PAGE 206:
PSALM 119. Sixth Part. C.M.
Holiness and comfort from the Word. (cont.)
2 |
Thy precepts often I survey;
I keep thy laws in sight,
Thro' all the bus'ness of the day,
To form my actions right.
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3 |
My heart in midnight silence cries,
"How sweet thy comforts be!"
My thoughts in holy wonder rise,
And bring their thanks to thee.
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4 |
And when my spirit drinks her fill,
At some good word of thine;
Not mighty men, that share the spoil,
Have joys compar'd to mine.
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PSALM 119. Seventh Part. C.M.
Imperfection of nature, and perfection of scripture.
1 |
LET all the heathen writers join,
To form one perfect book;
Great God! if once compar'd with thine,
How mean their writings look!
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2 |
Not the most perfect rules they gave
Could show one sin forgiv'n;
Nor lead a step beyond the grave;
But thine conduct to heav'n.
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3 |
I've seen an end of what we call
Perfection here below:
How short the pow'rs of nature fall!
And can no further go.
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4 |
Yet men would fain be just with God,
By works their hands have wrought;
But thy commands, exceeding broad,
Extend to ev'ry thought.
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5 |
In vain we boast perfection here,
While sin defiles our frame;
And sinks our virtues down so far,
They scarce deserve the name.
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PAGE 207
PSALM 119. Seventh Part. C.M.
Imperfection of nature, and perfection of scripture. (cont.)
6 |
Our faith and love, and ev'ry grace,
Fall far below thy word;
But perfect truth and righteousness
Dwell only with the Lord.
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PSALM 119. Eighth Part. C.M.
The excellency and variety of scripture.
1 |
LORD, I have made thy word my choice,
My lasting heritage;
There shall my noblest pow'rs rejoice,
My warmest thoughts engage.
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2 |
I'll read the hist'ries of thy love,
And keep thy laws in sight;
While thro' thy promises I rove,
With ever fresh delight.
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3 |
'Tis a broad land of wealth unknown,
Where springs of life arise;
Seeds of immortal bliss are sown,
And hidden glory lies.
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4 |
The best relief that mourners have;
It makes our sorrows blest;
Our fairest hope beyond the grave,
And our eternal rest.
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PSALM 119. Ninth Part. C.M.
The teaching of the Spirit with the Word.
1 |
THY mercies fill the earth, O Lord,
How good thy works appear!
Open mine eyes to read thy word,
And see thy wonders there.
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2 |
My heart was fashion'd by thy hand,
My service is thy due:
O make thy servant understand
The duties he must do!
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3 |
Since I'm a stranger here below,
Let not thy path be hid;
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