as the object of praise in every view in which we can imagine praise due to Him ; praise for all His blessings-yea, for all blessings, none coming from any other source; praise, by every creature specifically involved, 'here below, and in heaven above;' praise to Him in each of the characters wherein He has revealed Himself in His word-Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Yet this comprehensive verse is sufficiently simple, that by it out of the mouths of babes and sucklings praise might be perfected ;' and it appears so easy, that one is tempted to think hundreds of the sort might be made without trouble. The reader has only to try, and he will quickly be undeceived."*
This devout and conscientious prelate was born at Berkhampstead-also the birthplace of Cowper—July 1637, and died at Longleat, March 19, 1711. For four years he held the bishopric of Bath and Wells, but, refusing the oath of allegiance to King William, he was deprived, and spent the rest of his life in peaceful retirement.
Reflect all Heaven's propitious ways, In ardent love and cheerful praise. Wake, and lift up thyself, my heart, And with the angels bear thy part ; Who all night long, unwearied, sing Glory to the Eternal King. I wake, I wake, ye heavenly choir ; May your devotion me inspire, That I, like you, my age may spend, Like you, may on my God attend. May 1, like you, in God delight, Have all day long my God in sight; Perform, like you, my Maker's will: O may I never more do ill! Had I your wings, to heaven I'd fly, But God shall that defect supply, And my soul wing'd with warm desire, Shall all day long to hearen aspire. Glory to Thee who safe hast kept, And hast refresh'd me whilst I slept. Grant, Lord, when I from death shall wake, I may of endless life partake. I would not wake, nor rise again, Even heaven itself I would disdain, Wert not Thou there to be enjoy'd, And I in hymns to be employ’d. Heaven is, dear Lord, where'er Thou art, O never then from me depart ! For to my soul 'tis hell to be But for one moment without Thee. Lord, I my vows to Thee renew; Scatter my sins as morning dew; Guard my first springs of thouglit and will, And with Thyself my spirit fill. Direct, control, suggest, this day, All I desigu, or do, or say ;
That all my powers, with all their might, In Thy sole glory may unite. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him, all creatures here below, Praise Him above, ye angelic host, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
The faster sleep the sense does bind, The more unfetter'd is the mind; O may my soul from matter free, Thy unveil'd goodness waking see! O when shall I in endless day, For ever chase dark sleep away, And endless praise, with th' heavenly choir, Incessant sing, and never tire ? You, my blest Guardian, whilst I sleep, Close to my bed your vigils keep, Divine love into me instil, Stop all the avenues of ill.* Thought to thought with my soul converse, Celestial joys to me rehearse, And in my stead, all the night long Sing to my God a grateful song. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow, Praise Him, all creatures here below, Praise Him above, ye angelic lost, Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Lord, now my sleep does me forsake, The sole possession of me take; Let no vain fancy me illude, No one impure desire intrude. Bless'd angels, while we silent lie, Your hallelujalis sing on high ; You, ever wakeful near the throne, Prostrate adore the Three in One. I now awake do with you join, To praise our God in hymns divine; With you in heaven I hope to dwell,
And bid the night and world farewell. * It would have been better if this prayer had been addressed to the Divine Spirit Himself. As it is, it is too like the Romish invocation of angels.
My soul, when I shake off this dust, Lord, in Thy arms I will intrust : O make me Thy peculiar care, Some heavenly mansion me prepare. Give me a place at Thy saints' feet, Or some fallen angel's vacant seat; I'll strive to sing as loud as they, Who sit above in brighter day.
O may I always ready stand, With my lamp burning in my hand; May I in sight of heaven rejoice, Whene'er I hear the Bridegroom's voice. Glory to Thee in light array'd, Who light Thy dwelling-place hast mad An immense ocean of bright beams From Thy all-glorious Godhead streams.
The sun, in its meridian height, Is very darkness in Thy sight: My soul O lighten and inflame With thought and love of Thy great name.
Blest Jesu, Thou on heaven intent, Whole nights hast in devotion spent; But I, frail creature, soon am tired, And all my zeal is soon expired. My soul, how canst thou weary grow Of antedating heaven below, In sacred hymns and divine love, Which will eternal be above ? Shine on me, Lord, new life impart, Fresh ardours kindle in my heart; One ray of Thy all-quickening light Dispels the sloth and clouds of night. Lord, lest the tempter me surprise, Watch over thine own sacrifice; All loose, all idle thoughts cast out, And make my very dreams devout.
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