When cheer’d with faith’s sublimer joys,
They mount on eagles’ wings;
They can disdain, as children’s toys,
The pride and pomp of kings.
VIII
Dear Lord, assist our souls to pay
The debt of praise we owe,
That we enjoy a gospel-day
And heaven begun below.
48
Prayer for the Continuance of the Gospel.22
By Newton
I
Once, while we aim’d at Zion’s songs,
A sudden mourning check’d our tongues!
Then we were called to sow in tears
The seeds of joy for future years.
II
Oft as that memorable hour
The changing year brings round again,
We meet to praise the love and power
Which heard our cries and eased our pain.
III
Come, ye who trembled for the ark,
Unite in praise for answer’d prayer;
Did not the Lord our sorrows mark?
Did not our sighing reach his ear?
IV
Then smaller griefs were laid aside,
And all our cares summ’d up in one;
“Let us but have thy word,” we cried,
“In other things thy will be done.”
V
Since he has granted our request,
And we still hear the gospel voice;
Although by many trials press’d,
In this we can and will rejoice.
VI
Though to our lot temptations fall,
Though pain and want and cares annoy;
The precious gospel sweetens all,
And yields us med’cine, food, and joy.
49
A Famine of the Word
By Newton
I
Gladness was spread through Isr’el’s host
When first they manna view’d;
They labour’d who should gather most,
And thought it pleasant food.
II
But when they had it long enjoy’d,
From day to day the same,
Their hearts were by the plenty cloy’d,
Although from heav’n it came.
III
Thus gospel-bread at first is prized,
And makes a people glad;
But afterwards too much despised
When easy to be had.
IV
But should the Lord, displeased, withhold
The bread his mercy sends,
To have our houses fill’d with gold
Would make but poor amends.
V
How tedious would the week appear,
How dull the Sabbath prove,
Could we no longer meet to hear
The precious truths we love!
VI
How would believing parents bear
To leave their heedless youth
Exposed to every fatal snare,
Without the light of truth?
VII
The gospel, and a praying few,
Our bulwark long have proved;
But Olney sure the day will rue
When these shall be removed.
VIII
Then sin, in this once favour’d town,
Will triumph unrestrain’d;
And wrath and vengeance hasten down,
No more by pray’r detain’d.
IX
Preserve us from this judgment, Lord,
For Jesus’ sake, we plead;
A famine of the gospel-word
Would be a stroke indeed!
50
Prayer for Ministers
By Newton
I
Chief Shepherd of thy chosen sheep,
From death and sin set free;
May every under shepherd keep
His eye intent on thee!
II
With plenteous grace their hearts prepare
To execute thy will—
Compassion, patience, love, and care,
And faithfulness and skill.
III
Inflame their minds with holy zeal
Their flocks to feed and teach;
And let them live, and let them feel
The sacred truths they preach.
IV
Oh, never let the sheep complain,
That toys, which fools amuse,
Ambition, pleasure, praise, or gain,
Debase the shepherd’s views.
V
He that for these forbears to feed
The souls whom Jesus loves,
Whate’er he may profess, or plead,
An idle shepherd proves.
VI
The sword of God shall break his arm,
A blast shall blind his eye;
His word shall have no power to warm,
His gifts shall all grow dry.
VII
Lord, avert this heavy woe!
Let all thy shepherds say;
And grace and strength on each bestow,
To labour while ’tis day.
51
Prayer for a Revival
By Newton
I
Saviour, visit thy plantation,
Grant us, Lord, a gracious rain!
All will come to desolation
Unless thou return again:
Keep no longer at a distance,
Shine upon us from on high,
Lest, for want of thine assistance,
Every plant should droop and die.
II
Surely once thy garden flourish’d,
Every part look’d gay and green;
Then thy word our spirits nourish’d,
Happy seasons we have seen!
But a drought has since succeeded,
And a sad decline we see;
Lord thy help is greatly needed,
Help can only come from thee.
III
Where are those We counted leaders,
Fill’d with zeal and love and truth?
Old professors, tall as cedars,
Bright examples to our youth?
Some, in whom we once delighted,
We shall meet no more below;
Some, alas! we fear are blighted—
Scarce a single leaf they show.
IV
Younger plants—the sight how pleasant—
Cover’d thick with blossoms stood;
But they cause us grief at present—
Frosts have nipp’d them in the bud!
Dearest Saviour, hasten hither,
Thou canst make them bloom again;
Oh permit them not to wither,
Let not all our hopes be vain!
V
Let our mutual love be fervent,
Make us prevalent in pray’rs:
Let each one esteem’d thy servant
Shun the world’s bewitching snares;
Break the tempter’s fatal power,
Turn the stony heart to flesh:
And begin, from this good hour,
To revive thy work afresh.
52
Hoping for a Revival
By Newton
I
My harp untuned, and laid aside,
(To cheerful hours the harp belongs,)
My cruel foes insulting cried,
“Come, sing us one of Zion’s songs.”
II
Alas! when sinners, blindly bold,
At Zion scoff, and Zion’s King;
When zeal declines, and love grows cold,
Is this a day for me to sing?
III
Time was, whene’er the saints I met,
With joy and praise my bosom glow’d!
But now, like Eli, sad I sit,
And tremble for the ark of God.
IV
While thus to grief my soul gave way
To see the work of God decline,
Methought I heard my Saviour say,
“Dismiss thy fears—the ark is mine.
V
“Though for a time I hide my face,
Rely upon my love and power;
Still wrestle at a throne of grace,
And wait for a reviving hour.
VI
“Take down thy long-neglected harp;
I’ve seen thy tears, and heard thy pray’r;
The winter season has been sharp,
But spring shall all its wastes repair.”
VII
Lord, I obey; my hopes revive;
Come join with me, ye saints, and sing;
Our foes in vain against us strive,
For God
