392 C. M. Retirement and Meditation. FAR from the world, O Lord, I flee, From scenes where Satan wages still 2 The calm retreat-the silent shade, 3 There, if the Spirit touch the soul, 4 Author and Guardian of my life, 5 What thanks I owe thee! and what love! A boundless, endless store! [above, Thy praise shall sound through realms When time shall be no more. MY God, permit me not to be 2 Why should my passions mix with earth, 3 Call me away from earth and sense; Thy sovereign word can draw me thence; I would obey the voice divine, And all inferior joys resign. 4 Be earth, with all her scenes, withdrawn; Let noise and vanity be gone; In secret silence of the mind, My heaven-and there my God I find. 394 C. M. WHILE thee I seek, protecting Power! With better hopes be filled. 2 Thy love the power of thought bestowed; 3 In each event of life, how clear Each blessing to my soul most dear, 4 In every joy that crowns my days, My heart shall find delight in praise, 5 When gladness wings my favored hour, 6 My lifted eye, without a tear, The gathering storm shall see; My steadfast heart shall know no fear; 395 L. M. Desiring the Presence of God. MY God, I bow before thy feet; When shall my soul approach thy seat? When shall I see thy glorious face, With mingled majesty and grace? 2 How should I love thee, and adore, With hopes and joys unknown before! And bid this trifling world be gone, Nor tease my heart so near thy throne. 3 My soul should pour out all her cares, In flowing words, or flowing tears; Thy smiles would ease my sharpest pain, Nor should I seek my God in vain. SHINE on our souls, eternal God, 2 With thee let every week begin; 3 Thus cheer us through this desert road, Till all our labors cease; Till heaven refresh our weary souls 397 S. M. Communion with the Father and Christ. OUR heavenly Father calls, And Christ invites us near; With both, our friendship shall be sweet, 2 God pities all our griefs: 3 How large his bounties are! 4 Jesus, our living head, We bless thy faithful care; 5 Here fix, my roving heart! Here wait, my warmest love! 398 C. M. Sins and Sorrows laid before God. OH, could I find, from day to day, A nearness to my God! Then should my hours glide sweet away, 2 Lord, I desire with thee to live In joys the world can never give, 3 Blest Jesus, come, and rule my heart, That I may never more depart, 4 Thus, till my last, expiring breath, And when my frame dissolves in death, 399 C. M. Providence and Grace. THANKS to my God for every gift 2 Forever let my grateful heart 3 Transporting hope! still on my soul The Fearful encouraged. YE trembling souls, dismiss your fears, 2 Fear not the powers of earth and hell- 3 Fear not the want of outward good- Grant them supplies of daily food, |