Page:Olney Hymns - 1840.djvu/219

BOOK II. 1 THOUGH cloudy skies and northern blasts Retard the gentle spring awhile, The sun will conq ror prove at last, And nature wear a vernal smile.

2 The promise which from age to age Has brought the changing seasons round, Again shall calm the winter s rage, Perfume the air and paint the ground.

3 The virtue of that first command, I know still does and will prevail, That while the earth itself shall stand, The spring and summer shall not fail.

4 Such changes are for us decreed ; Believers have their winters too ; But spring shall certainly succeed, And all their former life renew.

5 Winter and spring have each their use, And each in turn his people know ; One kills the weeds their hearts produce, The other makes their graces grow.

6 Though like dead trees awhile they seem, Yet, having life within their root, The welcome spring s reviving beam Draws forth their blossoms, leaves, and fruit.

7 But if the tree indeed be dead, It feels no change though spring return ; Its leafless, naked, barren head, Proclaims it only fit to burn.

8 Dear Lord, afford our souls a spring, Thou know st our winter has been long: Shine forth, and warm our hearts to sing, And thy rich grace shall be our song.