Classic Poem

The soull expostulating with god under a
sence, of the hiding of his face march 11
71/2

My god, why hidest thou thy face
my soull within me dyes
When thou witholds, the rays of grace
it breeds anxietys.

Oh give me leave, with thee to plead
and ask the reason why
Thou dost in paiths of darknese lead
and sorrows multiply.

If thou wilt not upon me smile
I sink and dye apace
Each step will seem to me a mile
in this my weary race.

But whether I have this, or no
I cannot be deny'd
Thy grace whilst here, on me to flow
and pleantuously reside.

To thee my god. I dare apeall
will this world fill my soull
If thou shouldst of it, to me deall
A larg, eternall dole.

If thou shouldst in it, let me live
to an eternity
And all its wealth, & tresure give
would that me, satisfie.

If thou shouldst say here take thy part
I can afford no more
Would it not break, my very hart
as if asunder tore.

Nay yet I'le goe another step
and once more, ask of thee
if I from hence, to heav'n might leap
and ther I might not see.

Or ever find, a deity
or have my fill of Christ
Would not his presence, in my eye
in hell, be more pris'd.

Was this the bargain, that was made
between thy self, & mee
Has not my god, in cov'nant said
I'le give my self to thee.

Did I not then acept, and take
thee on thy tearms, of grace
Oh doe not think quiet to make
my soull without thy face.
I'le leave thy promise, free, and full
before thee for to stand
Thou canst, not, wilt not disanull
what giv'n under thine hand.