joy cometh in the morning.

M.M. Weinland.

383 Landis. S.M.

_God's Tenderness in Our Grief._ (883)

How tender is thy hand,
Oh, thou beloved Lord!
Afflictions come at thy command,
And leave us at thy word.

2 How gentle was the rod
That chastened us for sin!
How soon we found a smiling God,
Where deep distress had been!

3 A Father's hand we felt,
A Father's heart we knew;
With tears of penitence we knelt,
And found his word was true.

4 We told him all our grief,
We thought of Jesus' love;
A sense of pardon brought relief,
And bade our pains remove.

Thomas Hastings.

384 Retreat. L.M.

_The Mercy-Seat._ (787)

From every stormy wind that blows,
From every swelling tide of woes,
There is a calm, a sure retreat;--
'Tis found before the mercy-seat.

2 There is a place where Jesus sheds
The oil of gladness on our heads,--
A place, than all besides, more sweet;
It is the blood-bought mercy-seat.

3 There is a spot where spirits blend,
Where friend holds fellowship with friend;
Though sundered far, by faith they meet
Around one common mercy-seat.

4 There, there, on eagle's wings we soar,
And time, and sense seem all no more;
And heaven comes down our souls to greet,
And glory crowns the mercy-seat!

5 Oh! may my hand forget her skill,
My tongue be silent, cold, and still,
This bounding heart forget to beat,
If I forget the mercy-seat!

Hugh Stowell, 1827.

385 Retreat. L.M.

_Design of Prayer._ (796)

Prayer is appointed to convey
The blessings God designs to give:
Long as they live should Christians pray;
They learn to pray when first they live.

2 If pain afflict or wrongs oppress;
If cares distract, or fears dismay;
If guilt deject; if sin distress;
In every case, still watch and pray.

3 'Tis prayer supports the soul that's weak,
Tho' thought be broken, language lame,
Pray, if thou canst or canst not speak,
But pray with faith in Jesus' name.

4 Depend on him, thou canst not fail;
Make all thy wants and wishes known;
Fear not, his merits must prevail,
Ask but in faith, it shall be done.

Joseph Hart. _D._ 1768

386 Retreat. L.M.

_Psalm 104:34._ (794)

My God, is any hour so sweet
From blush of morn to evening star,
As that which calls me to thy feet,
The calm and holy hour of prayer?

2 Blest is the tranquil break of morn,
And blest the hush of solemn eve,
Whe