A Minister’s Praises

O GOD, MY EXCEEDING JOY,

Singing thy praises uplifts my heart,
    for thou art a fountain of delight,
      and dost bless the soul that joys in thee.
But because of my heart’s rebellion
I cannot always praise thee as I ought;
Yet I will at all times rest myself in
  thy excellences, goodness, and loving-kindness.
Thou art in Jesus the object of inexpressible joy,
  and I take exceeding pleasure in the thought
    of thee.
But Lord, I am sometimes thy enemy;
  my nature revolts and wanders from thee.
Though thou hast renewed me,
  yet evil corruptions urge me still to oppose thee.
Help me to extol thee with entire heart-submission,
  to be diligent in self-examination,
  to ask myself
    whether I am truly born again,
    whether my spirit is the spirit of thy children,
    whether my griefs are those that tear
      repenting hearts,
    whether my joys are the joys of faith,
    whether my confidence in Christ works
      by love and purifies the soul.
Give me the sweet results of faith,
  in my secret character, and in my public life.
Cast cords of love around my heart,
  then hold me and never let me go.
May the Saviour’s wounds sway me more
    than the sceptre of princes.
Let me love thee in a love that covers
    and swallows up all,
  that I may not violate my chaste union
    with the beloved;
There is much unconquered territory
    in my nature,
  scourge out the buyers and sellers
    of my soul’s temple,
  and give me in return pure desires,
    and longings after perfect holiness.

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