2 There shall that piercing eye survey 3 I'll leave behind each earthly care; While grateful praise, and fervent prayer, 4 So shall the sun in smiles arise, 284. Prayer. 1 PRAYER is the soul's sincere desire, 2 Prayer is the burden of a sigh, The upward glancing of an eye, 3 Prayer is the simplest form of speech, Prayer, the sublimest strains that reach 4 Prayer is the contrite sinner's voice, While angels in their songs rejoice, 5 Prayer is the christian's vital breath, His watchword at the gates of death: 285. Religious Retirement. 1 My God! permit me not to be 2 Call me away from flesh and sense; And all inferior joys resign. Be earth, with all her scenes, withdrawn ; Let noise and vanity be gone; In secret silence of the mind, My heaven, and there my God, I find. 286. Religious Retirement. 1 FAR from the world, O Lord, I flee; 2 The calm retreat, the silent shade, 3 There, if thy spirit touch the soul, Oh with what peace, and joy, and love, 4 Author and Guardian of my life, 5 What thanks I owe thee! and what love! 287. Communing with the Heart. 1 RETURN, my roving heart, return, . 2 Wisdom and pleasure dwell at home, 3 And thou, my God, whose piercing eye 4 Through all the mazes of my heart, 5 Then with the visits of thy love 288. Worldly Anxiety reprehended. 1 OH! why should I perplex My life with fruitless care; 2 Can anxious thoughts increase Why waste I then my health and peace, 3 To him, these low desires, This sordid gain, I leave, Who to no higher good aspires Than what this world can give. 4 Then let to-morrow's cares Until to-morrow stay; The trouble which to-day prepares, 289. Professions of Sincerity, Repentance, and Obedience. 1 THOU art my portion, O my God! My heart makes haste to obey thy word, 2 I choose the path of heavenly truth, 3 The testimonies of thy grace 4 Whene'er I've wander'd from thy path, I think upon my ways; Then turn my feet to thy commands, And trust thy pardoning grace. 5 Now I am thine, for ever thine; 6 Thou hast inclin'd this heart of mine And thus, till mortal life shall end, 290. Religious Reverence and Obedience, 1 WITH ardour I'll thy favour seek; From thy commands, Ŏ God of love! 2 Thy word I'll store within my heart, And be an everlasting guard |