Chapter 8

I know Thou feelest sympathy When want and woe distress me, That Thou with help wilt visit me, And graciously wilt bless me. Ah! strengthen Thou my feeble hand, And lead my feet where I may stand In safety--Come and save me!

Speak courage to my fainting heart, With comfort, Lord, support me. Of weary souls the Rest Thou art, My Tow'r, where none can hurt me! My Rock, where from the sun I hide, My Tent, where safely I abide When storms without are raging!

And as in love, while here I dwell, Thou suff'ring hast decreed me, Thy grace vouchsafe Thy child, Lord, still, In Thy green pastures lead me; That I in faith may patience gain, Through patience rich reward attain, When I've endur'd the trial.

Oh! Holy Ghost, of joy the Oil, Whom God from Heaven giveth, Refresh me, pour into my soul What heart and flesh reviveth. Of glory, Thou the Spirit art, Know'st what in heav'n shall be my part Of grace, joy, consolation!

How fair 'twill be, ah! let me gaze Upon the life so glorious, That Thou wilt give to those who pass Through trials sore, victorious. The earth with all its treasures fair Can never with this life compare, They pale and fade before it.

Thou'lt deal with me so graciously, I'll endless joy be tasting, For trials known to Thee and me Have glory everlasting. Thou'lt wipe the tear-drop from mine eyes, To exultation turn my sighs, Lord! I believe it. Amen!

UNDER THE CROSS WHEN GOD DELAYS HIS HELP.

Father of mercies! God most high, Deign graciously to hear me, Thou say'st, "Knock at my door and cry, In time of need draw near me. As urgently Thou long'st, to thee I'll come to help and raise thee, That with thy mouth, In very truth, Thou joyfully may'st praise me."

Commit to God, both morn and night, Thy ways, and doings ever; He knoweth how to guide thee right, And always will deliver. To Him reveal Whate'er dost feel Thy heart to sorrow moveth; He is Thy Lord, Knows how to guard And shield thee whom He loveth.

For His belovèd child will care The faithful loving Father; Who righteous and believing are, He to His rest will gather. Then, people dear, Hope ever here On Him who aye relieves you; His throne before Your hearts outpour, Tell Him whatever grieves you!

Ah! God our Shield! Thy word how sweet It sounds to Thine afflicted: "I'll come to thee with succour meet, When thy heart is dejected. He loveth me, So lov'd shall be, Secure for aye I'll make him, From care all free Shall sit by me, I'll to my bosom take him."

The Lord to them is ever nigh Who trustfully draw near Him, He's at their side whene'er they cry, Helps them o'ercome, who fear Him. In misery Who low do lie, He raiseth and relieveth, And joy imparts To fainting hearts, Them pow'r and might he giveth.

"In truth, who my great name doth fear," Saith Christ, "and firm believeth, God doth regard his pray'r sincere, His heart's wish freely giveth." Then one and all Draw near and call, Who asketh, he obtaineth; Who seeketh there, The fruit so fair With great advantage gaineth.

Hear what yon unjust judge doth say: "This widow's supplication I must regard, lest day by day Her coming cause vexation." His people's cry Shall God deny, Who day and night are praying? It cannot be, He'll set them free From woe, not long delaying.

For when the just shed tears through care, God soon with joy relieveth, To those who broken-hearted are, Again He laughter giveth. He'll suffer woe Who will below 'Mid men be godly living; But at his side Will God abide, Him grace sufficient giving.

"A moment I've forsaken thee, And left thee in temptation; With mercy great, as thou shalt see, And boundless consolation, I'll give the crown, And to the throne Of glory shall I raise thee, To joy convert Thy grief and hurt, Thou evermore shalt praise me."

Ah! gracious God, ah! Father's heart! For years my consolation! Why dost Thou let me feel such smart, Pass through such tribulation? My sad heart aches, My eye awakes, And bitter tears sheds ever, My face once bright Doth lose its light, From sighing ceasing never.

How long, O blessèd Lord! wilt Thou, Unmindful of me, leave me? How long shall I in grief lie low, And inward sorrow grieve me? How long wilt chide, And Thy face hide, In darkness let me languish? Say, when care's load Shall cease, my God! To wring my heart with anguish?

Wilt Thou eternally repel, And show Thy goodness never? And shall Thy word and promise fail, Be put to shame for ever? Doth wrath so burn, That Thou'lt ne'er turn To me, and stand beside me? Yet, Lord, I will Cleave to Thee still, Thy hand in all can guide me.

My heart amid earth's misery For Thee, O Lord! is aching; My God! I wait and hope in Thee, Let not shame me o'ertaking; Thy friend in woe Plunge, or the foe Give cause for jubilation; But, Lord, may I Rejoice, rais'd high, In glorious exaltation.

