English poem
The Breath of our Nostrils taken in the Pits of the Enemy, applied to CHRIST. Lament. iv. 20
by Philip Doddridge (1773–1832)
Blest Saviour, to my Heart more dear Than balmy Gales of vital Air, Were thy Soul-chearing Presence gone, What Use of Breath, unless to groan?
Thy Father's royal Hand hath shed In rich Profusion on thy Head Ten thousand Graces; Thou alone Canst share, and canst adorn his Throne.
But see the Sov'reign captive led, Snar'd in the Pit, which Traitors made, Fetter'd with ignominious Bands, And murder'd by rebellious Hands.
Ye Saints, to your expiring King Your tributary Sorrows bring: In loyal Crowds assemble round, And bathe in Tears each precious Wound.
But from the Caverns of the Grave He springs, omnipotent to save; The captive King ascends and reigns, And drags his conqu'red Foes in Chains.
Beneath his Shade our Souls shall live In all the Rapture Heav'n can give; Where Zion never shall deplore, And Heathens vex his Church no more.
More by Philip Doddridge
- The Backslider recollecting himself in his Afflictions. Hosea ii. 6, 7
- 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 Care of the Soul, the one Thing needful. Luke x. 42
- The Christian Farewel. 2 Cor. xiii. 11
- The Christian perfected by divine Grace through CHRIST. Heb. xiii. 20, 21
- The Christian rejoicing in the Views of Death and Judgment. Rev. xxii. 20