Volume III
Translations and Paraphrases, in Verse, of Several Passages of Sacred Scripture
Vol. III, pp. 1665–1676
With Notes, Explaining the Sense, and for Directing and Animating Devotion.
§Paraphrase I.
Let me stand still and consider this wonderful work of God! O how his eternal power and Godhead shine forth, in forming so vast, so well furnished worlds of creatures! O his wisdom marked in the vast variety, the comely order, and the mutual subserviency of all things to the good of one another, and to his glory! O his goodness in forming such multitudes of beings to partake of his bounty, as their all in all, and especially toward man, in forming him after his own image, and in so preparing this lower world to be a commodious lodgment for him, in his way to the mansions of light. In singing these lines let me rise to nature's God; let me think of the divine personal Word, by whom all things were made, and look forward to the new heavens and the new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.
LET heav'n arise, let earth appear, said the Almighty Lord: The heav'n arose, the earth appear'd, at his creating word. 2 Thick darkness brooded o'er the deep: God said, "Let there be light:" The light shone forth with smiling ray, and scatter'd ancient night.
3 He bade the clouds ascend on high; the clouds ascend, and bear A wat'ry treasure to the sky, and float upon the air. 4 The liquid element below was gather'd by his hand; The rolling seas together flow, and leave the solid land.
5 With herbs, and plants, and fruitful trees, the new-form'd globe he crown'd, Ere there was rain to bless the soil, or sun to warm the ground. 6 Then high in heav'n's resplendent arch he plac'd two orbs of light, He set the sun to rule the day, the moon to rule the night.
7 Next, from the deep, th' Almighty King did vital beings frame; Fowls of the air of ev'ry wing, and fish of ev'ry name. 8 To all the various brutal tribes he gave their wondrous birth; At once the lion and the worm sprung from the teeming earth.
9 Then, chief o'er all his works below, at last was Adam made; His Maker's image bless'd his soul, and glory crown'd his head. 10 Fair in the Almighty Maker's eye the whole creation stood. He view'd the fabric he had rais'd; his word pronounc'd it good.
§Paraphrase II.
While I sing these lines let me think, Have I ever enjoyed Bethel visits from a redeeming God? How happy we are, when our fellowship with God leaves a lasting impression on our spirits, and cheerfully constrains us to surrender ourselves to him, and all we have to his service, and renders us content with a moderate share of the good things of life!
O GOD of Bethel! by whose hand thy people still are fed; Who through this weary pilgrimage hast all our fathers led: 2 Our vows, our pray'rs, we now present before thy throne of grace: God of our fathers! be the God of their succeeding race.
3 Through each perplexing path of life our wand'ring footsteps guide; Give us each day our daily bread, and raiment fit provide. 4 O spread thy cov'ring wings around, till all our wand'rings cease, And at our Father's lov'd abode our souls arrive in peace.
5 Such blessings from thy gracious hand our humble pray'rs implore; And thou shalt be our chosen God, and portion evermore.
§Paraphrase III.
Under our trials, views of death should wean us from perishing things. All we have is God's gift, lent or given us, and whatever we lose, enough is left, which well deserves our thankfulness. How powerful the influence of God's grace, that can render his people composed, and heartily resigned to his will under the sharpest trials. In all my trials let me view God's hand, and acquiesce in his will.
NAKED as from the earth we came, and enter'd life at first; Naked we to the earth return, and mix with kindred dust. 2 Whate'er we fondly call our own belongs to heav'n's great Lord; The blessings lent us for a day are soon to be restor'd.
3 'Tis God that lifts our comforts high, or sinks them in the grave: He gives; and, when he takes away, he takes but what he gave. 4 Then, ever blessed be his name! his goodness swell'd our store; His justice but resumes its own; 'tis ours still to adore.
§Paraphrase IV.
These words exhibit the grave as levelling all distinctions, and ending all the troubles of the present life. This surely should teach us wisdom, and the exercise of humility and moderation, a patient bearing of the afflictions of life, and a dying daily. O how blessed are the dead that die in the Lord; they rest from their labours, and their works follow them.
HOW still and peaceful is the grave! where, life's vain tumults past, Th' appointed house, by Heav'n's decree, receives us all at last. 2 The wicked there from troubling cease, their passions rage no more; And there the weary pilgrim rests from all the toils he bore.
3 There rest the pris'ners, now releas'd from slav'ry's sad abode; No more they hear th' oppressor's voice, or dread the tyrant's rod. 4 There servants, masters, small and great, partake the same repose; And there, in peace, the ashes mix of those who once were foes.
5 All, levell'd by the hand of Death, lie sleeping in the tomb; Till God in judgment calls them forth, to meet their final doom.
§Paraphrase V.
What stupidity appears in thinking anything comes to us by chance! The more we are acquainted with the sinfulness of our nature, the less reason have we to murmur at our afflictions? Under sore trials let me try to search and remove the sinful cause, and let me turn all my fretful murmurs into humble supplications.
THOUGH trouble springs not from the dust, nor sorrow from the ground; Yet ills on ills, by Heav'n's decree, in man's estate are found. 2 As sparks in close succession rise, so man, the child of woe, Is doom'd to endless cares and toils through all his life below.
3 But with my God I leave my cause; from him I seek relief; To him, in confidence of pray'r, unbosom all my grief. 4 Unnumber'd are his wondrous works, unsearchable his ways; 'Tis his the mourning soul to cheer, the bowed down to raise.
§Paraphrase VI.
O what a common sin among professors is hypocrisy! what a sad cause of it is forgetfulness of God! what a fearful cheat the hope of the hypocrite puts upon himself! though it flourish a while, it perisheth at last. What important admonitions the things of nature around us suggest, did we but consider them aright! O my soul, let me never be a harsh judge of others, and never too mild to myself. Wretched man that I am, who shall deliver me from this hypocritical heart. Blessed God, examine me and prove me, try my reins and my heart!
THE rush may rise where waters flow, and flags beside the stream; But soon their verdure fades and dies before the scorching beam: 2 So is the sinner's hope cut off; or, if it transient rise, 'Tis like the spider's airy web, from ev'ry breath that flies.
3 Fix'd on his house he leans; his house and all its props decay: He holds it fast; but, while he holds, the tott'ring frame gives way. 4 Fair, in his garden, to the sun, his boughs with verdure smile; And, deeply fix'd, his spreading roots unshaken stand a while.
5 But forth the sentence flies from Heav'n, that sweeps him from his place; Which then denies him for its lord, nor owns it knew his face. 6 Lo! this the joy of wicked men, who Heav'n's high laws despise: They quickly fall; and in their room as quickly others rise.
7 But, for the just, with gracious care, God will his pow'r employ; He'll teach their lips to sing his praise, and fill their hearts with joy.
§Paraphrase VII.
While I sing these words, think, my soul, on the infinite greatness of God! What is man, so mean, so sinful, that he should be mindful of him! how incapable to advance a justifying righteousness before him! how dreadful the case of those who harden themselves against him. O how plainly are his excellencies marked in his works of creation and providence. Happy they whose God is Jehovah! and inexpressibly miserable are his most powerful and proud opposers. Kiss the Son, my soul, lest God be angry and I perish from the way.
HOW should the sons of Adam's race be pure before their God? If he contends in righteousness, we sink beneath his rod. 2 If he should mark my words and thoughts with strict inquiring eyes, Could I for one of thousand faults the least excuse devise?
3 Strong is his arm, his heart is wise; who dares with him contend? Or who, that tries th' unequal strife, shall prosper in the end? 4 He makes the mountains feel his wrath, and their old seats forsake; The trembling earth deserts her place, and all her pillars shake.
5 He bids the sun forbear to rise; th' obedient sun forbears: His hand with sackcloth spreads the skies, and seals up all the stars. 6 He walks upon the raging sea; flies on the stormy wind: None can explore his wondrous way, or his dark footsteps find.
§Paraphrase VIII.
Think, my soul, if human life is so short, so sinful, so wretched?; if death and eternity be so near, why should any be proud?? why unconcerned about eternal happiness? why not live? on that gracious God who has a feeling of our infirmities, and look and long for that rest that remaineth for the people of God? How comfortable, but heart awing, yet heart-composing, are believing views of death and the resurrection from the jaws of the grave! How pleasant to think that while my body, as precious dust, sleeps in Jesus' arms of kindly care, my soul shall retire with him on his throne, and there wait till my last, my great change come. The hope of a glorious resurrection is enough to support me under every earthly trouble.
FEW are thy days, and full of woe, O man, of woman born! Thy doom is written, "Dust thou art, "and shalt to dust return." 2 Behold the emblem of thy state in flow'rs that bloom and die, Or in the shadow's fleeting form, that mocks the gazer's eye.
3 Guilty and frail, how shalt thou stand before thy sov'reign Lord? Can troubled and polluted springs a hallow'd stream afford? 4 Determin'd are the days that fly successive o'er thy head; The number'd hour is on the wing that lays thee with the dead.
5 Great God! afflict not in thy wrath the short allotted span, That bounds the few and weary days of pilgrimage to man. 6 All nature dies, and lives again: the flow'r that paints the field, The trees that crown the mountain's brow, and boughs and blossoms yield,
7 Resign the honours of their form at Winter's stormy blast, And leave the naked leafless plain a desolated waste. 8 Yet soon reviving plants and flow'rs anew shall deck the plain; The woods shall hear the voice of Spring, and flourish green again.
9 But man forsakes this earthly scene, ah! never to return: Shall any foll'wing spring revive the ashes of the urn? 10 The mighty flood that rolls along its torrents to the main, Can ne'er recall its waters lost from that abyss again.
11 So days, and years, and ages past, descending down to night, Can henceforth never more return back to the gates of light; 12 And man, when laid in lonesome grave, shall sleep in Death's dark gloom, Until th' eternal morning wake the slumbers of the tomb.
13 O may the grave become to me the bed of peaceful rest, Whence I shall gladly rise at length, and mingle with the blest! 14 Cheer'd by this hope, with patient mind, I'll wait Heav'n's high decree, Till the appointed period come, when death shall set me free.
§Paraphrase IX.
Job xxvi. 6, to the end.
How plainly the perfections of Deity are marked in all his works of nature and grace! How well everything is done, where God is the sole or principal agent! Let me therefore in all behold his hand and face. If he conceals the glories of his throne from this lower world, let me walk by faith, not by sight. If his perfections are unsearchable, let me always admire and adore.
WHO can resist th' Almighty arm that made the starry sky? Or who elude the certain glance of God's all-seeing eye? 2 From him no cov'ring vails our crimes; hell opens to his sight; And all Destruction's secret snares lie full disclos'd in light.
3 Firm on the boundless void of space he pois'd the steady pole, And in the circle of his clouds bade secret waters roll. 4 While nature's universal frame its Maker's pow'r reveals, His throne, remote from mortal eyes, an awful cloud conceals.
5 From where the rising day ascends, to where it sets in night, He compasses the floods with bounds, and checks their threat'ning might. 6 The pillars that support the sky tremble at his rebuke; Through all its caverns quakes the earth, as though its centre shook.
7 He brings the waters from their beds, although no tempest blows, And smites the kingdom of the proud without the hand of foes. 8 With bright inhabitants above he fills the heav'nly land, And all the crooked serpent's breed dismay'd before him stand. 9 Few of his works can we survey; these few our skill transcend: But the full thunder of his pow'r what heart can comprehend?
§Paraphrase X.
