Page:The poetical works of William Cowper (IA poeticalworksof00cowp).pdf/116

 Lord, we are few, but thou art near, Nor short thine arm, nor deaf thine ear; Oh rend the heavens, come quickly down, And make a thousand hearts thine own.

is the feast of heavenly wine,
 * And God invites to sup;

The juices of the living Vine
 * Were pressed to fill the cup.

Oh! bless the Savior, ye that eat,
 * With royal dainties fed;

Not heaven affords a costlier treat,
 * For Jesus is the bread.

The vile, the lost, he calls to them;
 * Ye trembling souls, appear!

The righteous in their own esteem
 * Have no acceptance here.

Approach, ye poor, nor dare refuse
 * The banquet spread for you;

Dear Saviour, this is welcome news,
 * Then I may venture too.

If guilt and sin afford a plea,
 * And may obtain a place,

Surely the Lord will welcome me,
 * And I shall see his face!

Saviour, what a noble flame
 * Was kindled in his breast,

When hasting to Jerusalem,
 * He marched before the rest!

Good will to men, and zeal for God,
 * His every thought engross;

He longs to be baptized with blood,
 * He pants to reach the cross!

With all his sufferings full in view,
 * And woes to us unknown,

Forth to the task his spirit flew;
 * 'Twas love that urged him on.

Lord, we return thee what we can:
 * Our hearts shall sound abroad

Salvation to the dying Man,
 * And to the rising God!


 * And while thy bleeding glories here

Engage our wondering eyes,
 * We learn our lighter cross to bear,

And hasten to the skies.

various hindrances we meet In coming to a mercy-seat! Yet who that knows the worth of prayer But wishes to be often there?

Prayer makes the darkened cloud withdraw, Prayer climbs the ladder Jacob saw, Gives exercise to faith and love, Brings every blessing from above.

Restraining prayer, we cease to fight; Prayer makes the Christian's armour bright; And Satan trembles when he sees The weakest saint upon his knees.

While Moses stood with arms spread wide, Success was found on Israel's side; But when through weariness they failed, That moment Amalek prevailed.

Have you no words? Ah! think again, Words flow apace when you complain, And fill your fellow-creature's ear With the sad tale of all your care.

Were half the breath thus vainly spent To Heaven in supplication sent, Your cheerful song would oftener be, "Hear what the Lord has done for me."

Spirit breathes upon the Word,
 * And brings the truth to sight;

Precepts and promises afford
 * A sanctifying light.

A glory gilds the sacred page,
 * Majestic like the sun;

It gives a light to every age,
 * It gives, but borrows none.