Follow Me.
WITNESS, ye men and angels now,
Before the Lord we speak;
To him we make our solemn vow,
A vow we dare not break;
That long as life itself shall last,
Ourselves to Christ we yield;
Nor from his cause will we depart,
Nor ever quit the field.
We trust not in our native strength,
But on his grace rely,
That, with returning wants, the Lord
Will all our need supply.
O guide our doubtful feet aright,
And keep us in thy ways;
And while we turn our vows to prayers,
Turn thou our prayers to praise.
God with Me.
My God is with me every place-
Firmly does the promise stand-
On land or sea, with present grace,
Still to aid us near at hand.
If you ask, "Who is with thee?"
God is here- my God with me!
No depth, nor prison, nor the grave,
Can exclude him from his own;
His cheering presence shall I have,
If in crowds, or all alone.
In whatever state I be,
Everywhere is God with me!
My God for me! I dare to say,
God is the portion of my soul!
Nor need I tremble in dismay
When around me troubles roll.
If you ask, "What comforts thee?"
It is this God is for me!
Ah! faith has seen him cradled lie,
Here on earth a weeping child;
Has seen him for my vileness die
He, the sinless, undefiled!
And thus I know it true to be,
God, my Saviour, is for me!
In life, in death, with God so near,
Every battle I shall win,
Shall boldly press through dangers here,
Triumph over every sin!
"What!" you say, "a victor be?" No, not I, but God in me!
As birds their infant brood protect,
And spread their wings to shelter them,
Thus saith the Lord to his elect,
"So will I guard Jerusalem."
And what is then Jerusalem,
This darling object of his care?
Where is its worth in God's esteem?
Who built it? who inhabits there?
Jehovah founded it in blood,
The blood of his incarnate Son;
There dwell the saints, once foes to God,
The sinners whom he calls his own,
There, though besieged on every side,
Yet much beloved, and guarded well,
From age to age they have defied
The utmost force of earth and hell.
Let earth repent, and hell despair,
This city has a sure defence;
Her name is called "THE LORD IS THERE;"
And who has power to drive him thence?
GLORIOUS things of thee are spoken,
Zion, city of our God!
He whose word cannot be broken,
Formed thee for his own abode.
On the Rock of ages founded,
What can shake thy sure repose?
With salvation's walls surrounded,
Thou may'st smile at all thy foes.
See! the streams of living waters,
Springing from eternal love,
Well supply thy sons and daughters,
And all fears of want remove:
Who can faint while such a river
Ever flows their thirst t' assuage?
Grace, which like the Lord, the giver,
Never fails from age to age.
Round each habitation hovering,
See the cloud and fire appear,
For a glory and a covering,
Showing that the Lord is near.
Thus deriving from their banner
Light by night, and shade by day,
Safe they feed upon the manna
Which he gives them when they pray.
Blest inhabitants of Zion,
Washed in the Redeemer's blood!
Jesus, whom their souls rely on,
Makes them kings and priests to God.
'Tis his love his people raises
Over self to reign as kings,
And as priests, his solemn praises
Each for a thank-offering brings.
Saviour, if of Zion's city
I through grace a member am,
Let the world deride or pity,
I will glory in thy Name.
Fading is the worldling's pleasure,
All his boasted pomp and show;
Solid joys and lasting treasure
None but Zion's children know.
The Recompense of the Reward.
My soul, with all thy wakened powers,
Survey the heavenly prize,
Nor let these glittering toys of earth
Allure thy wandering eyes.
The splendid crown which Moses chose.
Still beams around his brow;
While soon the king of Egypt's pride
Was taught in death to bow.
The joys and treasures of a day
I cheerfully resign;
Rich in the everlasting store
Secured by grace divine.
Let fools my wiser choice deride,
Angels and God approve;
Nor scorn of men, nor rage of hell,
My steadfast soul shall move.
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