This translation is peculiarly adapted to public ordinances: Jesus Christ addresses sinners as the Wisdom of God, particularly fools and scorners. Let me reflect how great is the compassion of Jesus to rebellious sinners: in the most earnest and open manner he pleads with them in the ordinances of his grace to promote their eternal salvation; condescending are his offers and invitations of mercy pointed to the most unworthy and wicked, and precious the benefits which he offers; but inexcusable is their guilt, and dreadful their ruin, who obstinately refuse them. Rejected of God in their misery, even their ease and prosperity harden and ensnare them.
IN streets, and op'nings of the gates, where pours the busy crowd, Thus heav'nly Wisdom lifts her voice, and cries to men aloud: 2 How long, ye scorners of the truth, scornful will ye remain? How long shall fools their folly love, and hear my words in vain?
3 O turn, at last, at my reproof! and, in that happy hour, His bless'd effusions on your heart my Spirit down shall pour. 4 But since so long, with earnest voice, to you in vain I call, Since all my counsels and reproofs thus ineffectual fall;
5 The time will come, when humbled low, in Sorrow's evil day, Your voice by anguish shall be taught, but taught too late, to pray. 6 When, like the whirlwind, o'er the deep comes Desolation's blast. Pray'rs then extorted shall be vain, the hour of mercy past.
7 The choice you made has fix'd your doom;? for this is Heav'n's decree, That with the fruits of what he sow'd the sinner fill'd shall be.
§Paraphrase XI.
These verses exhibit the true advantages of early piety. Real religion is truly man's first concern, his highest, his only happiness. By this he gets durable and unsearchable riches; he attains true honour, is a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord. And O how it guards him against these dangers to which sin exposes us! It guides the young in youth's slippery paths, and it throws a lustre around old age, and makes it truly respectable. What pleasure, rest, and joy, it gives to all, especially the young: they sing in the ways of the Lord. O let children come to Jesus, and he will teach them the fear of the Lord.
O HAPPY is the man who hears Instruction's warning voice; And who celestial Wisdom makes his early, only choice. 2 For she has treasures greater far than east or west unfold; And her rewards more precious are than all their stores of gold.
3 In her right hand she holds to view a length of happy days; Riches, with splendid honours join'd, are what her left displays. 4 She guides the young with innocence, in pleasure's paths to tread, A crown of glory she bestows upon the hoary head.
5 According as her labours rise, so her rewards increase; Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
§Paraphrase XII.
What amazing instincts hath God given to some animals, and how their conduct shames that of mankind! How averse are sluggards to be roused to their work, spiritual or temporal! If one degree of indolence be denied, they would gladly enjoy a lesser; but in what quick, irresistible manner poverty comes at last. O my soul, whatever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might; be diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.
YE indolent and slothful! rise, View the ant's labours, and be wise; She has no guide to point her way, No ruler chiding her delay: 2 Yet see with what incessant cares She for the winter's storm prepares; In summer she provides her meat, And harvest finds her store complete.
3 But when will slothful man arise? How long shall sleep seal up his eyes? Sloth more indulgence still demands; Sloth shuts the eyes, and folds the hands. 4 But mark the end; want shall assail, When all your strength and vigour fail; Want, like an armed man, shall rush The hoary head of age to crush.
§Paraphrase XIII.
Prov. viii. 22, to the end.
Let me think with the greatest wonder how the high and lofty Jehovah, in the person of the Son, should have from everlasting entered into the room of, and fixed his delights upon, the sons of men. How infinitely he deserves our strictest attention, our earliest and strongest affection! and how just is the sorest punishment which can be inflicted on these self-ruiners, who refuse him, and neglect and despise the ordinances of his grace! Let me consider the Apostle and High-priest of my profession; let me love him, who first loved me; let me earnestly attend his ordinances: if I find him who is the great God my Saviour and the eternal life, my pains will be infinitely more than rewarded.
KEEP silence, all ye sons of men, and hear with rev'rence due; Eternal Wisdom from above thus lifts her voice to you: 2 I was th' Almighty's chief delight from everlasting days, Ere yet his arm was stretched forth the heav'ns and earth to raise.
3 Before the sea began to flow, and leave the solid land, Before the hills and mountains rose, I dwelt at his right hand. 4 When first he rear'd the arch of heav'n, and spread the clouds on air, When first the fountains of the deep he open'd, I was there.
5 There I was with him, when he stretch'd his compass o'er the deep, And charg'd the ocean's swelling waves within their bounds to keep. 6 With joy I saw th' abode prepar'd which men were soon to fill: Them from the first of days I lov'd, unchang'd, I love them still.
7 Now therefore hearken to my words, ye children, and be wise: Happy the man that keeps my ways; the man that shuns them dies. 8 Where dubious paths perplex the mind, direction I afford; Life shall be his that follows me, and favour from the Lord.
9 But he who scorns my sacred laws shall deeply wound his heart, He courts destruction who contemns the counsel I impart.
§Paraphrase XIV.
How necessary to be much in the serious consideration of our latter end. O that we were wise, and would consider this! How requisite are Christian reproofs, to make or keep us grave and serious, amidst so much folly and flashes of vain mirth as take place in the world. How effectually bad things work together for the good of saints.
WHILE others crowd the house of mirth, and haunt the gaudy show, Let such as would with Wisdom dwell, frequent the house of woe. 2 Better to weep with those who weep, and share th' afflicted's smart, Than mix with fools in giddy joys that cheat and wound the heart.
3 When virtuous sorrow clouds the face, and tears bedim the eye, The soul is led to solemn thought, and wafted to the sky. 4 The wise in heart revisit oft grief's dark sequester'd cell: The thoughtless still with levity and mirth delight to dwell.
5 The noisy laughter of the fool is like the crackling sound Of blazing thorns, which quickly fall in ashes to the ground.
§Paraphrase XV.
What remarkable advantages have men in this life for bettering their states, tempers, or hopes! but how quickly death puts an end to them all, to all opportunities of preparing for eternity, to all our intimacies, enjoyments, or affections in this world! What need quickly to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, and to serve our own generation by the will of God, while we have opportunity, as we know not when our soul will be required of us. Lord, teach me to number my days, that I may apply my heart to wisdom.
AS long as life its term extends, Hope's blest dominion never ends; For while the lamp holds on to burn, The greatest sinner may return. 2 Life is the season God hath giv'n To fly from hell, and rise to heav'n; That day of grace fleets fast away, And none its rapid course can stay.
3 The living know that they must die; But all the dead forgotten lie: Their mem'ry and their name is gone, Alike unknowing and unknown. 4 Their hatred and their love is lost, Their envy bury'd in the dust; They have no share in all that's done Beneath the circuit of the sun.
5 Then what thy thoughts design to do, Still let thy hands with might pursue; Since no device nor work is found, Nor wisdom underneath the ground. 6 In the cold grave, to which we haste, There are no acts of pardon past: But fix'd the doom of all remains, And everlasting silence reigns.
§Paraphrase XVI.
How necessary and pleasant is an early acquaintance with Christ and his ways! O how absurd and dangerous are men's delays of their spiritual concerns till old age, which may never arrive, and which is a season very improper for commencing such care! O how happy they who encounter the unnumbered infirmities and troubles of old age, and the fears and pangs of death, in the full assurance of faith! Let all, but especially youth, flee to the refuge set before them in the gospel. Remember him who, when we are old, will remember the kindness of our youth and the love of our espousals.
IN life's gay morn, when sprightly youth with vital ardour glows, And shines in all the fairest charms which beauty can disclose; 2 Deep on thy soul, before its pow'rs are yet by vice enslav'd, Be thy Creator's glorious name and character engrav'd.
3 For soon the shades of grief shall cloud the sunshine of thy days; And cares, and toils, in endless round, encompass all thy ways. 4 Soon shall thy heart the woes of age in mournful groans deplore, And sadly muse on former joys, that now return no more.
§Paraphrase XVII.
How often the greatest enemies to the power of godliness are the rigid observers of its form, and men will flee to their most costly devotions for relief, while they cleave to their sins which are the cause of their misery. Nothing is more abominable to God than indulged hypocrisy in our devotions Indulged sin is so odious to God that it renders all our prayers hateful in his sight! What an extensive and laborious work is the real exercise of godliness! and how God, by the most gracious pardons, and the most full, though merciful rewards, encourageth to it!
RULERS of Sodom hear the voice of heav'n's eternal Lord; Men of Gomorrah! bend your ear submissive to his word. 2 'Tis thus he speaks: To what intent are your oblations vain? Why load my altars with your gifts, polluted and profane?
3 Burnt-off'rings long may blaze to heav'n, and incense cloud the skies; The worship and the worshipper are hateful in my eyes. 4 Your rites, your fasts, your pray'rs, I scorn, and pomp of solemn days: I know your hearts are full of guile, and crooked are your ways.
5 But cleanse your hands, ye guilty race, and cease from deeds of sin; Learn in your actions to be just and pure in heart within. 6 Mock not my name with honours vain, but keep my holy laws; Do justice to the friendless poor, and plead the widow's cause.
7 Then though your guilty souls are stain'd with sins of crimson die, Yet, through my grace, with snow itself in whiteness they shall vie.
§Paraphrase XVIII.
Here we have a pleasant prophecy of the world's being brought to the obedience of faith. Let me observe, no oppression shall hinder the flourishing of the church when the Lord rises up for her help. No darkness nor error can hide her when Jesus manifests forth his glory. Let us set our affections on things above, if we wish to have remarkable fellowship with Christ. How delightful! amidst present corruptions and divisions in the Christian church, we may look backward to what the Lord has done already, and forward in certain hopes of the church's still greater enlargment, purity, and peace! O how delightful when every one shall provoke his neighbour to love and good works, to learn the truth in Jesus, embrace his person, and serve him in the beauties of holiness! Now, blessed God, let thy kingdom come, let the whole earth be filled with thy glory!
BEHOLD! the mountain of the Lord in latter days shall rise On mountain tops above the hills, and draw the wond'ring eyes. 2 To this the joyful nations round, all tribes and tongues shall flow; Up to the hill of God, they'll say, and to his house we'll go.
3 The beam that shines from Sion hill shall lighten ev'ry land; The King who reigns in Salem's tow'rs shall all the world command. 4 Among the nations he shall judge; his judgments truth shall guide; His sceptre shall protect the just, and quell the sinner's pride.
5 No strife shall rage, nor hostile feuds disturb those peaceful years; To ploughshares men shall beat their swords, to pruning-hooks their spears. 6 No longer hosts encount'ring hosts shall crowds of slain deplore: They hang the trumpet in the hall, and study war no more.
7 Come then, O house of Jacob! come to worship at his shrine; And, walking in the light of God, with holy beauties shine.
§Paraphrase XIX.
This part of the chapter paraphrased contains promises of deliverances to the Jews from enemies, typical of the blessings introduced by the incarnation of our Redeemer. Here we may remark, it bodes well when God sends the light of the gospel to men. No load of adversity is so heavy but Christ's presence can support under it. Thrice happy those sinners whose minds he enlightens in the knowledge of himself; they may enjoy much spiritual peace, freedom, and victory, even when they weep and lament. O the unbounded excellencies, sweet relations, savoury names of that Emmanuel gifted to us sinful men! How infinitely earnest is Jehovah to honour his Son, and to promote the welfare of his church! Rejoice in these things, my soul, and again rejoice!
THE race that long in darkness pin'd have seen a glorious light; The people dwell in day, who dwelt in death's surrounding night. 2 To hail thy rise, thou better Sun! the gath'ring nations come, Joyous, as when the reapers bear the harvest treasures home.
