Page:Our Hymns.djvu/116

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96
OUR HYMNS:

things working together for good," on the same text. The hymn begins—

"My soul survey thy happiness."

"Oh happy soul that lives on high."—No. 695.

This is the hymn for Sermons ix. and x., on "The Hidden Life of a Christian, on the text "For ye are dead and your life is hid with Christ in God."—Col. iii. 3. Two verses are omitted.

"My God, the spring of all my joys."—No. 697.

Some critics struck by the excellencies of this hymn, have declared it his best production.

"Do flesh and nature dread to die?"—No. 716.

This is the hymn to Sermon xliii, on "Death, a Blessing to the Saints," on the text given under No. 718.

"Must friends and kindred droop and die?"—No. 718.

This is the hymn for Sermon xlii., on "Death of Kindred Improved," on the text 1 Cor. iii. 22., "Whether life or death—all are yours."

"There is a land of pure delight."—No. 742.

Local tradition connects this hymn with the neighbourhood of Southampton, and says that it was, while "looking out upon the beautiful scenery of the harbour and river, and the green glades of the New Forest on its farther bank, that the idea suggested itself to Dr. Watts of 'a land of pure delight,' and of 'sweet fields beyond the swelling flood, dressed in living green,' as an image of the heavenly 'Canaan.'"

The imagery of the verse

"There shall I bathe my weary soul
In seas of heavenly rest,
And not a wave of trouble roll
Across my peaceful breast."—No. 705.