Preparation for Death, 65

Admonish'd of deliverance nigh,
Bred up in grief, and born to die,
A pensive sojourner
The way of all the earth I go,
And freely quit this vale below
Before my God to' appear.

My God in Christ the sinners' Friend,
To Him I faithfully commend
This parting soul of mine,
Object of His paternal love,
And mark'd for happiness above
With precious blood Divine.

Long in the land my days have been,
And much I have of evil seen,
And sick of seeing more,
Beyond these storms of trouble, I
Expect my eagle-wings to fly
To that eternal shore.

Thou hast, O God, in special grace
Fulfill'd the number of my days;
A man of misery
Detain'd beyond the age of man,
Why dost Thou still my soul detain
In banishment from Thee?

Thy goodness wills the kind delay,
That, wresthng on in prayer I may
Attain my calling's prize;
May help my friends and brethren too
The prize immortal to pursue,
And labour up the skies.
VOL. VII.! I
When all have heavenward set their face,
Resolved to run the Christian race,
And never, never rest,
Then, then accomplishing Thy word,
Fill up my faith, almighty Lord,
And take me to Thy breast.