3 For thou our burden hast remov'd, and quell'd th' oppressor's sway, Quick as the slaughter'd squadrons fell in Midian's evil day. 4 To us a Child of hope is born; to us a Son is giv'n; Him shall the tribes of earth obey, him all the hosts of heav'n.
5 His name shall be the Prince of Peace, for evermore ador'd, The Wonderful, the Counsellor, the great and mighty Lord. 6 His pow'r increasing still shall spread, his reign no end shall know; Justice shall guard his throne above, and peace abound below.
§Paraphrase XX.
These lines contain a description of the glory and stability of the church, the city of God, an invitation to enter its gates, and a prediction of the destruction of her enemies. We see here that no Christian character can be formed without a steadfast and exact adherence to God's truths. Truly righteous, upright, and humble saints are an inestimable blessing to nations and churches. Steady faith in God's perfections and promises produceth solid peace of mind: and indeed, if we trust him firmly, we shall find ground to praise him constantly. If we by faith put our strong enemies in his hand, he will easily bring them down.
HOW glorious Sion's courts appear, the city of our God! His throne he hath establish'd here, here fix'd his lov'd abode. 2 Its walls, defended by his grace, no pow'r shall e'er o'erthrow, Salvation is its bulwark sure against th' assailing foe.
3 Lift up the everlasting gates, the doors wide open fling; Enter, ye nations, who obey the statutes of our King. 4 Here shall ye taste unmingled joys, and dwell in perfect peace, Ye, who have known Jehovah's name, and trusted in his grace.
5 Trust in the Lord, for ever trust, and banish all your fears; Strength in the Lord Jehovah dwells eternal as his years. 6 What though the wicked dwell on high, his arm shall bring them low; Low as the caverns of the grave their lofty heads shall bow.
7 Along the dust shall then be spread their tow'rs, that brave the skies: On them the needy's feet shall tread, and on their ruins rise.
§Paraphrase XXI.
We see in these words hardened and prosperous sinners are near terrible destruction; the most secure sinners shall be startled at last, and made to see God's hand in his judgments. Eternal destruction shall at last appear dreadful to the most scornful: and O what a mercy if God's judgments awaken hypocritical professors to flee from the wrath to come to the all-saving Jesus, whom he will make holy and righteous! While I sing, let me examine my heart, Am I a hypocrite or an upright Christian?
ATTEND, ye tribes that dwell remote, ye tribes at hand, give ear; Th' upright in heart alone have hope, the false in heart have fear. 2 The man who walks with God in truth, and ev'ry guile disdains; Who hates to lift oppression's rod, and scorns its shameful gains;
3 Whose soul abhors the impious bribe that tempts from truth to stray, And from th' enticing snares of vice who turns his eyes away: 4 His dwelling, 'midst the strength of rocks, shall ever stand secure; His Father will provide his bread, his water shall be sure.
5 For him the kingdom of the just afar doth glorious shine; And he the King of kings shall see in majesty divine.
§Paraphrase XXII.
Isaiah xl. 27, to the end.
Here the Prophet reproves desponding Christians, and calls their attention to grounds of comfort. How weak and sinful for any believer to suspect the Lord hath, or can cast off his people! To them that wait on him, his infinite power and grace are never-failing and abundant sources of strength, quickening, and comfort: let me then dismiss all my ill-grounded fears, my Jesus is able and willing to save to the uttermost; his grace will be sufficient for me.
WHY pour'st thou forth thine anxious plaint, despairing of relief, As if the Lord o'erlook'd thy cause, and did not heed thy grief? 2 Hast thou not known, hast thou not heard, that firm remains on high The everlasting throne of Him who form'd the earth and sky?
3 Art thou afraid his power shall fail when comes thy evil day? And can an all-creating arm grow weary or decay? 4 Supreme in wisdom as in pow'r the Rock of ages stands; Though him thou canst not see, nor trace? the working of his hands.
5 He gives the conquest to the weak, supports the fainting heart; And courage in the evil hour his heav'nly aids impart. 6 Mere human pow'r shall fast decay, and youthful vigour cease; But they who wait upon the Lord, in strength shall still increase.
7 They with unweary'd feet shall tread the path of life divine; With growing ardour onward move, with growing brightness shine. 8 On eagles' wings they mount, they soar, their wings are faith and love, Till, past the cloudy regions here, they rise to heav'n above.
§Paraphrase XXIII.
Let me here observe a passage full of Christ. Here is, (1) Jehovah's invitation to behold him as his excellent servant, qualified by his Spirit with great meekness, power, and courage for his work, in purchasing and applying our redemption. (2) His divine commission to his work solemnly opened. (3) The tidings of his fitness and commission are received with great joy on earth, particularly by the Gentiles. O the infinite excellency of my Redeemer! how dear to his Father, and useful to men! How glorious the nature and end of his mediation! with what tenderness, fidelity, and success he executes it! How grand and irreversible his commission! and how answerable his character to our infinite need! what ground of gladness to sinners, the wildest Arabs, and the most distant Islanders not excepted. Let my soul echo, Worthy is the Lamb! salvation to our God and to the Lamb!
BEHOLD my Servant! see him rise exalted in my might! Him have I chosen, and in him I place supreme delight. 2 On him, in rich effusion pour'd, my Spirit shall descend; My truths and judgments he shall show to earth's remotest end.
3 Gentle and still shall be his voice, no threats from him proceed; The smoking flax he shall not quench, nor brake the bruised reed. 4 The feeble spark to flames he'll raise; the weak will not despise; Judgment he shall bring forth to truth, and make the fallen rise.
5 The progress of his zeal and pow'r shall never know decline, Till foreign lands and distant isles receive the law divine. 6 He who erected heav'n's bright arch, and bade the planets roll, Who peopled all the climes of earth, and form'd the human soul,
7 Thus saith the Lord, Thee have I rais'd, my Prophet thee install; In right I've rais'd thee, and in strength I'll succour whom I call. 8 I will establish with the lands a covenant in thee, To give the Gentile nations light; and set the pris'ners free:
9 Asunder burst the gates of brass; the iron fetters fall; And gladsome light and liberty are straight restor'd to all. 10 I am the Lord, and by the name of great Jehovah known; No idol shall usurp my praise, nor mount into my throne.
11 Lo! former scenes, predicted once, conspicuous rise to view; And future scenes, predicted now, shall be accomplish'd too. 12 Sing to the Lord in joyful strains! let earth his praise resound, Ye who upon the ocean dwell, and fill the isles around!
13 O city of the Lord! begin the universal song; And let the scatter'd villages the cheerful notes prolong. 14 Let Kedar's wilderness afar lift up its lonely voice; And let the tenants of the rock with accents rude rejoice;
15 Till 'midst the streams of distant lands the islands sound his praise; And all combin'd, with one accord, Jehovah's glories raise.
§Paraphrase XXIV.
This is similar to Par. xxii. What ground of praise, of universal praise, is the work of redemption; his illuminating our minds, pardoning our sins, loosing our bonds, and supplying our wants, giving us grace and glory. What encouragement o? the most despondent, his assurance of his constant and everlasting loving-kindness, and his removal of everything hurtful! Why art thou cast down, O my soul? hope in God, I shall praise him.
YE heav'ns, send forth your song of praise! earth, raise your voice below! Let hills and mountains join the hymn, and joy through nature flow.
2 Behold how gracious is our God! hear the consoling strains, In which he cheers our drooping hearts, and mitigates our pains.
3 Cease ye, when days of darkness come, in sad dismay to mourn, As if the Lord could leave his saints forsaken or forlorn.
4 Can the fond mother e'er forget the infant whom she bore? And can its plaintive cries be heard, nor move compassion more?
5 She may forget: nature may fail a parent's heart to move; But Sion on my heart shall dwell in everlasting love.
6 Full in my sight, upon my hands I have engrav'd her name: My hands shall build her ruin'd walls, and raise her broken frame.
§Paraphrase XXV.
The chapter on which this paraphrase is founded is rather like a poetical history of the life of our Redeemer, than a prediction 700 years before he came in the flesh. Let me with wonder and awe reflect that Jesus should be so much unknown to the hearers of the gospel: but nothing less than almighty power can make us believe in him. How exactly verified are these predictions in the debasement and glory of the Redeemer! how ignorance and enmity lead men to despise and blaspheme him! O his infinite love in undertaking, obeying, and suffering for us! O his Father's love in transferring our sins, and with pleasure punishing them in his infinitely well-beloved Son! O how sweet, how full, how lasting a redemption it must be, that is through his blood! Let me rejoice, my Jesus shall have a glorious reward, and I and millions more shall share in his glories.
HOW few receive with cordial faith the tidings which we bring? How few have seen the arm reveal'd of heav'n's eternal King?
2 The Saviour comes! no outward pomp bespeaks his presence nigh; No earthly beauty shines in him to draw the carnal eye.
3 Fair as a beauteous tender flow'r amidst the desert grows, So slighted by a rebel race the heav'nly Saviour rose.
4 Rejected and despis'd of men, behold a man of woe! Grief was his close companion still through all his life below.
5 Yet all the griefs he felt were ours, ours were the woes he bore: Pangs, not his own, his spotless soul with bitter anguish tore.
6 We held him as condemn'd by Heav'n, an outcast from his God, While for our sins he groan'd, he bled, beneath his Father's rod.
7 His sacred blood hath wash'd our souls from sin's polluted stain; His stripes have heal'd us, and his death reviv'd our souls again.
8 We all, like sheep, had gone astray in ruin's fatal road: On him were our transgressions laid; he bore the mighty load.
9 Wrong'd and oppress'd, how meekly he in patient silence stood! Mute, as the peaceful harmless lamb, when brought to shed its blood.
10 Who can his generation tell? from prison see him led! With impious show of law condemn'd, and number'd with the dead.
11 'Midst sinners low in dust he lay; the rich a grave supply'd: Unspotted was his blameless life; unstain'd by sin he dy'd.
12 Yet God shall raise his head on high, though thus he brought him low; His sacred off'ring, when complete, shall terminate his woe.
13 For, saith the Lord, my pleasure then shall prosper in his hand; His shall a num'rous offspring be, and still his honours stand.
14 His soul, rejoicing, shall behold the purchase of his pain; And all the guilty whom he sav'd shall bless Messiah's reign.
15 He with the great shall share the spoil, and baffle all his foes; Though rank'd with sinners, here he fell, a conqueror he rose.
16 He dy'd to bear the guilt of men, that sin might be forgiv'n: He lives to bless them and defend, and plead their cause in heav'n.
§Paraphrase XXVI.
Here we have the door of faith opened to sinful men, to Gentiles, a door that no man can shut. Let me think how all the blessings of salvation are framed to answer our need! How the most needy, nay, the most notorious sinners, are expressly, are earnestly invited to partake of blessings, which he at infinite expense provided for sinners, for his enemies, who daily contemn him and blaspheme him! Let us in the believing reception of his grace seek God and return to him; let us welcome his word, coming down as rain; and be fruitful in every good word and work.
HO! ye that thirst, approach the spring where living waters flow: Free to that sacred fountain all without a price may go.
2 How long to streams of false delight will ye in crowds repair? How long your strength and substance waste on trifles, light as air?
3 My stores afford those rich supplies that health and pleasure give: Incline your ear, and come to me; the soul that hears shall live.
4 With you a cov'nant I will make, that ever shall endure; The hope which gladden'd David's heart my mercy hath made sure.
