BAXTER'S POEMS. 65 Long it was, Lord, alas! too long, Before· I knew myself or. thee: Vanity ruled my heart and tongue: And 0 that ret my soul were free ! But while I sinned thou wast kind, And sent'st thy word and spirit of grace ; Thy light di_d change my darken'd mind, And shewed me my wretched case. Though I drew back, thou didst prevail ; And I gave up myself to thee. ;fhou undertook?-st for wind and sail ; Both ship and pilot thou wouldst be. I turn'd my back on worldly toys ; And set my face tow'rds glory's shore; Where thou hast promised highest joys, And blessedness for evermore. I took my leave of sin and earth ; What I had loved, I now did hate: Ashamed ofmy former birth, . I gave my life a newer date. But since that time how I am toss'd! Mraid of every storm and wave: Almost concluding I am lost, As if thou wouldst not help and save. If I look out beyond thine ark, Nothing but raging seas I see: On this side Heav'n all's deep and dark: But I look further unto thee. Censures and scorns, and frowns, I bea1:: Storms which before I never found ;
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTcyMjk=