8 Let those who think they stand beware,
For David stood before;
Nor let the fallen soul despair,
For mercy can restore.
XXX. Is this thy kindness to thy friend? Chap. xvi. 17.
1 POOR, weak, and worthless, though I am,
I have a rich, almighty Friend;
Jesus, the Saviour, is his name,
He freely loves, and without end.
2 He ransom'd me from hell with blood,
And by his pow'r my foes controll'd;
He found me wand'ring far from God,
And brought me to his chosen fold.
3 He cheers my heart, my want supplies,
And says, that I shall shortly be
Enthron'd with him above the skies-
Oh! what a friend is Christ to me!
4 But, ah! my inmost spirit mourns,
And well my eyes with tears may swim,
To think of my perverse returns;
I've been a faithless friend to him.
5 Often my gracious Friend I grieve,
Neglect, distrust, and disobey,
And often Satan's lies believe,
Sooner than all my Friend can say.
6 He bids me always freely come,
And promises whate'er I ask:
But I am straiten'd, cold, and dumb,
And count my privilege a task.
7 Before the world, that hates his cause, My treach'rous heart has throbb'd with shame; Loath to forego the world's applause,
I hardly dare avow his name.
8 Sure, were not I most vile and base,
I could not thus my Friend requite!
And were not he the God of grace,
He'd frown and spurn me from his sight.
XXXI. Ask what I shall give thee. Chap. iii. 5. 1 COME, my soul, thy suit prepare, Jesus loves to answer pray'r,
He himself has bid thee pray,
Therefore will not say thee nay.
2 Thou art coming to a King,
Large petitions with thee bring ';
For his grace and pow'r are such,
None can ever ask too much.
3 With my burden I begin,
Lord, remove this load of sin!
Let thy blood, for sinners spilt,
Set my conscience free from guilt.
4 Lord! I come to thee for rest,
breast
Take possession of my.
There thy blood-bought right maintain,
And without a rival reign.
5 As the image in the glass
Answers the beholder's face;
Thus unto my heart appear,
Print thine own resemblance there.
6 While I am a pilgrim here,
Let thy love my spirit cheer;
As my Guide, my Guard, my Friend,
Lead me to my journey's end.
7 Show me what I have to do,
Ev'ry hour my strength renew;
Let me live a life of faith,
Let me die thy people's death.
1 IF Solomon for wisdom pray'd,
The Lord before had made him wise;
Else he another choice had made,
And ask'd for what the worldlings prize.
2 Thus he invites his people still;
He first instructs them how to choose,
Then bids them ask whate'er they will,
Assur'd that He will not refuse.
3 Our wishes would our ruin prove,
Could we our wretched choice obtain,
Before we feel the Saviour's love
Kindle our love to him again.
4 But when our hearts perceive his worth,
Desires, till then unknown, take place;
Our spirits cleave no more to earth,
But pant for holiness and grace.
5 And dost thou say, "Ask what thou wilt?"
Lord, I would seize the golden hour;
I pray to be releas'd from guilt,
And freed from sin and Satan's pow'r.
6 More of thy presence, Lord, impart,
More of thine image let me bear;
Erect thy throne within my heart,
And reign without a rival there.
7 Give me to read my pardon seal'd,
And from thy joy to draw my strength;
To have thy boundless love reveal'd
In all its height, and breadth, and length.
8 Grant these requests, I ask no moře,
But to thy care the rest resign;
Sick, or in health, or rich, or poor,
All shall be well if thou art mine.
1 BEHOLD the throne of grace!
The promise calls me near;
There Jesus shows a smiling face,
And waits to answer pray'r.
2 That rich atoning blood
Which sprinkled round I see,
Provides for those who come to God
An all-prevailing plea.
3 My soul, ask what thou wilt,
Thou canst not be too bold;
Since his own blood for thee he spilt,
What else can he withhold?
4 Beyond thy utmost wants
His love and pow'r can bless;
To praying souls he always grants
More than they can express.
5 Since 'tis the Lord's command,
My mouth I open wide;
Lord, open thou thy bounteous hand,
That I may be supply'd.
6 Thine image, Lord, bestow,
Thy presence and thy love;
I ask to serve thee here below,
And reign with thee above.
7 Teach me to live by faith,
Conform will to thine;
Let me victorious be in death,
And then in glory shine.
8 If thou these blessings give,
And wilt my portion be,
Cheerful the world's poor toys I leave
To them who know not thee.
XXXIV. Queen of Sheba.
Queen of Sheba. Chap. x. 1-9.
1 FROM Sheba a distant report
Of Solomon's glory and fame,
Invited the queen to his court,
But all was outdone when she came :
She cry'd, with a pleasing surprise,
When first she before him appear'd,
"How much what I see with my eyes
Surpasses the rumour I heard!"
2 When once to Jerusalem come,
The treasure and train she had brought,
The wealth she possessed at home,
No longer had place in her thought:
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