Part 55 (1/2)

Psalm 126:1. L. M.

Surprising deliverance.

1 When G.o.d restor'd our captive state, Joy was our song, and grace our theme; The grace beyond our hopes so great, That joy appear'd a painted dream.

2 The scoffer owns thy hand, and pays Unwilling honours to thy Name; While we with pleasure shout thy praise, With cheerful notes thy love proclaim.

3 When we review our dismal fears, 'Twas hard to think they'd vanish so; With G.o.d we left our flowing tears, He makes our joys like rivers flow.

4 The man that in his furrow'd field His scatter'd seed with sadness leaves, Will shout to see the harvest yield A welcome load of joyful sheaves.

Psalm 126:2. C. M.

The joy of a remarkable conversion; or, Melancholy removed.

1 When G.o.d reveal'd his gracious Name, And chang'd my mournful state, My rapture seem'd a pleasing dream, The grace appear'd so great.

2 The world beheld the glorious change, And did thy hand confess; My tongue broke out in unknown strains, And sung surprising grace:

3 ”Great is the work,” my neighbours cry'd, And own'd the power divine; ”Great is the work,” my heart reply'd, ”And be the glory thine.”

4 The Lord can clear the darkest skies, Can give us day for night, Make drops of sacred sorrow rise To rivers of delight.

5 Let those that sow in sadness wait Till the fair harvest come, They shall confess their sheaves are great, And shout the blessings home.

6 Tho' seed lie bury'd long in dust, It shan't deceive their hope; The precious grain can ne'er be lost, For grace insures the crop.

Psalm 127:1. L. M.

The blessing of G.o.d on the business and comforts of life.

1 If G.o.d succeed not, all the cost And pains to build the house are lost: If G.o.d the city will not keep, The watchful guards as well may sleep.

3 What if you rise before the sun, And work and toil when day is done, Careful and sparing eat your bread, To shun that poverty you dread;

3 'Tis all in vain, till G.o.d hath blest; He can make rich, yet give us rest: Children and friends are blessings too, If G.o.d our sovereign make them so.

4 Happy the man to whom he sends Obedient children, faithful friends: How sweet our daily comforts prove When they are season'd with his love!

Psalm 127:2. C. M.

G.o.d all in all.

1 If G.o.d to build the house deny, The builders work in vain; And towns, without his wakeful eye, An useless watch maintain.

2 Before the morning beams arise, Your painful work renew, And till the stars ascend the skies Your tiresome toil pursue.

3 Short be your sleep, and coa.r.s.e your fare; In vain, till G.o.d has blest; But if his smiles attend your care, You shall have food and rest.

4 Nor children, relatives, nor friends Shall real blessings prove, Nor all the earthly joys he sends, If sent without his love.