Divine Songs Part 2

4 Dear Lord, this book of thine Informs me where to go For grace to pardon all my sin, And make me holy too.

5 Here I can read and learn How Christ the Son of G.o.d Did undertake our great concern, Our ransom cost his blood.

6 And now he reigns above, He sends his Spirit down, To show the wonders of his love, And make his Gospel known.

7 O may that Spirit teach, And make my heart receive Those truths which all thy servants preach, And all thy saints believe!

8 Then shall I praise the Lord In a more chearful strain, That I was taught to read his Word, And have not learnt in vain.

Song 9.

The All-Seeing G.o.d.

1 Almighty G.o.d, thy piercing eye Strikes through the shades of night, And our most secret actions lie All open to thy sight.

2 There's not a sin that we commit, Nor wicked word we say, But in thy dreadful book `tis writ Against the judgment-day.

3 And must the crimes that I have done Be read and publish'd there, Be all exposed before the sun, While men and angels hear?

4 Lord, at thy feet ashamed I lie, Upward I dare not look; Pardon my sins before I die, And blot them from thy book.

5 Remember all the dying pains That my Redeemer felt, And let his blood wash out my stains, And answer for my guilt.

6 O may I now for ever fear T' indulge a sinful thought, Since the great G.o.d can see, and hear, And writes down every fault!

Song 10.

_Solemn Thoughts of G.o.d and Death_.

1 There is a G.o.d that reigns above, Lord of the heavens, and earth, and seas: I fear his wrath, I ask his love, And with my lips I sing his praise.

2 There is a law which he has writ, To teach us all what we must do; My soul, to his commands submit, For they are holy, just and true.

3 There is a Gospel of rich grace, Whence sinners all their comfort draw; Lord, I repent, and seek thy face; For I have often broke thy law.

4 There is an hour when I must die, Nor do I know how soon `twill come; A thousand children young as I Are call'd by death to hear their doom.

5 Let me improve the hours I have Before the day of grace is fled; There's no repentance in the grave, No pardons offer'd to the dead.

6 Just as a tree cut down, that fell To north, or southward, there it lies: So man departs to heaven or h.e.l.l, Fix'd in the state wherein he dies.

Song 11.

_Heaven and h.e.l.l_.

1 There is beyond the sky A heaven of joy and love, And holy children, when they die, Go to that world above.

2 There is a dreadful h.e.l.l, And everlasting pains, There sinners must with devils dwell In darkness, fire, and chains.

3 Can such a wretch as I Escape this cursed end?

And may I hope, whene'er I die, I shall to heaven ascend?

4 Then will I read and pray While I have life and breath; Lest I should be cut off to day, And sent t' eternal death.

Song 12.

_The Advantages of early Religion_.

1 Happy's the child whose youngest years Receive instruction well; Who hates the sinner's path, and fears The road that leads to h.e.l.l.

2 When we devote our youth to G.o.d, 'Tis pleasing in his eyes; A flower, when offer'd in the bud, Is no vain sacrifice.

3 'Tis easier work if we begin To fear the Lord betimes; While sinners that grow old in sin Are hard'ned in their crimes.

4 'Twill save us from a thousand snares To mind religion young; Grace will preserve our following years And make our vertue strong.

5 To thee, Almighty G.o.d, to thee Our childhood we resign; 'Twill please us to look back and see That our whole lives were thine.

6 Let the sweet work of prayer and praise, Employ my youngest breath; Thus I'm prepar'd for longer days, Or fit for early death.

Song 13.

_The Danger of Delay_.

1 Why should I say, "`Tis yet too soon "To seek for heaven or think of death?"

A flower may fade before `tis noon, And I this day may lose my breath.

2 If this rebellious heart of mine, Despise the gracious calls of Heaven; I may be hard'ned in my sin, And never have repentance given.

3 What if the Lord grow wroth, and swear While I refuse to read and pray, That he'll refuse to lend an ear, To all my groans another day?

4 What if his dreadful anger burn, While I refuse his offer'd grace, And all his love to fury turn, And strike me dead upon the place?

5 'Tis dangerous to provoke a G.o.d; His power and vengeance none can tell: One stroke of his almighty rod Shall send young sinners quick to h.e.l.l.

6 Then `twill for ever be in vain To cry for pardon or for grace, To wish I had my time again, Or hope to see my Maker's face.

Song 14.

_Examples of early piety_.

1 What blest examples do I find Writ in the Word of Truth, Of children that began to mind Religion in their youth.

2 Jesus, who reigns above the skie, And keeps the world in awe; Was once a child as young as I, And kept his Father's law.

3 At twelve years old he talk'd with men, (The Jews all wondering stand;) Yet he obey'd his Mother then, And came at her command.

4 Children a sweet hosanna sung, And blest their Saviour's name; They gave him honour with their tongue While scribes and priests blaspheme.