Page:The poetical works of William Cowper (IA poeticalworksof00cowp).pdf/115

 Blessings upon the rising race!
 * Make this a happy hour,

According to thy richest grace,
 * And thine Almighty power.

We feel for your unhappy state,
 * (May you regard it too,)

And would awhile ourselves forget
 * To pour out prayer for you.

We see, though you perceive it not,
 * The approaching awful doom;

Oh tremble at the solemn thought,
 * And flee the wrath to come!

Dear Saviour, let this new-born year
 * Spread an alarm abroad;

And cry in every careless ear,
 * "Prepare to meet thy God!"

Lord, our children see, By thy mercy we are free; But shall these, alas! remain Subjects still of Satan's reign? Israel's young ones, when of old Pharaoh threatened to withhold, Then thy messenger said, "No; Let the children also go!"

When the angel of the Lord, Drawing forth his dreadful sword, Slew with an avenging hand, All the first-born of the land; Then thy people's doors he passed, Where the bloody sign was placed; Hear us, now, upon our knees Plead the blood of Christ for these!

Lord, we tremble, for we know How the fierce malicious foe, Wheeling round his watchful flight, Keeps them ever in his sight: Spread thy pinions, King of kings! Hide them safe beneath thy wings; Lest the ravenous bird of prey Stoop, and bear the brood away.

song shall bless the Lord of all,
 * My praise shall climb to his abode;

Thee, Saviour, by that name I call,
 * The great Supreme, the Mighty God.

Without beginning or decline,
 * Object of faith and not of sense;

Eternal ages saw him shine,
 * He shines eternal ages hence.

As much, when in the manger laid,
 * Almighty ruler of the sky,

As when the six days' work he made
 * Filled all the morning stars with joy.

Of all the crowns Jehovah bears,
 * Salvation is his dearest claim;

That gracious sound well pleased he hears,
 * And owns Emmanuel for his name.

A cheerful confidence I feel,
 * My well-placed hopes with joy I see;

My bosom glows with heavenly zeal,
 * To worship him who died for me.

As man, he pities my complaint,
 * His power and truth are all divine;

He will not fail, he cannot faint;
 * Salvation's sure, and must be mine.

! where'er thy people meet, There they behold thy mercy-seat; Where'er they seek thee, thou art found, And every place is hallowed ground.

For thou, within no walls confined, Inhabitest the humble mind; Such ever bring thee where they come, And going, take thee to their home.

Dear Shepherd of thy chosen few! Thy former mercies here renew; Here to our waiting hearts proclaim The sweetness of thy saving name.

Here may we prove the power of prayer, To strengthen faith, and sweeten care; To teach our fain desires to rise, And bring all heaven before our eyes.

Behold, at thy commanding word We stretch the curtain and the cord; Come thou, and fill this wider space, And bless us with a large increase.