Hymns for Christian Devotion Part 60

362. L. M. Montgomery.

The Christian Warrior.

1 The Christian warrior, see him stand In the whole armor of his G.o.d; The spirit's sword is in his hand; His feet are with the gospel shod.

2 In panoply of truth complete, Salvation's helmet on his head, With righteousness, a breastplate meet, And faith's broad s.h.i.+eld before him spread.

3 With this omnipotence he moves; From this the alien armies flee; Till more than conqueror he proves, Through Christ, who gives him victory.

4 Thus strong in his Redeemer's strength, Sin, death and h.e.l.l he tramples down,-- Fights the good fight; and takes at length, Through mercy, an immortal crown.

363. L. M. G. Rogers.

Religion.

1 Religion! in its blessed ray All thought of hopeless sorrow flies, Despair and anguish melt away Where'er its healing beams arise.

How dark our sinful world would be-- A flowerless desert, dry and drear!

Did not this light, O G.o.d, from thee Its gloom dispel, its aspect cheer.

2 Oh! by it many a heart is soothed, Which else would be with sorrow crushed, And many a dying pillow smoothed, And sob of parting anguish hushed.

Across the troubled sky of time It doth the bow of promise bend, A symbol of that cloudless clime That waits the soul when time shall end.

3 Religion! may its holy light Our footsteps guide to paths of peace!

Our solace in deep sorrow's night, Our stay as mortal powers decrease.

With this our guide, we care not when Death's signal to depart is given; Its word shall bring our spirits then The calm and holy peace of heaven.

364. L. M. Watts.

The Humble and Pure Accepted.

1 Thus saith the high and lofty One: "I sit upon my holy throne; My name is G.o.d, I dwell on high, Dwell in my own eternity.

2 "But I descend to worlds below; On earth I have a mansion too; The humble spirit, and contrite, Is an abode of my delight.

3 "The humble soul my words revive; I bid the mourning sinner live; Heal all the broken hearts I find, And ease the sorrows of the mind.

4 "The soul that seeks me shall obtain Immortal wealth and heavenly gain; Eternal life is his reward, Life, and the favor of the Lord."

365. 7s. M. Methodist Coll.

A Call to Prayer.

1 They who seek the throne of grace Find that throne in every place; If we love a life of prayer, G.o.d is present everywhere.

2 In our sickness, in our health; In our want or in our wealth, If we look to G.o.d in prayer, G.o.d is present everywhere.

3 When our earthly comforts fail, When the woes of life prevail, 'Tis the time for earnest prayer, G.o.d is present everywhere.

4 Then, my soul, in every strait, To thy Father, come and wait; He will answer every prayer, G.o.d is present everywhere.

366. C. M. Anonymous.

Secret Prayer.

1 Sweet is the prayer whose holy stream In earnest pleading flows!

Devotion dwells upon the theme, And warm and warmer glows.

2 Faith grasps the blessing she desires; Hope points the upward gaze; And Love, celestial Love, inspires The eloquence of praise.

3 But sweeter far the still, small voice, Unheard by human ear, When G.o.d has made the heart rejoice, And dried the bitter tear.

4 No accents flow, no words ascend; All utterance faileth there; But Christian spirits comprehend, And G.o.d accepts the prayer.

367. L. M. Mrs. Barbauld.

The Warfare of the Soul.

1 Awake, my soul! lift up thine eyes!

See where thy foes against thee rise, In long array a numerous host; Awake, my soul! or thou art lost.

2 See where rebellious pa.s.sions rage, And fierce desires and l.u.s.ts engage; The meanest foe of all the train Has thousands and ten thousands slain.

3 Come then, my soul! now learn to wield The weight of thine immortal s.h.i.+eld; Put on the armor from above, Of heavenly truth and heavenly love.

4 The terror and the charm repel, And powers of earth and powers of h.e.l.l, The man of Calvary triumphed here;-- Why should his faithful followers fear?