5 Behold he comes! your leader comes, with might and honour crown'd; A witness who shall spread my name to earth's remotest bound.
6 See! nations hasten to his call from ev'ry distant shore; Isles, yet unknown, shall bow to him, and Israel's God adore.
7 Seek ye the Lord while yet his ear is open to your call; While offer'd mercy still is near, before his footstool fall.
8 Let sinners quit their evil ways, their evil thoughts forego, And God, when they to him return, returning grace will show.
9 He pardons with o'erflowing love: for, hear the voice divine! My nature is not like to yours, nor like your ways are mine:
10 But far as heav'n's resplendent orbs beyond earth's spot extend, As far my thoughts, as far my ways, your ways and thoughts transcend.
11 And as the rains from heav'n distil, nor thither mount again, But swell the earth with fruitful juice, and all its tribes sustain:
12 So not a word that flows from me shall ineffectual fall; But universal nature prove obedient to my call.
13 With joy and peace shall then be led the glad converted lands; The lofty mountains then shall sing, the forests clap their hands.
14 Where briers grew 'midst barren wilds, shall firs and myrtles spring; And nature, through its utmost bounds, eternal praises sing.
§Paraphrase XXVII.
Here the infinitely high and lofty Jehovah is represented seated on his throne of grace, high and lifted up, yet in great condescension towards persons destitute, distressed, and broken in spirit, intimating he will not continue his judgments till such be ruined, but that he will dwell in them by his Spirit, and revive and comfort them. Happy are those in whom he dwells amidst all their trials. Behold, my soul, how God gives grace to the humble, and God indeed dwells in man upon earth.
THUS speaks the high and lofty One; ye tribes of earth, give ear; The words of your Almighty King with sacred rev'rence hear:
2 Amidst the majesty of heav'n my throne is fix'd on high; And through eternity I hear the praises of the sky:
3 Yet, looking down, I visit oft the humble hallow'd cell; And with the penitent who mourn 'tis my delight to dwell;
4 The downcast spirit to revive, the sad in soul to cheer; And from the bed of dust the man of heart contrite to rear.
5 With me dwells no relentless wrath against the human race; The souls which I have form'd shall find a refuge in my grace.
§Paraphrase XXVIII.
These words declare the duties of a fast, and the need of great brokenness of heart for, and of reformation from sin, in our professed humiliation for it, otherwise our fast, and our demure looks, will but provoke God to abhor us. No fast is suitably observed, if we repent not of our cruel conduct with respect to the bodies and souls of others; nor is it sanctified unless our hearts and hands be opened to our poor and distressed brethren. Let me not then trust to outward expressions of sorrow, but see that my heart be rent from and for sin.
ATTEND, and mark the solemn fast which to the Lord is dear; Disdain the false unhallow'd mask which vain dissemblers wear.
2 Do I delight in sorrow's dress? saith he who reigns above; The hanging head and rueful look, will they attract my love?
3 Let such as feel oppression's load thy tender pity share: And let the helpless, homeless poor, be thy peculiar care.
4 Go, bid the hungry orphan be with thy abundance blest; Invite the wand'rer to thy gate, and spread the couch of rest.
5 Let him who pines with piercing cold by thee be warm'd and clad; Be thine the blissful task to make the downcast mourner glad.
6 Then, bright as morning, shall come forth, in peace and joy, thy days; And glory from the Lord above shall shine on all thy ways.
§Paraphrase XXIX.
The design of the Prophet in the words paraphrased is to reconcile us to the afflictions of life Under them let us look up to God's sovereignty and his agency; in all that happens us, let us remember our sins are the cause of all the evils we suffer, and our reformation the end God intends: let us complain to God, but never of him. O my soul, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him.
AMIDST the mighty, where is he who saith, and it is done? Each varying scene of changeful life is from the Lord alone.
2 He gives in gladsome bow'rs to dwell, or clothes in sorrow's shroud; His hand hath form'd the light, his hand hath form'd the dark'ning cloud.
3 Why should a living man complain beneath the chast'ning rod? Our sins afflict us; and the cross must bring us back to God.
4 O sons of men! with anxious care your hearts and ways explore; Return from paths of vice to God: return, and sin no more!
§Paraphrase XXX.
Here are God's gracious directions how to act and speak in true repentance, and great encouragement to repent. While I sing these lines, let me think how ruinous sin is, and how necessary a gospel repentance for it is. Nothing more effectually leads to this than a firm faith of God's gospel grant of himself as our God. How marvellous that God should instruct what to pray for, as well as readily grant our requests! How happy and delightful to deal with a God of infinite mercy and goodness! How answerable his kind promises to the needs and prayers of those whom he instructs! O the marvellous change made on persons and societies by his all-powerful grace! Lord, under the influence of thy grace, may I grow up to him who is the head in all things, and be a good savour of Christ to all amongst whom I dwell.
COME, let us to the Lord our God with contrite hearts return; Our God is gracious, nor will leave the desolate to mourn.
2 His voice commands the tempest forth, and stills the stormy wave; And though his arm be strong to smite, 'tis also strong to save.
3 Long hath the night of sorrow reign'd; the dawn shall bring us light: God shall appear, and we shall rise with gladness in his sight.
4 Our hearts, if God we seek to know, shall know him, and rejoice; His coming like the morn shall be, like morning songs his voice.
5 As dew upon the tender herb, diffusing fragrance round; As show'rs that usher in the spring, and cheer the thirsty ground:
6 So shall his presence bless our souls, and shed a joyful light; That hallow'd morn shall chase away the sorrows of the night.
§Paraphrase XXXI.
In this passage God represents to men the vain methods they would take to recommend themselves to his favour, and then shows them the true method to enjoy this singular blessing. Think, my soul, what anxious inquiries after peace and pardon, deep convictions of guilt, or fondness of an enterprise, may occasion! By what costly expedients they would willingly clear their way. Not all the inventions of men can recommend us to God; and faith in the atonement, and in God as ours in Christ, true repentance and real holiness, are preferable to every ceremonial service. O the infinite kindness of God, in teaching us both by his word and rod!
THUS speaks the heathen: How shall man the Pow'r Supreme adore? With what accepted off'rings come his mercy to implore?
2 Shall clouds of incense to the skies with grateful odour speed? Or victims from a thousand hills upon the altar bleed?
3 Does justice nobler blood demand to save the sinner's life? Shall, trembling, in his offspring's side the father plunge the knife?
4 No: God rejects the bloody rites which blindfold zeal began; His oracles of truth proclaim the message brought to man.
5 He what is good hath clearly shown, O favour'd race! to thee; And what doth God require of those who bend to him the knee?
6 Thy deeds, let sacred justice rule; thy heart, let mercy fill; And, walking humbly with thy God, to him resign thy will.
§Paraphrase XXXII.
In this passage the prophet seems, under a view of the Chaldean invasion, to have supposed they would destroy every outward comfort in the country, so declares it as his resolution that he will take God as his all, and rejoice in him. O my soul, let me, like many of the best of men, under the want of all things, when all around is dark and dreary, claim God as mine, and rejoice in him, and particularly in the assured hope, that in the better world I shall hunger no more, nor thirst any more; but the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shall lead me to fountains of living waters.
WHAT though no flow'rs the fig-tree clothe, though vines their fruit deny, The labour of the olive fail, and fields no meat supply?
2 Though from the fold, with sad surprise, my flock cut off I see; Though famine pine in empty stalls, where herds were wont to be?
3 Yet in the Lord will I be glad, and glory in his love: In him I'll joy, who will the God of my salvation prove.
4 He to my tardy feet shall lend the swiftness of the roe; Till, rais'd on high, I safely dwell beyond the reach of woe.
5 God is the treasure of my soul, the source of lasting joy; A joy which want shall not impair, nor death itself destroy.
§Paraphrase XXXIII.
The prayer paraphrased here is at once the best form and the best model of prayer: and, short as it is, it is a summary of almost everything a Christian may or ought to seek from God. We are taught in it, in all our prayers to view God in Christ as our Father, and to prefer the concerns of his glory to our comfort We are further taught to ask for ourselves a competent portion of temporal things with God's blessing, the remission of our sins, our preservation from temptation, and our final deliverance from all sin and all misery; and withal, the conclusion contains an ascription of glory to God, and intimates we must draw our encouragement in prayer from nothing but from God himself. Let us say with the disciples, Lord, teach us to pray; and with the apostle, We know not what we should pray for as we ought; by thy Spirit make intercession for us.
FATHER of all! we bow to thee, who dwell'st in heav'n ador'd; But present still through all thy works, the universal Lord.
2 For ever hallow'd be thy name by all beneath the skies; And may thy kingdom still advance, till grace to glory rise.
3 A grateful homage may we yield, with hearts resign'd to thee; And as in heav'n thy will is done, on earth so let it be.
4 From day to day we humbly own the hand that feeds us still: Give us our bread, and teach to rest contented in thy will.
5 Our sins before thee we confess; O may they be forgiv'n! As we to others mercy show, we mercy beg from Heav'n.
6 Still let thy grace our life direct; from evil guard our way; And in temptation's fatal path permit us not to stray.
7 For thine the pow'r, the kingdom thine; all glory's due to thee: Thine from eternity they were, and thine shall ever be.
§Paraphrase XXXIV.
Mat. xi. 25, to the end.
Here we have first a prayer by the Redeemer to his Father, acquiescing in the awful and gracious determinations of his high decree, and one of the most eminent calls of the gospel, with its foundation. While I sing this, let me think of the unbounded and delightful fitness and fulness of Christ to save sinners, even the chief: and not by natural qualifications, or works of righteousness, but according to his own and his Father's rich and sovereign grace. How tender, extensive, and unhampered his invitations of self destroyed, restless slaves of Satan! How full his assurance of salvation directed to them! How pleasant the views of his love and influences of his Spirit render their service; and how easy his yoke of holiness and sufferings, in their way to their glorious crown!
THUS spoke the Saviour of the world, and rais'd his eyes to heav'n: To thee, O Father! Lord of all, eternal praise be giv'n.
2 Thou to the pure and lowly heart hast heav'nly truth reveal'd; Which from the self-conceited mind thy wisdom hath conceal'd.
3 Ev'n so! thou, Father, hast ordain'd thy high decree to stand; Nor men nor angels may presume the reason to demand.
4 Thou only know'st the Son: from thee my kingdom I receive; And none the Father know but they who in the Son believe.
5 Come then to me, all ye who groan, with guilt and fears opprest; Resign to me the willing heart, and I will give you rest.
6 Take up my yoke, and learn of me the meek and lowly mind; And thus your weary troubled souls repose and peace shall find.
7 For light and gentle is my yoke; the burden I impose Shall ease the heart, which groan'd before beneath a load of woes.
§Paraphrase XXXV.
Jesus, having loved his own which were in the world, loved them to the end. On this account, on the last night of his life, he instituted the sacramental supper, to be the perpetual memorial of his dying love. The bread represents him as God-man, chosen, appointed, and furnished by his Father, and suffering unto death for the redemption of his people. The wine represents his fulfilling all righteousness for the bringing and securing of all promised new-covenant blessings, particularly the full remission of sins to all who believe. Let a man examine himself, and so let him eat.
'TWAS on that night, when doom'd to know The eager rage of ev'ry foe, That night in which he was betray'd, The Saviour of the world took bread:
2 And, after thanks and glory giv'n To him that rules in earth and heav'n, That symbol of his flesh he broke, And thus to all his foll'wers spoke:
3 My broken body thus I give For you, for all; take, eat, and live; And oft the sacred rite renew, That brings my wondrous love to view.
