Hymns for Christian Devotion Part 31

192. L. M. Beddome.

The Gospel Revelation.

1 G.o.d, in the Gospel of his Son, Makes his eternal counsels known; 'Tis here his richest mercy shines, And truth is drawn in fairest lines.

2 Wisdom its dictates here imparts, To form our minds, to cheer our hearts; Its influence makes the sinner live; It bids the drooping saint revive.

3 Our raging pa.s.sions it controls, And comfort yields to contrite souls; It brings a better world in view, And guides us all our journey through.

4 May this blest volume ever lie Close to my heart, and near my eye, Till life's last hour my soul engage, And be my chosen heritage.

193. C. M. Watts.

Revelation. Ps. 119.

1 Let all the heathen writers join To form one perfect book, Great G.o.d, if once compared with thine, How mean their writings look!

2 Not the most perfect rules they gave Could show one sin forgiven, Nor lead a step beyond the grave; But thine conduct to heaven.

3 I've seen an end of what we call Perfection here below; How short the powers of nature fall, And can no farther go!

4 Our faith, and love, and every grace, Fall far below thy word; But perfect truth and righteousness Dwell only with the Lord.

194. L. M. Anonymous.

The Scriptures.

1 Lamp of our feet! whose hallowed beam Deep in our hearts its dwelling hath, How welcome is the cheering gleam Thou sheddest o'er our lowly path!

Light of our way! whose ways are flung In mercy o'er our pilgrim road, How blessed, its dark shades among, The star that guides us to our G.o.d.

2 In the sweet morning's hour of prime, Thy blessed words our lips engage, And round our hearths at evening time Our children spell the holy page; The waymark through long distant years, To guide their wandering footsteps on, Till thy last loveliest beam appears, Inscribed upon the churchyard stone.

3 Lamp of our feet! which day by day Are pa.s.sing to the quiet tomb, If on it fall thy peaceful ray, Our last low dwelling hath no gloom.

How beautiful their calm repose To whom thy blessed hope is given Whose pilgrimage on earth is closed By the unfolding gates of heaven!

195. C. M. Watts.

Comfort from the Bible.

1 Lord, I have made thy word my choice, My lasting heritage; There shall my n.o.blest powers rejoice, My warmest thoughts engage.

2 I'll read the histories of thy love, And keep thy laws in sight, While through the promises I rove, With ever-fresh delight.

3 'T is a broad land of wealth unknown, Where springs of life arise, Seeds of immortal bliss are sown, And hidden glory lies.

4 The best relief that mourners have, It makes our sorrows blest; Our fairest hope beyond the grave, And our eternal rest.

196. L. M. Anonymous.

The Same.

1 Thou Book of life!--in thee are found The mysteries of my Maker's will; Treasures of knowledge here abound, The deepest, loftiest mind to fill.

2 Thou art a banquet;--choicest food I'll seek in thee: thou art a rock, Whence pour sweet waters; every good From thee doth flow for Christ's own flock.

3 Light of the world! thy beams impart To lead my feet through life's dark way; O shine on this benighted heart, Nor let me from thy guidance stray.

4 Healer of all the woes of life!

The balm of souls diseased; to save From all earth's pain; and end the strife Of death, with victory o'er the grave!

197. S. M. E. Taylor.

The Bible.

1 It is the one true light, When other lamps grow dim, 'T will never burn less purely bright, Nor lead astray from Him.

It is Love's blessed band, That reaches from the throne To him--whoe'er he be--whose hand Will seize it for his own!

2 It is the golden key Unto celestial wealth, Joy to the sons of poverty, And to the sick man, health!

The gently proffer'd aid Of one who knows and best Supplies the beings he has made With what will make them blessed.

3 It is the sweetest sound That infant years can hear, Travelling across that holy ground, With G.o.d and angels near.

There rests the weary head, There age and sorrow go; And how it smooths the dying bed, O! let the Christian show!