A memorial volume of sacred poetry by the late Sir John Bowring. To which is prefixed, a memoir of the author, by Lady Bowring |
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Temptation.
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 | A memorial volume of sacred poetry |  |
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Temptation.
O what a strange, a fearful strife,
When desolation's wintry breath
Disturbs the calm of peace—of life—
With the dark storms of doubt and death!
When desolation's wintry breath
Disturbs the calm of peace—of life—
With the dark storms of doubt and death!
O what a struggle wakes within
When, in the spirit's solitude,
The tempting, treach'rous thoughts of sin
In all their luring smiles intrude!
When, in the spirit's solitude,
The tempting, treach'rous thoughts of sin
In all their luring smiles intrude!
'Tis then, my Father! then I feel
My nature's weakness—and, oppressed,
Like a poor trembling child, I steal
To Thee, for safety and for rest.
My nature's weakness—and, oppressed,
Like a poor trembling child, I steal
To Thee, for safety and for rest.
Beneath Thy shadows let me live!
Be Thou my Friend—my Father be!
I bend in dust—I pray, Forgive
The erring child that flies to Thee!
Be Thou my Friend—my Father be!
I bend in dust—I pray, Forgive
The erring child that flies to Thee!
| A memorial volume of sacred poetry | |