovah!

By flames o'erpowering, Us and ours devouring, From house and homestead that we've not been driven We owe it to the care of God in Heaven. Praise ye Jehovah!

That no thief, breaking Through our doors and taking Our property, and us assaulting hurt us, Is that He sent His angels to support us. Praise ye Jehovah!

Oh, faithful Saviour! Fount of every favour! Ah! let Thy kindness and protection hover, By day and night our life at all times over. Praise ye Jehovah!

Deign, Lord, to hear us, And to-day be near us! Supported by Thy grace, may nought e'er hinder Our progress; and, in need, help speedy render. Praise ye Jehovah!

Our will subduing, Make us Thine be doing, Teach us to labour faithfully; whenever Beneath the load we're sinking, then deliver. Praise ye Jehovah!

Do Thou direct us When Thou dost afflict us, That we may never mock; but be preparing Before Thy throne hereafter for appearing. Praise ye Jehovah!

And all true-hearted Who're by grace converted Wilt Thou, Lord, come for, and by grace be bringing Where all Thine angels evermore are singing, Praise ye Jehovah!

EVENING BLESSING.

The daylight disappeareth, It fleeth, and night neareth, Its gloom is spreading o'er us, With slumber to o'erpower us And all the wearied earth. The working day now endeth, My heart to Thee ascendeth, For toil and rest who'st given The morning and the even,-- In praise my heart bursts forth.

Break forth, my heart, in singing, Praise to thy Maker bringing, Who soul and body giveth, More good than heart conceiveth, Or tongue can ever tell; No moment passeth over That doth not much discover Of goodness overflowing, He's aye on us bestowing, Each hour doth show it well.

Just as the shepherd's treasure, The sheep in boundless pleasure O'er greenest pastures wander, Their guardian's guidance under, With free and fearless mind, Themselves with flowers filling, Their thirst at fresh springs stilling, So me to-day hath guided, With every good provided, My Shepherd, good and kind.