English poem
The Backslider recollecting himself in his Afflictions. Hosea ii. 6, 7
by Philip Doddridge (1773–1832)
The LORD, how kind are all his Ways, When most they seem severe! He frowns, and scourges, and rebukes, That we may learn his Fear.
With Thorns he fences up our Path, And builds a Wall around, To guard us from the Death, that lurks In Sin's forbidden Ground.
When other Lovers, sought in vain, Our fond Address despise, He opens his indulgent Arms With Pity in his Eyes.
Return, ye wand'ring Souls, return, And seek his tender Breast; Call back the Mem'ry of the Days, When there you found your Rest.
Behold, O LORD, we fly to Thee, Tho' Blushes veil our Face, Constrain'd our last Retreat to seek In thy much-injur'd Grace.
More by Philip Doddridge
- The active Christian. Luke xii. 35-38
- The Angel's Reply to the Women, that sought CHRIST. Matt. xxviii. 5, 6
- The Apostles and Christians chosen by CHRIST to bring forth permanent Fruit. John xv. 16
- The attractive Influence of a crucified Saviour. John xii. 32
- The Believer committing his departing Spirit to JESUS. Acts vii. 59
- The Blind and Weak led and supported in GOD'S Ways. Isaiah xlii. 16
- The Blood of CHRIST cleansing from all Sin. 1 John i. -7
- The Breath of our Nostrils taken in the Pits of the Enemy, applied to CHRIST. Lament. iv. 20