SECTION VIII. CHARACTER OF CHRIST, BEHOLD, where, in a mortal form, The noblest love of human kind In deeds of mercy, words of peace, To spread the rays of heav'nly light, To preach glad tidings to the poor, Lowly in heart, by all his friends, He wash'd their feet, he wip'd their tears, 'Midst keen reproach, and cruel scorn, His foes ungrateful, sought his life; In the last hour of deep distress, With soul resign'd, he bow'd, and said, Be Christ my pattern, and my guide! His image may I bear! O may I tread his sacred steps; ENFIELD. CHAPTER V. PATHETIC PIECES. SECTION I. THE WINTER'S DAY. WHEN raging storms deform the air, When biting frost rides on the wind, When the poor trav❜ller treads the plain, All dubious of his way, And crawls with night-increasing pain, And dreads the parting day: When poverty in vile attire, When the fond mother hugs her child And the poor infant, frost-beguil❜d, Then let your bounteous hand extend SECTION II. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF DIVINE FAVOURS. WHERE'ER I take my walks abroad, How many poor I see! What shall I render to my God, For all his gifts to me? Not more than others I deserve, How many children in the street, Half naked, I behold! While I am cloth'd from head to feet, While some poor creatures scarce can tell, I have a home wherein to dwell, While others early learn to swear, Are these thy favours day by day, To me above the rest? Then let me love thee more than they, And try to serve thee best. WATTS. SECTION III. THE EXCELLENCE OF THE BIBLE. GREAT God! with wonder and with praise But still thy wisdom, pow'r and grace, The stars, which in their courses roll, The fields provide me food, and show The goodness of the Lord; But fruits of life and glory grow In thy most holy word. Here are my choicest treasures hid, Here my best comfort lies: And hence my hopes arise. |