And make a barren desert prove
The garden of the Lord.
96.
For a Garden-seat or Summer-house.
1 A shelter, from the rain or wind,
A shade from scorching heat,
A resting-place you here may find,
To ease your weary feet,
2 Enter, but with a serious thought,
Consider who is near!
This is a consecrated spot,—
The Lord is present here !
3 A question of the utmost weight,
While reading, meets your eye;
May conscience witness to your state,
And give a true reply!
4 Is Jesus to your heart reveal'd
As full of truth and grace?
And is his name your hope and shield,
Your rest and hiding-place?
5 If so, for all events prepared,
Whatever storms may rise,
He whom you love will safely guard,
And guide you to the skies.
6 No burning sun or storm or rain
Will there your peace annoy;
No sin, temptation, grief, or pain,
Intrude to damp your joy.
7 But if his name you have not known,
Oh, seek him while you may!
Lest you should meet his awful frown
In that approaching day.
8 When the avenging Judge you see
With terrors on his brow,
Where can you hide, or whither flee,
If you reject him now?