4 Then in his hands the cup he rais'd, And God anew he thank'd and prais'd; While kindness in his bosom glow'd, And from his lips salvation flow'd.
5 My blood I thus pour forth, he cries, To cleanse the soul in sin that lies; In this the covenant is seal'd, And Heav'n's eternal grace reveal'd.
6 With love to man this cup is fraught, Let all partake the sacred draught; Through latest ages let it pour, In mem'ry of my dying hour.
§Paraphrase XXXVI.
This is the song of Mary the mother of our Lord. When we sing it, we may with her wonder at the riches of sovereign mercy, from whence all the blessings of redemption proceed. By what almighty power are they bestowed on us, notwithstanding all our unwillingness and unworthiness! What delightful ground for the firmest faith, the deepest humility, the profoundest admiration, the most ravishing joy and exalted praise! Thrice blessed to rejoice in a Saviour born for us and received into our heart, and in that salvation he brings near to all!
MY soul and spirit, fill'd with joy, my God and Saviour praise, Whose goodness did from poor estate his humble handmaid raise.
2 Me bless'd of God, the God of might, all ages shall proclaim; From age to age his mercy lasts, and holy is his name.
3 Strength with his arm th' Almighty show'd; the proud his looks abas'd; He cast the mighty to the ground, the meek to honour rais'd.
4 The hungry with good things were fill'd, the rich with hunger pin'd: He sent his servant Isr'el help, and call'd his love to mind;
5 Which to our fathers' ancient race his promise did ensure, To Abrah'm and his chosen seed, for ever to endure.
§Paraphrase XXXVII.
At the birth of princes great rejoicings are made among their subjects: they and their mirth soon die out. In the passage paraphrased we have an account of the birth of a Prince, the like to which was never on earth, that of the Prince of the kings of the earth. It is solemnized by a multitude of holy angels singing a song that shall never end: the subject of it is God incarnate, and all blessings through him to men, to me. To the highest glory of Jehovah, it is weekly kept up by the church militant, and will be the song of the triumphant for ever.
WHILE humble shepherds watch'd their flocks in Bethleh'm's plains by night, An angel sent from heav'n appear'd, and fill'd the plains with light.
2 Fear not, he said, (for sudden dread had seiz'd their troubled mind;) Glad tidings of great joy I bring to you, and all mankind.
3 To you, in David's town, this day is born, of David's line, The Saviour, who is Christ the Lord; and this shall be the sign:
4 The heav'nly babe you there shall find to human view display'd, All meanly wrapt in swaddling-bands, and in a manger laid.
5 Thus spake the seraph; and forthwith appear'd a shining throng Of angels, praising God; and thus address'd their joyful song:
6 All glory be to God on high, and to the earth be peace; Good-will is shown by Heav'n to men, and never more shall cease.
§Paraphrase XXXVIII.
Here we have the character of good old Simeon, his taking up the child Jesus in his arms, and his wishing for a dismission from the tents of separation below. May we not say, Thrice happy they who wait, and wait long, for the Lord. He will appear at last for their comfort and open their mouth in his praise; and it is only believing views of Jesus Christ that can render death and eternity pleasant and hopeful.
JUST and devout old Simeon liv'd; to him it was reveal'd, That Christ, the Lord, his eyes should see ere death his eyelids seal'd.
2 For this consoling gift of Heav'n to Isr'el's fallen state, From year to year with patient hope the aged saint did wait.
3 Nor did he wait in vain; for, lo! revolving years brought round, In season due, the happy day, which all his wishes crown'd.
4 When Jesus, to the temple brought by Mary's pious care, As Heav'n's appointed rites requir'd, to God was offer'd there,
5 Simeon into those sacred courts a heav'nly impulse drew; He saw the Virgin hold her Son, and straight his Lord he knew.
6 With holy joy upon his face the good old father smil'd; Then fondly in his wither'd arms he clasp'd the promis'd child:
7 And while he held the heav'n-born babe, ordain'd to bless mankind, Thus spoke, with earnest look, and heart exulting, yet resign'd:
8 Now, Lord! according to thy word, let me in peace depart; Mine eyes have thy salvation seen, and gladness fills my heart.
9 At length my arms embrace my Lord, now let their vigour cease; At last my eyes my Saviour see, now let them close in peace.
10 This great salvation, long prepar'd, and now disclos'd to view, Hath prov'd thy love was constant still, and promises were true.
11 That Sun I now behold, whose light shall heathen darkness chase: And rays of brightest glory pour around thy chosen race.
§Paraphrase XXXIX.
When we sing the commission of Jesus, may we not reflect how infinitely gracious he is, how appointed of the Father, and coming in his name to save us, and how answerable to all our needs. How suited to the most needy and most unworthy, shall we not hail thee the Desire of all nations! May we share of thy coming and kingdom. May thy name be known upon earth, thy saving health among all nations!
HARK, the glad sound, the Saviour comes! the Saviour promised long; Let ev'ry heart exult with joy, and ev'ry voice be song!
2 On him the Spirit, largely shed, exerts its sacred fire; Wisdom and might, and zeal and love, his holy breast inspire.
3 He comes! the pris'ners to relieve, in Satan's bondage held; The gates of brass before him burst, the iron fetters yield.
4 He comes! from dark'ning scales of vice to clear the inward sight; And on the eye-balls of the blind to pour celestial light.
5 He comes! the broken hearts to bind, the bleeding souls to cure; And with the treasures of his grace t' enrich the humble poor.
6 The sacred year has now revolv'd, accepted of the Lord, When Heav'n's high promise is fulfill'd, and Isr'el is restor'd.
7 Our glad hosannahs, Prince of Peace! thy welcome shall proclaim; And heav'n's exalted arches ring with thy most honour'd name.
§Paraphrase XL.
These verses contain a poetical version of almost all our Saviour's parable of the prodigal son. Here we may consider our conduct and condition as sinners, and God's conduct to us as a kind Redeemer. With respect to the first, how madly prodigal are we, covetous of present things, slaves to our lusts, abusing every gift of God to their service! How quickly, destitute of everything honourable, holy, or gladdening, we are involved in perplexity, disappointment, and wretchedness, yet obstinately bent on every course, however base or ruinous, rather than return to a gracious God! O the love of God in seeking out and saving the lost prodigal. How quick-sighted his mercy to espy our needs, and mark our cares and desires! How alert in hastening to our relief! How active and generous in drawing us to himself, embracing us when polluted, pardoning our sins, shedding abroad his love in our hearts, and supplying all our wants! What a change is produced by his grace; the lost is found, the dead in trespasses and sins quickened to God and his service! What ground of inexpressible joy to saints, to ministers, to angels, to God! Let us hear Jehovah's words and obey them: Return, O backsliding children! Behold we come unto thee, for thou art the Lord our God.
THE wretched prodigal behold in mis'ry lying low, Whom vice had sunk from high estate, and plung'd in want and woe.
2 While I, despis'd and scorn'd, he cries, starve in a foreign land, The meanest in my father's house is fed with bounteous hand:
3 I'll go, and with a mourning voice, fall down before his face: Father! I've sinn'd 'gainst Heav'n and thee, nor can deserve thy grace.
4 He said, and hasten'd to his home, to seek his father's love: The father sees him from afar, and all his bowels move.
5 He ran, and fell upon his neck, embrac'd and kiss'd his son: The grieving prodigal bewail'd the follies he had done.
6 No more, my father, can I hope to find paternal grace; My utmost wish is to obtain a servant's humble place.
7 Bring forth the fairest robe for him, the joyful father said; To him each mark of grace be shown, and ev'ry honour paid.
8 A day of feasting I ordain; let mirth and song abound: My son was dead, and lives again! was lost, and now is found!
9 Thus joy abounds in paradise among the hosts of heav'n, Soon as the sinner quits his sins, repents, and is forgiv'n.
§Paraphrase XLI.
The meaning of this passage is expressed in the following words: 'The Messiah must be put to death, in order to his bringing about the salvation of men; for as Moses lifted up the brazen serpent on a pole in the wilderness, as God's ordinance for healing the Israelites who had been mortally bitten by the fiery serpents, and did look on it for a cure; so the Messiah, though holy and harmless, appears in the likeness of sinful flesh, must be lifted up on the cross, afterwards lifted up to glory, and exhibited in the gospel as God's ordinance, for sinners to look to, by faith, for salvation; that every one, of whatever nation, who shall truly look to, and trust in him for salvation, may be completely delivered from all sin and misery. For God, who delights in mercy, freely made a deed of gift and grant of his own Son to sinners at large, that whoever receives him may not perish, but be blessed with holiness and happiness; for God sent not his Son into the world to pass and execute sentence of condemnation upon all others but Jews, but that persons of all nations may be saved; and every one, Jew or Gentile, who believes on Christ as offered in the gospel, is freed from condemnation; but whosoever rejects him remains under the curse, and has his guilt greatly increased.' Blessed God, let me see and feel my spiritual diseases, and look to Jesus and be healed.
AS when the Hebrew prophet rais'd the brazen serpent high, The wounded look'd, and straight were cur'd, the people ceas'd to die.
2 So from the Saviour on the cross a healing virtue flows; Who looks to him with lively faith is sav'd from endless woes.
3 For God gave up his Son to death, so gen'rous was his love, That all the faithful might enjoy eternal life above.
4 Not to condemn the sons of men the Son of God appear'd; No weapons in his hand are seen, nor voice of terror heard:
5 He came to raise our fallen state, and our lost hopes restore: Faith leads us to the mercy-seat, and bids us fear no more.
6 But vengeance just for ever lies on all the rebel race, Who God's eternal Son despise, and scorn his offer'd grace.
§Paraphrase XLII.
How tender and condescending is Christ to his people, wishing to remove all their anxieties and fears! What a safe and suitable object of faith! what time I am afraid let me trust in him. How great the glory to which he is advanced! What strong consolation to our soul, that he is our new and living way to God and glory, and that in his person, atonement, and administration; that he is risen from the dead, and in our nature ascended to heaven to secure our interest there, and provide delightful mansions for us. Amidst all my present uneasiness and fears, let me look forward to the glory which shall be revealed, and say, Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel while I live, and afterward bring me to glory.
LET not your hearts with anxious thoughts be troubled or dismay'd; But trust in Providence divine, and trust my gracious aid.
2 I to my Father's house return; there num'rous mansions stand, And glory manifold abounds through all the happy land.
3 I go your entrance to secure, and your abode prepare; Regions unknown are safe to you, when I, your friend, am there.
4 Thence shall I come, when ages close, to take you home with me; There we shall meet to part no more, and still together be.
5 I am the way, the truth, the life: no son of human race, But such as I conduct and guide, shall see my Father's face.
§Paraphrase XLIII.
Though the Redeemer is now gone from the world, with respect to his personal presence in flesh, blessed be his name, that for his sake the Spirit as a comforter, instructor, remembrancer, and intercessor, is sent in his room: by his indwelling and influential presence he will refresh and comfort us. All-blessed Redeemer, we praise thee, that though silver and gold thou hadst none, thou leftest us that peace that passeth all understanding, to solace us amid every tribulation we can endure. Let me never vex, resist, nor quench this Spirit, that by his benign influence I may enjoy this peace.
YOU now must hear my voice no more; my Father calls me home; But soon from heav'n the Holy Ghost, your Comforter, shall come.
2 That heav'nly Teacher, sent from God, shall your whole soul inspire; Your minds shall fill with sacred truth, your hearts with sacred fire.