Ah! Lord, Thou true and faithful art, Thy heart can ne'er disown me; Nerve me in fight to bear my part, With victory then crown me! Lay Thou on me The load, by Thee Appointed, that I bear it. When Thou the rod Dost use, my God! In measure may I share it!

Thy strength, O Lord! is infinite, Thy hand hath all created, Could all again with ruin smite, Its pow'r is unabated. We sound Thy name With high acclaim, As Lord of Hosts we own Thee! In counsel right No skill nor might Can foil, nor e'er dethrone Thee.

Thou who dost Israel console, Thou, Saviour, in affliction! Ah! why permittest Thou my soul To sink in sore dejection? Thou dost not rest, Thou'rt as a guest, Who'rt in the land a stranger! A hero Thou Whose courage low Sinks 'fore disgrace or danger?

Nay, Lord, not such a one art Thou! My inmost heart believeth; Thou standest firm, 'mid us shines now The light that Thy word giveth. Here restest Thou, Lord, with us now; Who call upon Thee ever, At fitting hour Wilt by Thy pow'r From ev'ry woe deliver.

O Lord! my lengthen'd tale is o'er, Then hear Thou my petition, Help me, who often at Thy door Have knock'd, and sought admission. Help, Helper, me! I'll joyfully Thankoff'rings lay before Thee; And when life's o'er Shall evermore In heav'n above adore Thee.

'TIS PATIENCE MUST SUPPORT YOU.--HEB. X. 35-37.

'Tis patience must support you When sorrow, grief, or smart, Or whate'er else may hurt you, Doth rend your aching heart. Belov'd and chosen seed! If not a death will kill you, Yet once again I tell you, 'Tis patience that you need.

The cup of patience drinketh With nausea flesh and blood, Back from the cross it shrinketh; When threaten'd with the rod, It shuddereth with fear. 'Tis bold when nought assaileth, Heart shrinks, and courage faileth, When storms and rain are here.

Why patience causeth sadness, Is that the carnal mind Unclouded joy and gladness In God aye hop'd to find, Though He hath made it clear, He chastens whom He loveth, And whom He much approveth, He much afflicteth here.

God giveth patience ever, The Spirit in the breast Begetteth it whenever Within us He doth rest; The worthy, noble Guest Preserves us from despairing, And nerves for burden-bearing The heart when sore distress'd.

From faith all patience springeth, On God's own word depends, To this she firmly clingeth, Herself with this defends. 'Tis her high tow'r and wall, Where she securely hideth, Where God for her provideth, Here fears she ne'er a fall.

And patience trust reposeth On Jesu's death and pain; When Satan her opposeth, Here takes she heart again, And saith, "Thou Prince of hell! Thou never shalt devour me, Too high I'm lifted o'er thee, In Jesus do I dwell."

Contented patience stayeth On God's decree all-wise; Although His grace delayeth, Scarce feels fatigue arise; With trust she bears her load, And joyfully endureth, This thought her heart assureth, It is the hand of God.

Long, long, can patience waiting The weary time beguile, On God's word meditating Get saving good the while. With earnest fervent pray'r, Each morn and eve she guardeth Herself from ill, and wardeth Off Satan's every snare.

To God's will patience boweth, Doth His command fulfil, 'Mid scorn of foes she knoweth 'Tis wisest to be still. Who will, let him despise, Unhurt by the dishonour And shame thus put upon her, Her heart doth o'er it rise.

To honour patience serveth Her God, and never more From love and fealty swerveth; Although He smiteth sore, Yet doth she ever praise His holy hand, and telleth That God on high who dwelleth, Doth well in all his ways.

And patience life sustaineth, Adds to our tale of years; She drives away what paineth The heart, and stills its fears. It is a beauteous light That giveth him who heedeth, And whom God's guidance leadeth, A face with joy all bright.

Great joy from patience springeth, The head a noble crown, Gems for the neck she bringeth From throne of Heaven down. She wipes from weeping eyes The tears of grief and anguish; Whose souls with longing languish, With ample good supplies.

My soul for patience sigheth, My heart longs eagerly, How urgently it crieth And oft is known to Thee, Of grace who hast full store! Lord, hear my supplication, Give patient resignation; I ask for nothing more.

For patience the petition Shall often up to Thee, From out my low condition, Ascend, O Lord, from me. And in my dying hour, Thy mercy still extending, Oh! grant a patient ending, Then need I nothing more.

WHAT PLEASETH GOD!

What pleaseth God, my faithful child, Receive with joy; although the wild And wintry wind thy heart appal, Have faith, thee only can befal What pleaseth God!

The will of God is aye the best, In it we can so calmly rest; Thyself to it anew resign, And only seek to have as thine What pleaseth God!

