287. Renouncing all self-dependence to depend upon Christ alone.-C.M. For I was alive without the law once; but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.-ROM. vii. 9. HOW empty was our former boast, When in ourselves we put our trust, 2 Strong in the freedom of our will, 3 Our good desires, our hearts sincere, 4 [Alas, for us! we knew not then 5 But now, O gracious GoD, thy love 6 Freely thy love delights to save, 7 We own the sole procuring cause, 288. Renouncing all for Christ. L.M. I 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. -PHIL, iii. 8, 9. NO more, my God, I boast no more 2 Now, for the love I bear his name, 3 Yes, and I must and will esteem All things but loss for JESU's sake: Oh may my soul be found in him, And of his righteousness partake. 4 The best obedience of my hands Dares not appear before thy throne; But faith can answer thy demands, By pleading what my Lord has done. 289. Rejoicing in the Salvation of God. L.M. 1 The Lord liveth, and blessed be my rock; and let the GOD of my salvation be exalted.-PSALM Xviii, 46. JUST are thy ways, and true thy word, Great rock of my secure abode: Who is a GOD besides the Lord? Or where's a refuge like our God? 2 'Tis he that girds me with his might, Gives me his holy sword to wield; And, while with sin and hell I fight, Spreads his salvation for my shield. 3 He lives (and blessed be my rock), The God of my salvation lives: The dark designs of hell are broke; Sweet is the peace my Father gives. 4 Before the scoffers of the age I will exalt my Father's name; Nor tremble at their mighty rage, But meet reproach, and bear the shame. 5 To David and his royal seed, Thy grace for ever shall extend; Thy love to saints, in CHRIST their head, Knows not a limit nor an end. 290. Repenting. L.M. How shall I put thee among the children?-JER. iii. 19. PITY a helpless sinner, Lord, Who would believe thy gracious word : But own my heart,with shame and grief, 2 Lord, in thy house I'm told there's room, With doubts and fears behold I come: 3 For sinners, JESUS came to bleed; 291. Comfort Restored to the Repenting Backslider. C. M. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. PSALM li. 12. LORD, to my soul speak peace again, 2 And canst thou still vouchsafe to own A wretch so vile as I? And may I still approach thy throne, 30 then let saints and angels join, The grace that heals a fall like mine, 4 My SAVIOUR, by his pow'rful word, 5 Lord, let me wonder and adore : 292. Repenting. L. M. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquíties; create in me a clean heart, O GOD; and renew a right spirit within me.-PSALM li. 9, 10. O THOU that hear'st when sinners cry, Though all my crimes before thee lie, Behold them not with angry look, But blot their mem'ry from thy book. 2 Create my nature pure within, And form my soul averse from sin : O let thy Spirit ne'er depart, Nor hide thy presence from my heart. 3 I cannot live without thy light, Cast out and banish'd from thy sight; |