Give Me That Old Time Gospel

[Soldier4Christ]

Sources of Sorrow -- The Sins of Others

Rivers of water run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law. Psalm 119:136

I sorrow for the mental night
In which mankind around me lie:
Almighty Father, by thy might,
Arouse them from their lethargy.

[Soldier4Christ]

Sources of Sorrow -- The Number of the Wicked

Broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Matt. 7:13, 14

Strait is the way, the door is strait,
Which leads to joys on high:
'Tis but a few that find the gate,
While crowds mistake, and die.

[Soldier4Christ]

Sorrow Chosen Rather than Sin

Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. Heb. 11:24, 25

It is not for me to be seeking my bliss,
And building my hopes in a region like this
I look for a city which hands have not piled;
I pant for a country by sin undefiled.

[Soldier4Christ]

Believer's Confidence in Trouble

Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. Hab. 3:17, 18

Although my wealth and comfort's lost,
My blooming hopes cut off I see,
Yet will I in my Saviour trust,
Whose matchless grace can reach to me.

[Soldier4Christ]

Believer's Comfort in Trouble

This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. Psalm 119:50

Thus trusting in thy word, I tread
The narrow path of duty on;
What though some cherish'd joys are fled?
What though some flattering dreams are gone?
Yet purer brighter joys remain:
Why should my spirit then complain?

[Soldier4Christ]

Christ an Example to the Afflicted

Even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps. 1 Pet. 2:21

Our glorious Leader claims our praise
For his own pattern given,
While the long cloud of witnesses
Show the same path to heaven.

[Soldier4Christ]

The Patriarchs Examples to the Afflicted

Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of withnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us. Heb. 12:1

Once they were mourning here below,
And wet their couch with tears;
They wrestled hard, as we do now,
With sins, and doubts, and fears.

[Soldier4Christ]

The Prophets Examples to the Afflicted

Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. James 5:10

And shall not we aspire,
Like them our course to run?
The crown if we would wear,
The cross must first be borne.
Divinely taught, they show'd the way,
First to believe, and then obey.

[Soldier4Christ]

Benefits of Affliction -- Self-Abasement

Surely after that I was instructed, I smote upon my thigh: I was ashamed, yea, even confounded, because I did bear the reproach of my youth. Jer. 31:19

Dumb at thy feet I lie,
For thou hast brought me low;
Remove thy judgements, lest I die;
I faint beneath thy blow.

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Benefits of Affliction -- Contrition for Sin

I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early. Hos. 5:15

What though afflictions pierced my heart!
I bless the hand that caused the smart;
It taught my tears awhile to flow,
But saved me from eternal woe.

[Soldier4Christ]

Benefits of Affliction -- Patience

The trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. James 1:3, 4

Through waves, and clouds, and storms,
He gently clears thy way:
Wait thou his time -- the darkest night
Shall end in brightest day.

[Soldier4Christ]

Benefits of Affliction -- Humility

If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up mine head. I am full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction. Job 10:15

To the heart truly humbled by woe,
The annointing of joy shall be given;
To the tears that from penitence flow,
The peace that's the forerunner of heaven.

[Soldier4Christ]

Benefits of Affliction -- Submission

I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it. Psalm 39:9

Take all, great God, I will not grieve,
But still will wish that I had still to give:
I hear thy voice, thou bidd'st me quit
My paradise; I bless, and do submit;
I will not murmur at thy word,
Nor beg thy angel to sheath up his sword.

[Soldier4Christ]

Benefits of Affliction -- Hope

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. Psalm 42:5

The gloomiest day hath gleams of light,
The darkest wave hath bright foam near it;
And twinkles through the cloudiest night
Some solitary star to cheer it.

[Soldier4Christ]

Benefits of Affliction -- Holiness

Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless, afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. Heb. 12:11

Our hearts are fasten'd to this world
By strong and endless ties;
But every sorrow cuts a string,
And urges us to rise.