Poem XVI In Temptation
Augustus Montague Toplady
COMPASS'D by the foe, on thee
Feebly I presume to call;
Get thyself the victory,
Hold me, and I shall not fall:
On thy creature mercy shew,
Thine I am by purchase too.
Guard of my defenceless heart,
Wherefore hidest thou thy face?
Mercy's fountain head thou art,
Ever full of truth and grace;
Quell the roaring lion's pow'r,
Father, save me from this hour.
Sun of righteousness, arise,
Shed thy blisful rays on me;
Kindly listen to my cries,
Try'd by him who tempted thee:
Thou my helpless soul defend,
Keep me blameless to the end.
Rise in vengeance from thy seat,
Jesus, Lord, make haste to save;
Me to sift my soul as wheat,
Satan hath desired to have:
Let him not too far prevail,
Suffer not faith to fail.
Try'd, afflicted, and distrest
By temptation's searching flame,
Tho’, beneath its load oppress'd,
Now in heaviness I am,
I shall soon at freedom be,
More than conqueror in thee.
O This affliction shall work out,
(Light and transient as it is)
When I am to Sion brought,
Everlasting joy and peace:
Here but for a moment try'd,
There for ever glorified.