3 Peace is the gift I leave with you; my peace to you bequeath; Peace that shall comfort you through life, and cheer your souls in death.
4 I give not as the world bestows, with promise false and vain; Nor cares, nor fears, shall wound the heart in which my words remain.
§Paraphrase XLIV.
Our Lord's last triumphant words are here expounded. O what glorious words, It is finished.—The divine purpose of my mission, with respect to the blessing of redemption, is finished; all that is written in the Prophets and in the Psalms, concerning my death, is now finished; the contest with the Prince of darkness, and all the powers of hell, is now finished; the pardon for sin, the hope of the redeemed, and redemption is now finished, and all that the Father gave me to do in the work of redemption. Our Lord declared this for the confusion of his enemies, to show his complacency in redemption work, and for the joy of all his friends. O my soul, let the finished work of Jesus be my only hope for eternity; and may he who hath begun a good work in me finish it unto the day of Christ.
BEHOLD the Saviour on the cross, a spectacle of woe! See from his agonizing wounds the blood incessant flow;
2 Till death's pale ensigns o'er his cheek and trembling lips were spread; Till light forsook his closing eyes, and life his drooping head!
3 'Tis finish'd—was his latest voice; these sacred accents o'er, He bow'd his head, gave up the ghost, and suffer'd pain no more.
4 'Tis finish'd--The Messiah dies for sins, but not his own; The great redemption is complete, and Satan's pow'r o'erthrown.
5 'Tis finish'd—All his groans are past; his blood, his pain, and toils, Have fully vanquished our foes, and crown'd him with their spoils.
6 'Tis finish'd—Legal worship ends, and gospel ages run; All old things now are past away, and a new world begun.
§Paraphrase XLV.
When I sing these lines, let me think how desperate-like their condition who harden themselves in sin from the mercies of God apprehended or experienced. How certain and awfully exact the future judgment on men by Jesus Christ! How correspondent to their qualities and works shall be the eternal punishments or gracious rewards of men; and all the means of illumination and grace will come into the account. Let us judge ourselves, and then we will not be condemned with the world. Enter not into judgment with thy servant: see God our shield, look on the face of thine Anointed.
UNGRATEFUL sinners! whence this scorn of God's long-suff'ring grace? And whence this madness that insults th' Almighty to his face?
2 Is it because his patience waits, and pitying bowels move, You multiply transgressions more, and scorn his offer'd love?
3 Dost thou not know, self-blinded man! his goodness is design'd To wake repentance in thy soul, and melt thy harden'd mind?
4 And wilt thou rather choose to meet th' Almighty as thy foe, And treasure up his wrath in store against the day of woe?
5 Soon shall that fatal day approach that must thy sentence seal, And righteous judgments, now unknown, in awful pomp reveal;
6 While they, who full of holy deeds to glory seek to rise, Continuing patient to the end, shall gain th' immortal prize.
§Paraphrase XLVI.
We have here an explanation of a sinner's justification before God. What fearful work the Divine denunciations must make on men's consciences, when God chargeth them home upon them; and how absurd to expect happiness by that law? which so deeply chargeth us with crimes! But how amazing that the righteousness of Jesus, and salvation through it, should be prepared for, offered and given to such monsters of guilt, Jews and Gentiles, and how exactly suited to all our needs! O let me count all things but dung that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness?, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.
VAIN are the hopes the sons of men upon their works have built; Their hearts by nature are unclean, their actions full of guilt.
2 Silent let Jew and Gentile stand, without one vaunting word; And, humbled low, confess their guilt before heav'n's righteous Lord.
3 No hope can on the law be built of justifying grace; The law, that shows the sinner's guilt, condemns him to his face.
4 Jesus! how glorious is thy grace! when in thy name we trust, Our faith receives a righteousness that makes the sinner just.
§Paraphrase XLVII.
Here we may reflect how groundless, how injurious is every charge of evil men, on the doctrine of free justification through the blessed righteousness of Christ! Nothing is more detestable to a renewed heart than to continue in sin, because, or that grace may abound. Though our good works do not found, yet they necessarily follow our justification by grace. To indulge ourselves in sin, or to neglect the study of holiness, is a flat contradiction to all the signification and engagements of our baptism, and absolutely inconsistent with our interest in the atonement, and with our character, privilege, or duty, as members of Christ, and partakers of his grace and glory.
AND shall we then go on to sin, that grace may more abound? Great God, forbid that such a thought should in our breast be found!
2 When to the sacred font we came, did not the rite proclaim, That, wash'd from sin, and all its stains, new creatures we became?
3 With Christ the Lord we dy'd to sin; with him to life we rise, To life, which now begun on earth, is perfect in the skies.
4 Too long enthrall'd to Satan's sway, we now are slaves no more; For Christ hath vanquish'd death and sin, our freedom to restore.
§Paraphrase XLVIII.
Romans viii. 31, to the end.
Happy are the people whose God is the Lord. His perfections, purposes, and providences, and the justifying death and powerful intercession of Christ, secure their full and eternal welfare. Why then as one, though the least of his people, should I not always triumph in what he is to us, hath done, and will do for and to us! Why not always rejoice exceedingly in hopes of the glory of God! Why are we not always wrapt up in wonder— all inflamed by the views of redeeming love! Why should any created thing disquiet our heart, when nothing can separate from Jesus' person, or deprive us of his and his Father's love! Blessed are the people who can give such a defiance to every enemy; in Jehovah's name they may rejoice all the day, and in his righteousness they are exalted.
LET Christian faith and hope dispel the fears of guilt and woe; The Lord Almighty is our friend, and who can prove a foe?
2 He who his Son, most dear and lov'd, gave up for us to die, Shall he not all things freely give that goodness can supply!
3 Behold the best, the greatest gift, of everlasting love! Behold the pledge of peace below, and perfect bliss above!
4 Where is the judge who can condemn, since God hath justify'd? Who shall charge those with guilt or crime for whom the Saviour dy'd?
5 The Saviour dy'd, but rose again triumphant from the grave; And pleads our cause at God's right hand, omnipotent to save. 6 Who then can e'er divide us more from Jesus and his love, Or break the sacred chain that binds the earth to heav'n above?
7 Let troubles rise, and terrors frown, and days of darkness fall; Through him all dangers we'll defy, and more than conquer all. 8 Nor death nor life, nor earth nor hell, nor time's destroying sway, Can e'er efface us from his heart, or make his love decay.
9 Each future period that will bless as it has bless'd the past; He lov'd us from the first of time, he loves us to the last.
§Paraphrase XLIX.
Here the apostle recommends love or charity, as indispensably necessary, as transcendently excellent and useful, and as most durable. In considering this passage I see what splendid and pompous appearances men may make in the church, and yet be destitute of real principles of grace. No gifts, no sufferings, can avail, unless they be connected with a principle of saving faith and love to him and to his people. How marvellous the excellency and usefulness of true evangelical love! What benevolence, meekness, patience, humility, forbearance, candour, willingness to believe and hope the best! What disinterested sympathy and generosity! What tender and friendly care it produceth! How much more durable than mere spiritual gifts; and thrice happy when saints arrive at a perfect knowledge of God; and when love, for promoting of which faith and hope were but means, shall eternally flame in all our breasts to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and towards our fellow-sharers in happiness. Let us love one another, for love is of God; let us above all things put on charity as the bond of perfection.
THOUGH perfect eloquence adorn'd my sweet persuading tongue, Though I could speak in higher strains than ever angel sung; 2 Though prophecy my soul inspir'd, and made all myst'ries plain: Yet, were I void of Christian love, these gifts were all in vain.
3 Nay, though my faith with boundless pow'r ev'n mountains could remove, I still am nothing, if I'm void of charity and love. 4 Although with lib'ral hand I gave my goods the poor to feed, Nay, gave my body to the flames, still fruitless were the deed.
5 Love suffers long; love envies not; but love is ever kind; She never boasteth of herself, nor proudly lifts the mind. 6 Love harbours no suspicious thought, is patient to the bad; Griev'd when she hears of sins and crimes, and in the truth is glad.
7 Love no unseemly carriage shows, nor selfishly confin'd; She glows with social tenderness, and feels for all mankind. 8 Love beareth much, much she believes, and still she hopes the best; Love meekly suffers many a wrong, though sore with hardship press'd.
9 Love still shall hold an endless reign in earth and heav'n above, When tongues shall cease, and prophets fail, and ev'ry gift but love. 10 Here all our gifts imperfect are; but better days draw nigh, When perfect light shall pour its rays, and all those shadows fly.
11 Like children here we speak and think, amus'd with childish toys; But when our pow'rs their manhood reach, we'll scorn our present joys. 12 Now dark and dim, as through a glass, are God and truth beheld; Then shall we see as face to face, and God shall be unveil'd.
13 Faith, Hope, and Love, now dwell on earth, and earth by them is blest; But Faith and Hope must yield to Love, of all the graces best. 14 Hope shall to full fruition rise, and Faith be sight above: These are the means, but this the end; for saints for ever love.
§Paraphrase L.
1 Cor. xv. 52, to the end.
This passage represents the resurrection of the just, their triumph over death and the grave; and improves the whole. How certain the glory of Jesus, and his high exaltation; and no less certain our resurrection, and future glory together with him! O the wonderful works of God in creation and providence, and much more in redemption, of which the former are but emblems! What a marvellous change shall be made on our bodies, to qualify them for their heavenly glory! With what joy we even now, through Christ, triumph over death and the grave! And to what unremitting activity in Christ's service should the believing views of our future, our eternal glories, animate our heart!
WHEN the last trumpet's awful voice this rending earth shall shake, When op'ning graves shall yield their charge, and dust to life awake; 2 Those bodies that corrupted fell shall incorrupted rise, And mortal forms shall spring to life immortal in the skies.
3 Behold what heav'nly prophets sung is now at last fulfill'd, That Death should yield his ancient reign, and, vanquish'd, quit the field. 4 Let Faith exalt her joyful voice, and thus begin to sing; O Grave! where is thy triumph now? and where, O Death! thy sting?
5 Thy sting was sin, and conscious guilt, 'twas this that arm'd thy dart; The law gave sin its strength and force to pierce the sinner's heart: 6 But God, whose name be ever bless'd! disarms that foe we dread, And makes us conqu'rors when we die, through Christ our living head.
7 Then stedfast let us still remain, though dangers rise around, And in the work prescrib'd by God yet more and more abound; 8 Assur'd that though we labour now, we labour not in vain, But, through the grace of heaven's great Lord, th' eternal crown shall gain.
§Paraphrase LI.
Here it is shown us how Paul and his fellow ministers and Christians were supported under their troubles; what frailty, sinfulness, and sorrows attend the best of men on earth! but happy they who have a blessed assurance of eternal fellowship with Christ in heaven! No wonder they long for it, and groan to be delivered from their present pressures and plagues. Happy they who are fitted for it, and have the Holy Ghost dwelling in their heart as an earnest of it, and who are diligently walking forward to it in faith and duty.
SOON shall this earthly frame, dissolv'd, in death and ruins lie; But better mansions wait the just, prepar'd above the sky. 2 An house eternal, built by God, shall lodge the holy mind; When once those prison-walls have fall'n by which 'tis now confin'd.
3 Hence, burden'd with a weight of clay we groan beneath the load, Waiting the hour which sets us free and brings us home to God. 4 We know, that when the soul, uncloth'd, shall from this body fly, 'Twill animate a purer frame with life that cannot die.
