[THE following is one of the most remarkable compositions ever written. It evinces an ingenuity peculiarly its own. The initial letters spell, "My boast is in the glorious Cross of Christ." The words in italic, when read on the left hand side from top to bottom, and on the right hand side from bottom to top, form the Lord's prayer complete:—]
Make known the gospel truth, our Father, King;
Yield up thy grace, dear Father from above;
Bless us with hearts which feelingly can sing;
"Our light thou art forever, God of love."
Assuage our grief in love for Christ, we pray,
Since the Prince of Heaven and Glory died,
Took all sins and hallowed the display,
Infinite being, first man, and then was crucified.
Stupendous God ! thy grace and power make known ;
In Jesus' name let all the world rejoice,
Now labor in thy heavenly kingdom own—
That blessed kingdom, for thy saints the choice.
How vile to come to thee is all our cry,
Enemies to thyself and all that's thine,
Graceless our will, we live for vanity;
Loathing the very being, evil in design—
O God ! thy will be done from earth to Heaven;
Reclining on the gospel, let us live
In earth, and from sin delivered and forgiven.
Oh ! as thyself but teach us to forgive;
Unless its power temptation doth destroy,
Sure is our fall into the depths of woe.
Carnal in mind, we have not a glimpse of joy.
Raised against Heaven, in us no hope we know.
Oh, give us grace, and lead us on the way,
Shine on us with thy love and give us peace.
Self, and this sin that rises against us, slay.
Oh, grant each day our trespasses may cease;
Forgive our evil deeds that oft we do,
Convince us daily of them to our shame.
Help us with heavenly bread;* forgive us, too*,
Recurrent lusts, and we'll adore thy name.
In thy forgiveness as saints shall rise,
Since for us and our trespasses so high,
Thy Son, our Saviour, died our Sacrifice.