Dr. Watts was her acknowledged model. She cries—
O for the animating fire
That tuned harmonious Watts’s lyre,
To sweet seraphic strains![106]
She was so modest and devout, suffered and sorrowed so much, that one is glad to know that some at least of her songs will take their place among the permanent treasures of Christian song. Her hymns are generally improved by the omission of some verses, and by slight changes; but Miss Steele is never guilty of the clumsy and offensive phrases which mar so many contemporary hymns. Her best-known hymns are ‘When I survey life’s varied scene,[107] and ‘Father of mercies, in Thy word.’
Here are a few verses from a hymn on the text, ‘Because I live, ye shall live also’ (John xiv. 19)—
If my immortal Saviour lives,
Then my immortal life is sure;
His word a firm foundation gives:
Here let me build and rest secure.