5 Such are the hopes that cheer the just these hopes their God hath giv'n; His Spirit is the earnest now, and seals their souls for heav'n. 6 We walk by faith of joys to come, faith grounded on his word; But while this body is our home, we mourn an absent Lord.
7 What faith rejoices to believe, we long and pant to see; We would be absent from the flesh, and present, Lord! with thee. 8 But still, or here, or going hence, to this our labours tend, That, in his service spent, our life may in his favour end.
9 For, lo! before the Son, as judge, th' assembled world shall stand, To take the punishment or prize from his unerring hand. 10 Impartial retributions then our different lives await; Our present actions, good or bad, shall fix our future fate.
§Paraphrase LII.
The object of the apostle, in this passage, is to recommend the practice of various graces, and this from the pattern and example of Christ. Christ our Lord, the great God, was a bond-servant under the law. What infinite condescension, self-debasement, and suffering for us, appears in his humiliation! What a glorious advancement at his Father's right hand, far above all heavens, and having all power in heaven and in earth! O the infinite obligation we have to contemplate, admire, love, adore, and serve him!
YE who the name of Jesus bear, his sacred steps pursue; And let that mind which was in him be also found in you. 2 Though in the form of God he was, his only Son declar'd, Nor to be equally ador'd as robb'ry did regard;
3 His greatness he for us abas'd, for us his glory vail'd; In human likeness dwelt on earth, his majesty conceal'd: 4 Nor only as a man appears, but stoops a servant low, Submits to death, nay, bears the cross, in all its shame and woe.
5 Hence God this gen'rous love to men with honours just hath crown'd, And rais'd the name of Jesus far above all names renown'd: 6 That at this name, with sacred awe, each humble knee should bow, Of hosts immortal in the skies, and nations spread below:
7 That all the prostrate pow'rs of hell might tremble at his word, And ev'ry tribe, and ev'ry tongue confess that he is Lord.
§Paraphrase LIII.
1 Thes. iv. 13, to the end.
In these words we are enjoined to moderate grief for the death of godly friends. We may reflect how absurd is immoderate grief for the death of Christians, who are taken to be with Christ, which is far better; and they shall be quickly raised in glory, and sit with him at the last judgment! O the inexpressible solemnity of that day, and the comfort and honour it will bring to the saints! Thrice blessed the people whose God is the Lord! In death they sleep in Jesus' bosom; in the resurrection they appear with him in glory; and through eternity they will see his face, sit with him on his throne, and serve him. Instead of immoderately grieving for the death of pious friends, let us be followers of them in faith and patience, and rejoice they are gone to the Father.
TAKE comfort, Christians, when your friends in Jesus fall asleep; Their better being never ends; why then dejected weep? 2 Why inconsolable, as those to whom no hope is giv'n? Death is the messenger of peace, and calls the soul to heav'n.
3 As Jesus dy'd, and rose again victorious from the dead; So his disciples rise, and reign with their triumphant Head. 4 The time draws nigh, when from the clouds Christ shall with shouts descend, And the last trumpet's awful voice the heav'ns and earth shall rend.
5 Then they who live shall changed be, and they who sleep shall wake; The graves shall yield their ancient charge, and earth's foundations shake. 6 The saints of God, from death set free, with joy shall mount on high; The heav'nly hosts with praises loud shall meet them in the sky.
7 Together to their Father's house with joyful hearts they go; And dwell for ever with the Lord, beyond the reach of woe. 8 A few short years of evil past, we reach the happy shore, Where death-divided friends at last shall meet, to part no more.
§Paraphrase LIV.
The foundation of these pleasant lines is the exercise of Paul here, and should be the exercise of every Christian. Surely I should glory in God's holy name; glory in nothing save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; confess him before men, who will, and does confess me before his Father and the holy angels. O the excellency of the gospel, as exhibiting and giving Christ and eternal life to me! Who would not, without fear or shame, cheerfully undergo the severest persecution for the sake of it and its blessings! Who would not, on the footing of it, commit his eternal salvation to the care of God!
I'M not asham'd to own my Lord, or to defend his cause, Maintain the glory of his cross, and honour all his laws. 2 Jesus, my Lord! I know his name, his name is all my boast; Nor will he put my soul to shame, nor let my hope be lost.
3 I know that safe with him remains, protected by his pow'r, What I've committed to his trust, till the decisive hour. 4 Then will he own his servant's name before his Father's face, And in the New Jerusalem appoint my soul a place.
§Paraphrase LV.
The apostle, in these lines, is exhibited standing on the verge of time. Looking back on what is over, and forward to what is to come, his views may be expressed in the following words, and should be adopted by all Christians: "I am now on the point of dying, and of going into the eternal world. In this situation, I have the testimony of the Spirit of God and my own conscience, that I have been enabled to behave like a good soldier of Jesus Christ, in fighting against all his enemies. I have held on my way through all the trials and labours to which I have been called, and am just finishing my course of service and sufferings; and have all along lived by faith on the pure doctrines of the gospel, and been faithful in publishing, defending, and acting upon them; and the rich experience I have had of the grace of God encourageth my joyful confidence that I am in a little to receive the glorious reward laid up in heaven, which Jesus, as the faithful and righteous Judge, shall publicly and freely bestow on me, and not to me only. but to all who have with faith and hope waited for his glorious appearing; and by his word and my past experience, I have an entire confidence in him, that he will keep me from doing anything unworthy of my character to get rid of persecution or the most cruel death, and enable me to persevere in his way, till he transport me to his glorious kingdom above. Be thou faithful, my soul, unto death, and thou shalt get a crown of life."
MY race is run; my warfare's o'er; the solemn hour is nigh, When, offer'd up to God, my soul shall wing its flight on high. 2 With heav'nly weapons I have fought the battles of the Lord; Finish'd my course, and kept the faith, depending on his word.
3 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown which cannot fade; The righteous Judge at that great day shall place it on my head. 4 Nor hath the Sov'reign Lord decreed this prize for me alone; But for all such as love like me th' appearance of his Son.
5 From ev'ry snare and evil work his grace shall me defend, And to his heav'nly kingdom safe shall bring me in the end.
§Paraphrase LVI.
When singing these lines, let us think how dreadful the wickedness in heart and life of every man by nature; how transcendent the grace, how precious the blood, how almighty the influence that can save such; that can without, nay, contrary to their deserts, renew their hearts after the image of God, justify their persons, and render them his adopted heirs of eternal life! Let me often look to my own worthlessness, survey Christ's blessings given to me in the gospel, and in the faith of these truths be careful to maintain good works.
HOW wretched was our former state, when, slaves to Satan's sway, With hearts disorder'd and impure, o'erwhelm'd in sin we lay! 2 But, O my soul! for ever praise, for ever love his name, Who turn'd thee from the fatal paths of folly, sin, and shame.
3 Vain and presumptuous is the trust which in our works we place, Salvation from a higher source flows to the human race. 4 'Tis from the mercy of our God that all our hopes begin; His mercy sav'd our souls from death, and wash'd our souls from sin.
5 His Spirit, through the Saviour shed, its sacred fire imparts, Refines our dross, and love divine rekindles in our hearts. 6 Thence rais'd from death, we live anew; and, justify'd by grace, We hope in glory to appear, and see our Father's face.
7 Let all who hold this faith and hope in holy deeds abound; Thus faith approves itself sincere, by active virtue crown'd.
§Paraphrase LVII.
Heb. iv. 14, to the end.
In perusing or singing this paraphrase, I may reflect, blessed be God, that while my Redeemer is his only begotten Son, he is our great, atoning, interceding High-priest and almighty Saviour; and that having had a sinless experience of our temptations and troubles, he is qualified with the tenderest compassion toward us, and is ascended on high to appear for us. How delightfully his character and work encourage to steadfastness in our Christian profession, and to familiar boldness in our dealings with God! O my soul, let all my requests and hopes of pardon, help, comfort, and glory, depend on Jehovah's grace and Jesus' merit!
JESUS, the Son of God, who once for us his life resign'd, Now lives in heav'n, our great High Priest, and never-dying friend. 2 Through life, through death, let us to him with constancy adhere; Faith shall supply new strength, and hope shall banish ev'ry fear.
3 To human weakness not severe is our High Priest above; His heart o'erflows with tenderness, his bowels melt with love. 4 With sympathetic feelings touch'd, he knows our feeble frame; He knows what sore temptations are, for he has felt the same.
5 But though he felt temptation's pow'r, unconquer'd he remain'd; Nor, 'midst the frailty of our frame, by sin was ever stain'd. 6 As, in the days of feeble flesh, he pour'd forth cries and tears; So, though exalted, still he feels what ev'ry Christian bears.
7 Then let us, with a filial heart, come boldly to the throne Of grace supreme, to tell our griefs, and all our wants make known: 8 That mercy we may there obtain for sins and errors past, And grace to help in time of need, while days of trial last.
§Paraphrase LVIII.
Another version of the same passage.
WHERE high the heav'nly temple stands, The house of God not made with hands, A great High Priest our nature wears, The guardian of mankind appears. 2 He who for men their surety stood, And pour'd on earth his precious blood, Pursues in heav'n his mighty plan, The Saviour and the friend of man.
3 Though now ascended up on high, He bends on earth a brother's eye; Partaker of the human name, He knows the frailty of our frame. 4 Our fellow-suff'rer yet retains A fellow-feeling of our pains; And still remembers in the skies His tears, his agonies, and cries.
5 In ev'ry pang that rends the heart, The Man of sorrows had a part; He sympathizes with our grief, And to the suff'rer sends relief. 6 With boldness, therefore, at the throne, Let us make all our sorrows known; And ask the aids of heav'nly pow'r To help us in the evil hour.
§Paraphrase LIX.
In singing these lines, I cannot but think what need of great care and activity in imitating ancient saints, and especially in imitating Jesus our forerunner, in persevering faith, patience, and holiness! and how great our encouragement in our success, and in his directing and strengthening us for our work! What kindness and care the Lord shows, in afflicting us for our profit and benefit, and yet how rarely we either relish or behave aright under afflictions, especially if they be severe! O the need of watchfulness, mutual excitement and assistance in our Christian course, and that the strong should bear with and help the weak!
BEHOLD what witnesses unseen encompass us around; Men, once like us, with suff'ring try'd, but now with glory crown'd. 2 Let us, with zeal like theirs inspir'd, begin the Christian race, And, freed from each encumb'ring weight, their holy footsteps trace.
3 Behold a witness nobler still, who trod affliction's path, Jesus, at once the finisher and author of our faith.
4 He for the joy before him set, so gen'rous was his love, Endur'd the cross, despis'd the shame, and now he reigns above.
5 If he the scorn of wicked men with patience did sustain, Becomes it those for whom he dy'd to murmur or complain? 6 Have ye like him to blood, to death, the cause of truth maintain'd? And is your heav'nly Father's voice forgotten or disdain'd?
7 My son, saith he, with patient mind endure the chast'ning rod; Believe, when by afflictions try'd, that thou art lov'd by God. 8 His children thus most dear to him, their heav'nly Father trains, Through all the hard experience led of sorrows and of pains.
9 We know he owns us for his sons, when we correction share; Nor wander as a bastard race, without our Father's care. 10 A father's voice with rev'rence we on earth have often heard; The Father of our spirits now demands the same regard.
11 Parents may err; but he is wise, nor lifts the rod in vain; His chast'nings serve to cure the soul by salutary pain. 12 Affliction, when it spreads around, may seem a field of woe; Yet there, at last, the happy fruits of righteousness shall grow.
