5 But if we trace those crooked ways That the old serpent drew, The wrath that drove him first to hell Shall smite his followers too. Psalm 125:2. S. M. The saints' trial and safety; or, Moderated afflictions. 1 Firm and unmov'd are they That rest their souls on God; Firm as the mount where David dwelt Or where the ark abode. 2 As mountains stood to guard The city's sacred ground, So God and his almighty love Embrace his saints around. 3 What tho' the Father's rod Drop a chastising stroke, Yet, lest it wound their souls too deep, Its fury shall be broke. 4 Deal gently, Lord, with those Whose faith and pious fear, Whose hope, and love, and every grace Proclaim their hearts sincere. 5 Nor shall the tyrant's rage Too long oppress the saint; The God of Israel will support His children lest they faint. 6 But if our slavish fear Will chuse the road to hell, We must expect our portion there Where bolder sinners dwell. Psalm 126:1. L. M. Surprising deliverance. 1 When God restor'd our captive state, Joy was our song, and grace our theme; The grace beyond our hopes so great, That joy appear'd a painted dream. 2 The scoffer owns thy hand, and pays Unwilling honours to thy Name; While we with pleasure shout thy praise, With cheerful notes thy love proclaim. 3 When we review our dismal fears, 'Twas hard to think they'd vanish so; With God we left our flowing tears, He makes our joys like rivers flow. 4 The man that in his furrow'd field His scatter'd seed with sadness leaves, Will shout to see the harvest yield A welcome load of joyful sheaves. Psalm 126:2. C. M. The joy of a remarkable conversion; or, Melancholy removed. 1 When God reveal'd his gracious Name, And chang'd my mournful state, My rapture seem'd a pleasing dream, The grace appear'd so great. 2 The world beheld the glorious change, And did thy hand confess; My tongue broke out in unknown strains, And sung surprising grace: 3 "Great is the work," my neighbours cry'd, And own'd the power divine; "Great is the work," my heart reply'd, "And be the glory thine." 4 The Lord can clear the darkest skies, Can give us day for night, Make drops of sacred sorrow rise To rivers of delight. 5 Let those that sow in sadness wait Till the fair harvest come, They shall confess their sheaves are great, And shout the blessings home. 6 Tho' seed lie bury'd long in dust, It shan't deceive their hope; The precious grain can ne'er be lost, For grace insures the crop. Psalm 127:1. L. M. The blessing of God on the business and comforts of life. 1 If God succeed not, all the cost And pains to build the house are lost: If God the city will not keep, The watchful guards as well may sleep. 3 What if you rise before the sun, And work and toil when day is done, Careful and sparing eat your bread, To shun that poverty you dread; 3 'Tis all in vain, till God hath blest; He can make rich, yet give us rest: Children and friends are blessings too, If God our sovereign make them so.