THE new-born child of Gospel grace, Like some fair tree when summer's nigh, Beneath Emmanuel's shining face Lifts up his blooming branch on high. No fears he feels, he sees no foes, No conflict yet his faith employs, Nor has he learnt to whom he owes Thestrength and peace his soul enjoys. But sin soon darts its cruel sting, And comforts sinking day by day, What seemed his own, a self-fed spring, Proves but a brook that glides away. When Gideon armed his numerous host, The Lord soon made his numbers less; And said, "Lest Israel vainly boast, 'My arm procured me this success.'" Thus will he bring our spirits down, And draw our ebbing comforts low, That saved by grace, but not our own, We may not claim the praise we owe. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IN MEMORIAM A.H.H.: 54 by ALFRED TENNYSON THOUGHT OF A BRITON ON THE SUBJUGATION OF SWITZERLAND by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH EVENING by ISABELLA LOCKHART ALDERMAN EPIGAEA ASLEEP by WILLIAM WHITMAN BAILEY INSPIRATION by ABBIE FARWELL BROWN THE WANDERER: 4. IN SWITZERLAND: THE HEART AND NATURE by EDWARD ROBERT BULWER-LYTTON |