God's counsel is the only wise; Soon comes to nought what men devise; Their projects fall, fall out of use, Oft mischief work, not oft produce What pleaseth God!

God's mood is the most gracious mood, To all intending, doing good; He blesses, though hard words may speak The wicked world, and never seek What pleaseth God!

The truest heart is God's own heart, Who bids our misery depart; Who screens and shelters, day and night, The man who makes his chief delight What pleaseth God!

Ah! could I sing, as sing I would, From out my heart, and ever should, I'd ope my mouth--in Him rejoice, This moment praise with heart and voice What pleaseth God!

His counsel wise would I make known, The works of wonder He hath done; His saving grace, eternal pow'r, That work producing every hour What pleaseth God.

He rules above and rules below; On Him hangs all our weal and woe; He bears the world in His high hand, For us brings forth the sea and land What pleaseth God!

His hands the elements restrain; His hands our mortal life sustain-- Give summer, winter, day, and night, That evermore to do delight What pleaseth God!

His host, the stars, the moon, and sun, Their wonted courses ever run; Corn, oil, and must, bread, wine, and beer, The fruitful earth brings forth each year, Which pleaseth God!

His understanding is all wise, He knows--they are before his eyes, Who evil think and evil do, As well as who the good pursue That pleaseth God!

His little flock to Him is dear; When sinning they forsake His fear, He chastens with His Father's rod, Till they return and do the good That pleaseth God!

What cheers and strengtheneth our heart He knows, and ever doth impart Whatever good each one requires, Who seeks for good and aye desires What pleaseth God!

Is't so? then let the world retain What pleaseth her, and she deems gain; But thou in God delighted be, My heart! approve whate'er you see That pleaseth God!

Let others then in haughty mood Rejoice in stores of earthly good; But thou the Cross with patience bear, Contented if thou hast the share That pleaseth God!

Dost live in sorrow, sunk in grief, Hast much affliction--no relief? Still murmur not, for thou dost bear In this thy bitter life of care What pleaseth God!

In suff'rings art thou doom'd to live? Then to thy great Protector cleave; The world and all the creatures too Are under God, can only do What pleaseth God!

Doth ev'ry one despise Thy name? Do foes Thee scorn and treat with shame? Be not cast down, for Christ will raise Thy head, who seeth in thy ways What pleaseth God!

Faith fastens on the Saviour's love Works patience, hope that looks above; Lock both within thy secret heart, Thou'lt have as thine eternal part What pleaseth God!

Thy part is in the Heav'nly throne, There is thy sceptre, kingdom, crown; There shalt thou taste, and hear, and see, There shall for ever happen thee What pleaseth God!

IN DESPONDENCY AND TEMPTATION.

Look up to thy God again, Soul, sunk in affliction! Shall He be reproach'd by men Through thy sore dejection? Satan's wiles dost thou not see? By severe temptation, Gladly would he keep from thee Jesu's consolation.

Shake thy head in scorn, and "flee," Bid the old deceiver-- "Wilt renew thy thrusts at me, Me to fear deliver? Serpent! bruis'd thy head I see; Through His pain hath freed me From thy grasp, my Lord, and He To His joy will lead me.

"Dost thou charge my sin to me? When did God command me Judgment to require from thee? Tell me, I demand thee! Who did pow'r on thee bestow Sentence to deliver? Who thyself art sunk so low In hell's flames for ever."

What I have not done aright Me with sorrow filleth, But of Jesu's blood the sight All mine anguish stilleth. He the ransom price hath paid, From the cross relieves me, When before God's throne 'tis laid, Inward joy He gives me.

In Christ's innocence I boast, His right is my glory, Mine His merit, there I trust As in stronghold hoary, That the rage of every foe Evermore resisteth, Though the might of hell below It to storm assisteth.

Rage then, devil, and thou, death! Ye can never hurt me; In the trials of my path Doth God's grace support me. God His only Son to me, Mov'd by love, hath given, That to endless misery I may not be driven.

Cry then, foolish world! amain, That God lov'd me never, That my cherish'd hope is vain, Has deceiv'd me ever. Had God been averse to me, Would He have supported All the gifts so rich and free He to me imparted?

What is there in sky or sea, What the wide earth over, What that works no good for me, Canst thou then discover? Why do star so beauteously Shine on us from Heaven? Why are, but for good to me, Air and water given?

Why do clouds their streams outpour? Why do dews earth cover? Why with verdure's cover'd o'er, Why flow blessings over Hill and valley, field and wood? Truly for my pleasure, That I dwell secure, and food Have in plenteous measure.

My soul on God's word most dear Feeds and liveth ever, That all Christians love to hear Daily, tiring never. Soon and late my heart in me God opes for receiving Of the Spirit's grace that He Is so freely giving.

