Bitter and Sweet

I

Kindle, Saviour, in my heart
A flame of love divine;
Hear, for mine I trust thou art,
And sure I would be thine:
If my soul has felt thy grace,
If to me thy name is known;
Why should trifles fill the place
Due to thyself alone?

II

’Tis a strange mysterious life
I live from day to day;
Light and darkness, peace and strife,
Bear an alternate sway:
When I think the battle won,
I have to fight it o’er again;
When I say I’m overthrown,
Relief I soon obtain.

III

Often at the mercy-seat,
While calling on thy name;
Swarms of evil thoughts I meet,
Which fill my soul with shame.
Agitated in my mind,
Like a feather in the air,
Can I thus a blessing find?
My soul, can this be pray’r?

IV

But when Christ, my Lord and Friend,
Is pleased to show his power,
All at once my troubles end,
And I’ve a golden hour:
Then I see his smiling face,
Feel the pledge of joys to come,
Often, Lord, repeat this grace
Till thou shalt call me home.