English poem
CHRIST'S Service, the Fruit of our Labours on Earth. Phil. i. 22
by Philip Doddridge (1773–1832)
My gracious Lord, I own thy Right To ev'ry Service I can pay; And call it my supreme Delight To hear thy Dictates and obey.
What is my Being, but for Thee, Its sure Support, its noblest End? Thine ever-smiling Face to see, And serve the Cause of such a Friend?
I would not breathe for worldly Joy, Or to increase my worldly Good; Nor future Days or Pow'rs employ To spread a sounding Name abroad.
'Tis to my Saviour I would live; To Him, who for my Ransom died, Nor could untainted Eden give Such Bliss, as blossoms at his Side.
His Work my hoary Age shall bless, When youthful Vigour is no more; And my last Hour of Life confess His Love hath animating Pow'r.
More by Philip Doddridge
- CHRIST'S mysterious Conduct to be unfolded hereafter. John xiii. 7
- CHRIST'S Pity and Consolation for his troubled Disciples. John xiv. 1-3
- CHRIST'S Prayer for his Enemies. Luke xxiii. 34
- CHRIST'S second Appearance, &c. Heb. ix. 28
- CHRIST's Sheep described. John x. 27
- CHRIST's Sheep given by the Father, and guarded by Omnipotence. John x. 29, 30
- CHRIST'S Submission to his Father's Will. Matt. xxvi. 42
- CHRIST'S Transfiguration. Matt. xvii. 4