THE COTTAGER'S HYMN.

My food is but spare,

And humble my cot,

Yet Jesus dwells there

And blesses my lot:

Though thinly I'm clad,

And tempests oft roll,

He's raiment, and bread,

And drink to my soul.

His presence is wealth,

His grace is a treasure,

His promise is health

And joy out of measure.

His word is my rest,

His spirit my guide:

In Him I am blest

Whatever betide.

Since Jesus is mine,

Adieu to all sorrow;

I ne'er shall repine,

Nor think of to-morrow:

The lily so fair,

And raven so black,

He nurses with care,

Then how shall I lack?

Each promise is sure,

That shines in His word,

And tells me, though poor,

I'm rich in my Lord.

Hence! Sorrow and Fear!

Since Jesus is nigh,

I'll dry up each tear

And stifle each sigh.

Though prince, duke, or lord,

Ne'er enter my shed,

King Jesus my board

With dainties does spread.

Since He is my guest,

For joy I shall sing,

And ever be blest

In Jesus my King.

With horrible din

Afflictions may swell,—

They cleanse me from sin,

They save me from hell:

They're all but the rod

Of Jesus, in love;

They lead me to God

And blessings above.

Through sickness and pain

I flee to my Lord,

Sweet comfort to gain,

And health from His word;

Bleak scarcities raise

A keener desire,

To feed on His grace,

And wear His attire.

The trials which frown,

Applied by His blood,

But plait me a crown,

And work for my good.

In praise I shall tell,

When throned in my rest,

The things which befell

Were always the best.

Whatever is hid

Shall burst on my sight

When hence I have fled

To glorious light.

Should chastisements lower,

Then let me resign;

Should kindnesses shower,

Let gratitude shine.

Hence! Sorrow and Fear!

Since Jesus is nigh,

I'll dry up each tear,

And stifle each sigh:

And clothed in His word

Will conquer my foes,

And follow my Lord

Wherever He goes.

My friends! let us fly

To Jesus our King;

And still as we hie,

Of grace let us sing.

Through pleasure and pain,

If faithful we prove,

For cots we shall gain

A palace above.