Then fallen reason s boasted moon
Appears no longer bright.
6 And grace, not light alone, bestows,
But adds a quick ning power;
The desert blossoms like the rose,
And sin prevails no more.
87.
The Sea.[1]
1 IF for a time the air be calm,
Serene and smooth the sea appears,
And shows no danger to alarm
Th inexperienced landsman's fears;
2 But if the tempest once arise,
The faithless water swells and raves ;
Its billows foaming to the skies,
Disclose a thousand threat'ning graves.
3 My untried heart thus seem d to me
(So little of myself I knew,)
Smooth as the calm unruffled sea,
But ah ! it proved as treach'rous too.
4 The peace of which I had a taste
When Jesus first his love reveal d,
I fondly hoped would always last
Because my foes were then conceal d.
5 But when I felt the tempter s power
Rouse my corruptions from their sleep,
I trembled at the stormy hour,
And saw the horrors of the deep.
6 Now on presumption's billows borne,
My spirit seem d the Lord to dare;
Now, quick as thought, a sudden turn
Plunged me in gulfs of black despair.
7 Lord, save me, or I sink, I pray'd;
He heard, and bid the tempest cease ;
- ↑ Book i, Hymn 115.