13 Then let our hearts no more despond, our hands be weak no more; Still let us trust our Father's love, his wisdom still adore.
§Paraphrase LX.
In these words we have the object of prayer in his new covenant character, and also the matter of prayer. What a mercy that a reconciled God of grace, and a risen Saviour and chief Shepherd, have, by the new covenant, secured to us gracious influences, to make us completely holy. To him let us ascribe all the honour, and always pray and never faint; in everything by prayer and supplication let our requests be made known to God.
FATHER of peace, and God of love! we own thy pow'r to save, That pow'r by which our Shepherd rose victorious o'er the grave. 2 Him from the dead thou brought'st again, when, by his sacred blood, Confirm'd and seal'd for evermore, th' eternal cov'nant stood.
3 O may thy Spirit seal our souls, and mould them to thy will, That our weak hearts no more may stray, but keep thy precepts still; 4 That to perfection's sacred height we nearer still may rise, And all we think, and all we do, be pleasing in thine eyes.
§Paraphrase LXI.
The verses paraphrased lead us to exclaim, according to what unbounded mercy, and by what infinite power, we are endowed with new principles of grace, to the praise and honour of God! And amidst all trials may God's people triumph in the assured views and hopes founded on a risen Saviour, of their bright glories and complete salvation at the final appearing of Jesus Christ. O what power must be exerted to keep the best safe to the heavenly kingdom. Let my treasure be in heaven, and my heart there, set on things above, and not on things of the earth.
BLESS'D be the everlasting God, the Father of our Lord; Be his abounding mercy prais'd, his majesty ador'd. 2 When from the dead he rais'd his Son, and call'd him to the sky, He gave our souls a lively hope that they should never die.
3 To an inheritance divine he taught our hearts to rise; 'Tis uncorrupted, undefil'd, unfading in the skies. 4 Saints by the pow'r of God are kept till the salvation come: We walk by faith as strangers here; but Christ shall call us home.
§Paraphrase LXII.
The words of Peter, as inspired by God, here lead us to say, How precisely the Scripture foretells the conduct of its adversaries, our own Deists not excepted, and thereby renders their wicked opposition a proof of its own divine inspiration! In what tremendous manner will Jesus come at last! What perishing of heavens, melting of elements, and burning of the earth, will attend it! How terrible for carnal men, to have that world they have chosen for their portion, universally kindled into flames to give them a final adieu, and fearful introduction into hell! What a blessed change will ensue! new heavens and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness! In the contemplation and faith of these glorious events, how circumspect, holy, and religious we ought to be!
LO! in the last of days behold a faithless race arise; Their lawless lust their only rule; and thus the scoffer cries; 2 Where is the promise, deem'd so true, that spoke the Saviour near? E'er since our fathers slept in dust, no change has reach'd our ear.
3 Years roll'd on years successive glide, since first the world began, And on the tide of time still floats, secure, the bark of man. 4 Thus speaks the scoffer; but his words conceal the truth he knows, That from the waters' dark abyss the earth at first arose.
5 But when the sons of men began with one consent to stray, At Heav'n's command a deluge swept the godless race away. 6 A diff'rent fate is now prepar'd for Nature's trembling frame; Soon shall her orbs be all enwrapt in one devouring flame.
7 Reserv'd are sinners for the hour when to the gulf below, Arm'd with the hand of sov'reign pow'r, the Judge consigns his foe. 8 Though now, ye just! the time appears protracted, dark, unknown, An hour, a day, a thousand years, to heav'n's great Lord are one.
9 Still all may share his sov'reign grace, in ev'ry change secure; The meek, the suppliant contrite race, shall find his mercy sure. 10 The contrite race he counts his friends, forbids the suppliant's fall; Condemns reluctant, but extends the hope of grace to all.
11 Yet as the night-wrapp'd thief who lurks to seize th' expected prize, Thus steals the hour when Christ shall come, and thunder rend the skies. 12 Then at the loud, the solemn peal, the heav'ns shall burst away, The elements shall melt in flame at Nature's final day.
13 Since all this frame of things must end, as Heav'n has so decreed, How wise our inmost thoughts to guard, and watch o'er ev'ry deed; 14 Expecting calm th' appointed hour, when, Nature's conflict o'er, A new and better world shall rise, where sin is known no more.
§Paraphrase LXIII.
In singing these lines let me reflect how astonishing the love of God in making sinful men, children of Satan, his children by repentance and faith, notwithstanding of their mean, contemptible, and unknown appearance on earth. How great shall be their glory and happiness in the last judgment and in the eternal state! How powerfully evangelic, well-founded hopes of everlasting happiness influence to the study of holiness in heart and life! While I admire grace-bringing salvation, let me live soberly, righteously, in this present world.
BEHOLD th' amazing gift of love the Father hath bestow'd On us, the sinful sons of men, to call us sons of God! 2 Conceal'd as yet this honour lies, by this dark world unknown, A world that knew not when he came, ev'n God's eternal Son.
3 High is the rank we now possess; but higher we shall rise; Though what we shall hereafter be is hid from mortal eyes: 4 Our souls, we know, when he appears, shall bear his image bright; For all his glory, full disclos'd, shall open to our sight.
5 A hope so great, and so divine, may trials well endure; And purge the soul from sense and sin, as Christ himself is pure.
§Paraphrase LXIV.
The words paraphrased are an anthem of praise to our divine Redeemer. O how glorious and honoured these songsters, when by his love washed from the guilt, dominion, and filth of their sin in Jesus' blood, and made kings unto God and his Father! How terrible the condition, and dreadful the sentence and fate of Jesus' enemies, when he appears in his majesty and glory at the last judgment! Let me think what shall be my lot at that great and terrible day. If I have lived without preparation for it, let me, without a moment's farther delay, receive and rest on the Saviour for salvation. Now is the accepted time, and now is the day of salvation!
TO him that lov'd the souls of men, and wash'd us in his blood, To royal honours rais'd our head, and made us priests to God; 2 To him let ev'ry tongue be praise, and ev'ry heart be love! All grateful honours paid on earth, and nobler songs above!
3 Behold, on flying clouds he comes! his saints shall bless the day; While they that pierc'd him sadly mourn in anguish and dismay. 4 I am the First, and I the Last; time centres all in me; Th' Almighty God, who was, and is, and evermore shall be.
§Paraphrase LXV.
Rev. v. 6, to the end.
In this paraphrase we have a glorious and pleasant representation of the dignity of the Saviour, and of the employments and dignity of the heavenly state. May not I reflect how transcendently wonderful and glorious the character of Jesus! at once infinitely majestic, and yet endearingly meek, and marked with an atoning death for our sins? How extensive his power and authority, his wisdom and knowledge! How unbounded his fulness of the Holy Ghost, and his power of sending him to men! How delightfully ministers and saints, and even angels, triumph in, and praise him for his redemption work equally as his Father! God forbid my soul should be silent, when so many praise him!
BEHOLD the glories of the Lamb amidst his Father's throne; Prepare new honours for his name, and songs before unknown. 2 Lo! elders worship at his feet; the church adores around, With vials full of odours rich, and harps of sweetest sound.
3 These odours are the pray'rs of saints, these sounds the hymns they raise; God bends his ear to their requests, he loves to hear their praise. 4 Who shall the Father's record search, and hidden things reveal? Behold the Son that record takes, and opens ev'ry seal!
5 Hark how th' adoring hosts above with songs surround the throne! Ten thousand thousand are their tongues; but all their hearts are one. 6 Worthy the Lamb that dy'd, thy cry, to be exalted thus; Worthy the Lamb, let us reply, for he was slain for us.
7 To him be pow'r divine ascrib'd, and endless blessings paid; Salvation, glory, joy, remain for ever on his head! 8 Thou hast redeem'd us with thy blood, and set the pris'ners free; Thou mad'st us kings and priests to God, and we shall reign with thee.
9 From ev'ry kindred, ev'ry tongue, thou brought'st thy chosen race; And distant lands and isles have shar'd the riches of thy grace. 10 Let all that dwell above the sky, or on the earth below, With fields, and floods, and ocean's shores, to thee their homage show.
11 To Him who sits upon the throne, the God whom we adore, And to the Lamb that once was slain, be glory evermore.
§Paraphrase LXVI.
Rev. vii. 13, to the end.
The elder's answer to his own question is a representation chiefly of the glories of the heavenly world! How abundantly their labours and sufferings are there compensated. O their happiness in being free from sin and misery! their fulness of happiness and joy! their pure and glorious appearance! their immediate fellowship with Christ and his Father! their triumphs in his praise! Not to them, however, but to God, be the glory! Their whole salvation is owing to Jehovah's grace and Jesus' merits. Even their best works are not acceptable to God, but through the blood of his Son. Hold out, faith and patience, and I shall enter the joy of my Lord.
HOW bright these glorious spirits shine! whence all their white array? How came they to the blissful seats of everlasting day? 2 Lo! these are they from suff'rings great, who came to realms of light, And in the blood of Christ have wash'd those robes which shine so bright.
3 Now, with triumphal palms, they stand before the throne on high, And serve the God they love, amidst the glories of the sky. 4 His presence fills each heart with joy, tunes ev'ry mouth to sing: By day, by night, the sacred courts with glad hosannahs ring.
5 Hunger and thirst are felt no more, nor suns with scorching ray; God is their sun, whose cheering beams diffuse eternal day. 6 The Lamb which dwells amidst the throne shall o'er them still preside; Feed them with nourishment divine, and all their footsteps guide.
7 'Mong pastures green he'll lead his flock, where living streams appear; And God the Lord from ev'ry eye shall wipe off ev'ry tear.
§Paraphrase LXVII.
When we peruse these lines, we see as in a figure a new heaven and a new earth, and a new Jerusalem. These represent the church in her millennial and triumphant state. Of the last, particularly, we may say, What spiritual light, glory, honour, wealth, safety, satisfaction, all meet together? How new all things. far surpassing anything found or imagined before! What infinite enjoyment, God to be our all for ever! and how fearful the end of the wicked! Seeing we look for these things, let us be diligent to be found in peace, without spot and blameless!
LO! what a glorious sight appears to our admiring eyes! The former seas have pass'd away, the former earth and skies. 2 From heav'n the New Jerus'lem comes, all worthy of its Lord; See all things now at last renew'd, and paradise restor'd!
3 Attending angels shout for joy, and the bright armies sing; Mortals! behold the sacred seat of your descending King! 4 The God of glory down to men removes his bless'd abode; He dwells with men; his people they, and he his people's God.
5 His gracious hand shall wipe the tears from ev'ry weeping eye; And pains and groans, and griefs and fears, and death itself, shall die. 6 Behold, I change all human things! saith he, whose words are true; Lo! what was old is pass'd away, and all things are made new!
7 I am the First, and I the Last, through endless years the same; I AM, is my memorial still, and my eternal name. 8 Ho, ye that thirst! to you my grace shall hidden streams disclose, And open full the sacred spring, whence life for ever flows.
9 Bless'd is the man that overcomes; I'll own him for a son; A rich inheritance rewards the conquests he hath won. 10 But bloody hands and hearts unclean, and all the lying race, The faithless, and the scoffing crew, who spurn at offer'd grace;
11 They, seiz'd by justice, shall be doom'd in dark abyss to lie, And in the fiery burning lake the second death shall die. 12 O may we stand before the Lamb, when earth and seas are fled, And hear the Judge pronounce our name with blessings on our head!