Songs XXVII and XXIX
A Song of Praise for Deliverance from Enemies Great God, who does the World command, Thou check'st both Wind and Waves: The Devils, which like Lions roar, Are thine enchanted Slaves. The Sons of Rage are smoking Brands, And Idols fear'd in vain: Thou, Lord, the only, only God, Their Fury dost restrain. Thou, Lord, didst smooth fierce Esau's Brow, And change his murm'ring Breath: Thou gav'st to him a Brother's Heart, Who vow'd his Brother's Death. Angels have arm'd at thy Command, And Stars have shot their Dart; Nature hath fought, and Miracles Have took thy Church's part. Thee, Lord, who still thy Church dost love, All Creatures must obey: And when for thine thou dost arise, Their Enemies, where are they1 . I cry'd to Heaven in my Distress, I to my God did flee; He with Compassion heard my Cry, He did arise for me. With humble Fear, and thankful Joy, Lord, at thy Feet I fall, Unfeignedly acknowledging, That Thou alone dost all. Thou art all Pow'r, thou art all Love, And so thou art to me: Blest be my God, now and henceforth, And to Eternity. | A Song of Praise for Deliverance from Imminent Dangers of Death Lord of my Life, Length of my Days, Thy Hand hath rescu'd me; Who lying at the Gates of Death Among the Dead was free. My dearest Friends I had resign'd Unto their Maker's Care: Methought I only time had left For a concluding Prayer. Methought Death laid his Hands on me, And did his Pris'ner bind; And by the Sound, methought I heard His Master's Feet behind. Methought I stood upon the Shore, And nothing could I see, But the vast Ocean, with my Eyes, A vast Eternity. Methought I heard the Midnight Cry, Behold the Bridegroom comes: Methought I was call'd to the Bar, Where Souls receive their Dooms. The World was at an End to me, As if it all did burn: But lo! There came a Voice from Heav'n, Which order'd my Return. Lord, I return'd at thy Command, What wilt thou have me do ? O let me wholly live to Thee, To whom my Life I owe! Fain would I dedicate to Thee The Remnant of my Days. Lord, with my Life renew my Heart, That both thy Name may praise. |