Though cloudy skies, and northern blasts, Retard the gentle spring awhile; The sun will conqu’ror prove at last, And nature wear a vernal smile. | 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. | 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. | Such changes are for us decreed; Believers have their winters too; But spring shall certainly succeed, And all their former life renew. | 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. | 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. | 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. | 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. | |