Why through holy men of old Have God's words been given? That we by their light might hold On our way to heaven, My heart's darkness to dispel, From doubt to deliver, That the conscience sure and well, Be establish'd ever.

Now upon this holy ground Build I most securely, See how hell's malicious hound, Spends 'gainst me his fury. He can never overthrow What God hath upraisèd, But what Satan's hand doth do That shall be abasèd.

I am God's, and mine is God, Who from Him can part me? Tho' the cross with heavy load Press on me and smart me. Let it press--the hand of love Hath the cross laid on me, He the burden will remove, When the good is done me.

Children whom aright to guide Parents would endeavour, Must the father often chide, Or they'd prosper never. If I'm then a child of grace, Should I shun God ever, When He from sin's devious ways, Seeks me to deliver?

Gracious are the thoughts of God, In the pain He's sending, Who here weeps beneath the rod, Reaps not woe unending, But eternal joy shall taste In Christ's garden dwelling, That he shall be there at last, Now assurance feeling.

Often God's own children here Sow in tears and sadness, But at length the long'd-for year Comes of joy and gladness; For the reaping time appears, All their labours after, When are turn'd their grief and tears Into joy and laughter.

Christian heart! courageously All the griefs that pain thee Cast behind thee joyfully, More and more sustain thee Let sweet consolation's light; Praise and honour give you To the God of love and might, He'll help and relieve you.

BE THOU CONTENTED.

Be thou contented! aye relying On thy God, who life is giving, For He hath joys soul satisfying, Wanting Him--in vain thy striving. Thy Spring is He, Thy Sun that ever Rejoiceth thee, And setteth never. Be thou contented!

He lightens, comforts, and supports thee, True in heart, by guile unstainèd; When He is near nought ever hurts thee, E'en when smitten sore and painèd. Cross, need, and woe He soon averteth, O'er the last foe His pow'r asserteth. Be thou contented!

How it fareth with thee and others, Truly none from Him concealeth, He ever from on high discovers Burden'd hearts, and for them feeleth. Of weeping eyes The tears He counteth, The pile of sighs 'Fore Him high mounteth. Be thou contented!

When not another on earth liveth, To whom safe thou may'st confide thee, He'll faithful prove, who ne'er deceiveth, And to happiest end will guide thee. The secret grief Thy soul that boweth, And when relief To give, He knoweth. Be thou contented!

The sighing of thy soul He ever, And thy heart's deep plaint is hearing; What to another thou wouldst never Tell, reveal to God, ne'er fearing. He is not far, But standeth near thee, Who poor men's pray'r Marks, soon will hear thee. Be thou contented!

To God cleave, He'll salvation show thee, Let not anguish then depress thee; Although devouring floods o'erflow thee, Rise above it, He will bless thee. When 'neath the load Thy back low bendeth, Thy Prince and God Soon succour sendeth. Be thou contented!

Why for thy life should care so grieve thee, How to nourish and sustain it? Thy God, who ever life doth give thee, Will provide for and maintain it. He hath a hand With gifts o'erflowing, On sea and land For aye bestowing. Be thou contented!

Who for the forest songsters careth, To their daily portion leads them, For sheep and ox enough prepareth, Slakes their thirst, with plenty feeds them; He'll care for thee, Thee, lone one! filling, So bounteously Thy hunger stilling. Be thou contented!

Say not, the means nowhere appeareth, Where I seek, my effort faileth; God this high name of honour beareth, Helper, when no help availeth! When thou and I Fail to discover Him, speedily He'll us recover. Be thou contented!

Although away thy help is staying, He will not for ever leave thee; Tho' anxious makes thee His delaying, 'Tis for thy greater good, believe me. What on the way To come ne'er hasteth, Doth longer stay, And sweeter tasteth. Be thou contented!

Though 'gainst thee hosts of foes are scheming, Let not all their lies affright thee; Still let them rage against thee, deeming God will hear it and will right thee. Doth God support Thee and thine ever? The foe can hurt Or ruin never. Be thou contented!

To each his share of ill is given, Would he only see and know it; No course on earth so fair and even, That no trouble lurks below it. Who can declare, "My house was ever All free from care, And troubled never?" Be thou contented!

So must it be, in vain our grieving, All men here must suffer ever, Whate'er upon the earth is living, Evil days avoideth never. Affliction's blow Doth oft depress us, And lays us low, And death then frees us. Be thou contented!

A day will dawn of rest and blessing, When our God will come and save us From the vile body's bands depressing, And the evils that enslave us. Death soon will come, From woe deliver, And take us home Then all together. Be thou contented!

He'll bring us to the hosts in glory, To the chosen and true-hearted, Who when they clos'd this life's sad story, Hence in peace to joy departed, And on the shore, The ever-vernal, Hear evermore, The voice eternal. Be thou contented!