31.
Waiting for Spring.
1 THOUGH cloudy skies and northern blasts
Retard the gentle spring awhile,
The sun will conq ror prove at last,
And nature wear a vernal smile.
2 The promise which from age to age
Has brought the changing seasons round,
Again shall calm the winter s rage,
Perfume the air and paint the ground.
3 The virtue of that first command,
I know still does and will prevail,
That while the earth itself shall stand,
The spring and summer shall not fail.
4 Such changes are for us decreed ;
Believers have their winters too ;
But spring shall certainly succeed,
And all their former life renew.
5 Winter and spring have each their use,
And each in turn his people know ;
One kills the weeds their hearts produce,
The other makes their graces grow.
6 Though like dead trees awhile they seem,
Yet, having life within their root,
The welcome spring s reviving beam
Draws forth their blossoms, leaves, and fruit.
7 But if the tree indeed be dead,
It feels no change though spring return ;
Its leafless, naked, barren head,
Proclaims it only fit to burn.
8 Dear Lord, afford our souls a spring,
Thou know st our winter has been long:
Shine forth, and warm our hearts to sing,
And thy rich grace shall be our song.
