His Spirit mine relieveth With words of comfort blest, Shows how God succour giveth To all who seek His rest; And how a new and golden Fair city rear'd hath He, Which here from sight withholden, My joyful eyes shall see. My mansion's there so splendid, Prepar'd in yonder land; Though when my course is ended, I fall--Heav'n still doth stand. Though care here often saddens And causeth tears to flow, My Jesu's light oft gladdens And sweetens every woe. Whoe'er to Jesus bindeth Himself, doth Satan hate, He's troubled much and findeth His burden sore and great; To suffer scarce is able, Disgrace and scorn he meets, The cross and every trouble As daily bread he eats. My mind this clear perceiveth, Yet am I undismay'd; To Thee my heart aye cleaveth, On Thee shall cares be laid. Though life and limb it cost me And everything I have, Unshaken shall I trust Thee, Thee never shall I leave. The world may ruin shiver, Thou liv'st eternally, Nor sword nor flame shall ever Divide 'twixt Thee and me. No thirst nor gnawing hunger, No pain nor poverty, Nor mighty prince's anger Shall ever hinder me. No angel, nought that gladdens, No throne nor majesty, No love nor aught that saddens, No grief nor misery, Nor aught that man discovers, Be it small or great, From Thee, my heav'nly Lover's Embrace can separate. My heart with joy is springing, And sad I cannot be, 'Tis full of joy and singing, The sunshine doth it see. The Sun that looks with pleasure On me is Christ my King; The glory beyond measure That waits me, makes me sing. A SONG OF CHRISTIAN JOY. Why should sorrow ever grieve me? Christ is near, What can here E'er of Him deprive me? Who can rob me of my heaven That God's Son, As mine own, To my faith hath given? Naked was I and unswathèd When on earth At my birth My first breath I breathèd. Naked hence shall I betake me, When I go From earth's woe, And my breath forsake me. Nought--not e'en the life I'm living, Is mine own, God alone All to me is giving. Must I then His own restore Him? Though bereft Of each gift Still shall I adore Him. Though a heavy cross I'm bearing, And my heart Feels the smart, Shall I be despairing? God can help me, who doth send it, He doth know All my woe And how best to end it. God oft gives me days of gladness, Shall I grieve If He give Seasons too of sadness? God is good, and tempers ever Every hurt, Me desert Wholly can He never,