BAXTER's ' POEM~ . Now I have quit all self-pretence, Take charge of what's thine own, My life, my health, and m1 defenct, Now lie on thee alone. · · Now it belongs not to my care, Whether I die or live: To love and serve thee is my share : And this thy grace must give . If life be long, I will be glad, That I may long obey: If short; yet why should I be sad, That shall have the same pay. If death shalLbruise ~his springing seed ; Before it come to fruit; The will with thee goes for the deed; Thy life was in the root. Long life is a long grief and toil, .Jmd multiplieth faults: In long wars he may have the foil, 'fhat 'scapes in short assaults Would I long bear my heavy load ? And keep my sorrows long? Would I long sin against my God? . And hi~ dear mercy wrong ? )Jow much is si,nful flesh my foe, That doth my soul pervert ; To linger here in sin and woe, And 11teals from God my heart 71
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