CCXVI. CHRIST'S Admonition to, and Care of Peter under approaching Trials.

HOW keen the Tempter's Malice is!
How artful, and how great!
Tho' not one Grain shall be destroy'd,
Yet will he sift the Wheat.

But GOD can all his Pow'r controul,
And gather-in his Chain;
And, where he seems to triumph most,
The captive Soul regain.

There is a Shepherd kind and strong,
Still watchful for his Sheep;
Nor shall th infernal Lion rend,
Whom he vouchsafes to keep.

Blest Jesus, intercede for us,
That we may fall no more;
O raise us, when we prostrate lie,
And Comfort lost restore.

Thy secret Energy impart,
That Faith may never fail;
But, 'midst whole Show'rs of fiery Darts,
That temper'd Shield prevail.

Secur'd ourselves by Grace divine,
We'll guard our Brethren too;
And, taught their Frailties by our own,
Our Care of them renew.