English poem
Paul preaching and Felix trembling. Acts xxiv. 25
by Philip Doddridge (1773–1832)
Great Sov'reign of the human Heart, Thy mighty Energy impart, Which darts at once thro' Breasts of Steel, And makes the nether Milstone feel.
Let Sinners tremble at thy Word, Struck by the Terrors of the LORD; And, while they tremble, let them flee, And seek their Help, their Life from Thee.
O let them seize the present Day, Nor risk Salvation by Delay: To-morrow, LORD, to Thee belongs; This Night may vindicate thy Wrongs.
This Night may stop their fleeting Breath, And seal them to eternal Death, May veil Redemption from their Sight, And give them Flames instead of Light.
Or should succeeding Years remain, Years, with their Sabbaths, all in vain Before their darken'd Eyes may roll, And more obdurate leave the Soul.
Great Saviour, let thy Pity rise, And make the wretched Triflers wise; Lest Pangs and Tremblings felt in vain Hasten and feed immortal Pain.
More by Philip Doddridge
- On Recovery from Sickness, during which, much of the divine Favour had been experienced
- Our Desire and Groaning before GOD, when proceeding from the greatest Distress. Psal. xxxviii. 9. 10
- Our Prayers effectual, when we abide in CHRIST, and his Word abideth in us. John xv. 8
- Pardon spoken by CHRIST. Matthew ix. -2
- Paul's Sollicitude to finish his Course with Joy. Acts xx. 24
- Peace in CHRIST amidst Tribulations. John xvi. 33
- Peace proclaimed, and the Fruit of the Lips created by a gracious GOD. Isaiah lvii. 19
- Persecution to be expected by every true Christian. 2 Tim. iii. 12