441.
[Encompass'd by a world of sin]
“Your Redemption draweth nigh.”
Luke xxi. 28.
1
Encompass'd by a world of sin,
Grief must prevail, and trouble reign,
And our deliverance will begin,
As we are freed from Satan's chain:
Those, who the Lord their refuge make,
Behind, a voice directing, hear;
They have a hope, which naught can shake,
For their redemption draweth near!
2
When every heart endures dismay,
And sorrow leads to deeper cares;
When Hope resigns her colours gay,
And earth a wintry aspect wears:
Light, to believers, sudden springs,
Faith makes their prospects calm and clear;
They can rejoice, like ransomed kings,
For their redemption draweth near.
3
If riches act the treacherous part,
Or friends, in hour extreme, forsake;
If, on some darling of our heart,
The canker-worm should havoc make:
While others, toss'd and comfortless,
'Gainst heaven, the hand rebellious rear;
Christians, composed in their distress,
Behold redemption drawing near!
4
And when they view their final foe;
(Victor in every age and clime!)
When sickness, by advances slow,
Conducts them to the verge of time;
Their souls, with prospects bright, expand;
Through him, to contrite sinners dear,
They know, while angels round them stand,
That their redemption draweth near!
