4 While no wrinkled wave is seen, 5 But, ere long, the tempest raves, 6 Hapless thus, are they, (vain world,) Soon on the rocks of ruin hurl'd, Who, admiring thee, untry'd, 7 Such a shipwreck had been mine, 8 Now, with gratitude, I raise C. The Enchantment dissolved. 1 BLINDED in youth by Satan's arts, The world to our unpractis'd hearts A flatt'ring prospect shows; 2 So in the desert's dreary waste, And stop him in his way. 8 But while he listens with surprise, The charm dissolves, the vision dies, "Twas but enchanted ground; Thus, if the Lord our spirit touch, The world, which promis'd us so much, A wilderness is found. 4 At first we start and feel distress'd, Convinc'd we never can have rest In such a wretched place; But he whose mercy breaks the charm, Reveals his own almighty arm, And bids us seek his face. 5 Then we begin to live indeed, OLNEY HYMNS, &c. 191 BOOK III. ON THE RISE, PROGRESS, CHANGES, AND COMFORTS OF THE SPIRITUAL LIFE. 1 No words can declare, The dangerous road; 3 How sad to behold The rich and the poor, The young and the old, All posting to ruin, Ah! think what you're doing, VOL. II. 4 How weak is your hand 5 How oft have you dar'd To hear of his grace; 6 It is not too late 74 II. Alarm. 1 STOP, poor sinner! stop and think 2 Say, have you an arm like God, With which he breaks his foes? Can you stand in that dread day, When he judgment shall proclaim, And the earth shall melt away, Like wax before the flame? 3 Pale-fac'd death will quickly come, All your sins will round you crowd, 4 Though your heart be made of steel, Rocks and mountains, on us fall, 5 But as yet there is a hope You may his mercy know; He still forbears the blow: III. We were once as you are. 1 SHALL men pretend to pleasure Who never knew the Lord? Can all the worldling's treasure True peace of mind afford? They shall obtain this jewel, And what their hearts desire, When they, by adding fuel, Can quench the flame of fire. 2 Till you can bid the ocean, When furious tempests roar, And rage and swell no more, 3 Come turn your thoughts to Jesus, When he, by faith, is present, The sinner's troubles cease; His ways are truly pleasant, And all his paths are peace. 4 Our time in sin we wasted, No comfort could we find : His pow'r and grace to you; 5 Our pleasure and our duty, No less than duty's call, IV. Prepare to meet God. 1 SINNER, art thou still secure? Wilt thou still refuse to pray? * Rev. vi. 16. + Luke, xiv. 22. Can thy heart or hands endure In the Lord's avenging day? § Prov. iii. 17. Isa. lvii. 20, 21. See, his mighty arm is bar'd! Awful terrors clothe his brow! For his judgment stand prepar'd, Thou must either break or bow. 2 At his presence nature shakes, Earth, affrighted, hastes to flee, Solid mountains melt like wax, What will then become of thee? Who his advent may abide? You that glory in your shame, Will you find a place to hide When the world is wrapt in flame? 3 Then the rich, the great, the wise, Trembling, guilty, self-condemn'd, Must behold the wrathful eyes Of the Judge they once blasphem'd: Where are now their haughty looks? Oh, their horror and despair! When they see the open'd books, And their dreadful sentence hear! 4 Lord, prepare us by thy grace! Soon we must resign our breath; Through the iron gate of death: Listen to the Gospel voice; Scorn the world's pretended joys. 5 Oh! when flesh and heart shall fail, Let thy love our spirits cheer, Strengthen'd thus, we shall prevail Over Satan, sin, and fear: Trusting in thy precious name, May we thus our journey end: Then our foes shall lose their aim, And the Judge will be our friend. V. Invitation. 1 SINNERS, hear the Saviour's call, Grace to save thee from thy fears, 2 Why art thou afraid to come And tell him all thy case? Wilt thou dread the Lamb of God, Who, to save thy soul from hell, Has shed his precious blood? 3 Think how on the cross he hung, Pierc'd with a thousand wounds! Hark, from each, as with a tongue, The voice of pardon sounds! See, from all his bursting veins, Blood of wondrous virtue flow ! And ransom thee from wo. 4 Though his majesty be great, That thou may'st live by faith. 5 Raise thy downcast eyes and see What throngs his throne surround! While he says "There yet is 2 With terror I read My sins' heavy score, s Each sin, like his blood, To strike from on high: Nor can my repentance, Extorted by fear, Reverse the just sentence; "Tis just, though severe. 4 The case is too plain, I have my own choice; I slighted his voice; 1 O LORD, how vile am I, 5 And must I then go, For ever to dwell In torments and wo, With devils, in hell! 6 Lord Jesus, on thee The vilest of all! For whom didst thou languish And say, ""Twas for thee!" 7 A case such as mine All heav'n will adore : Strict justice takes place, VII. Behold, I am vile! Unholy and unclean! How can I dare to venture nigh With such a load of sin? 2 Is this polluted heart A dwelling fit for thee? Swarming, alas! in ev'ry part, What evils do I see ! 3 If I attempt to pray, And lisp thy holy name, My thoughts are hurry'd soon away, 4 If in thy word I look, Such darkness fills my mind, I only read a sealed book, 5 Thy Gospel oft I hear, But hear it still in vain; Without desire, or love, or fear, I like a stone remain. 6 Myself can hardly bear This wretched heart of mine; 7 And must I, then, indeed, Sink in despair and die? [bleed Fain would I hope that thou didst For such a wretch as I. 8 That blood which thou hast spilt, That grace which is thine own, Can cleanse the vilest sinner's guilt, And soften hearts of stone. 9 Low at thy feet I bow, Oh pity and forgive! Here will I lie, and wait till thou VIII. C. The shining Light. 1 My former hopes are fled, My terror now begins I feel, alas! that I am dead In trespasses and sins. |