William Cowper – published, Jul 6, 1774

“God Moves in a Mysterious Way”

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea
And rides upon the storm.

 

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs
And works His sovereign will.

 

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take;
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy and shall break
In blessings on your head.

 

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

 

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

 

Blind unbelief is sure to err
And scan His work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

 

William Cowper on this date, 7/6/1774, published “God Moves in a Mysterious Way.”

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John Hart Stockton – death, Mar. 25, 1877

“Only Trust Him”

 

Come, every soul by sin oppressed;
There’s mercy with the Lord,
And He will surely give you rest
By trusting in His Word.

Refrain

Only trust Him, only trust Him,
Only trust Him now;
He will save you, He will save you,
He will save you now.

2.

For Jesus shed His precious blood
Rich blessings to bestow;
Plunge now into the crimson flood
That washes white as snow.

3.

Yes, Jesus is the truth, the way,
That leads you into rest;
Believe in Him without delay
And you are fully blessed.

4.

Come, then, and join this holy band,
And on to glory go
To dwell in that celestial land
Where joys immortal flow.

5.

O Jesus, blessèd Jesus, dear,
I’m coming now to Thee;
Since Thou hast made the way so clear
And full salvation free.

 

John Hart Stockton died (3/25/1877) in Philadelphia, PA.  He was a converted to Christ at a Methodist Camp Meeting and became a Methodist.  He also wrote the music to : “Down at the Cross” (aka “Glory to His Name”) and “The Great Physician.”    

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Temple Talk

He went into the temple

Where you’d think one could look up.

But his attitude was humble,

He saw “dregs” in his cup.

 

He asked God for mercy;

He beat upon his chest,

Called himself a sinner

(Not better than the rest).

 

He cast his eyes downward,

They sought the lowly ground.

But God, who measures all things:

The simple, the profound,

 

Liked his honest spirit,

Heard his call and cry,

Knew he meant his temple-talk,

Knew it more than “humble pie,”

 

And justified his soul;

He went back to his own place,

With a calm in his heart,

And heaven’s smile upon his face.

 

Friend, the next time you go to meeting,

The next time you’re in church

Avoid petty piousness,

Avoid the highest perch.

 

Look at God, worship Him,

And see yourself contrasted,

As this man of old did. 

His grace has ever lasted.            – eab, 5/2000

 

Written while Associate Professor Bible at Hobe Sound Bible College, Florida

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