Part 49 (1/2)

G.o.d reconciled in Christ.

1 Dearest of all the names above My Jesus, and my G.o.d, Who can resist thy heavenly love, Or trifle with thy blood?

2 'Tis by the merits of thy death The Father smiles again; 'Tis by thine interceding breath The Spirit dwells with men.

3 Till G.o.d in human flesh I see, My thoughts no comfort find; The holy, just, and sacred Three Are terrors to my mind.

4 But if Immanuel's face appear, My hope, my joy, begins; His Name forbids my slavish fear, His grace removes my sins.

5 While Jews on their own law rely, And Greeks of wisdom boast, I love th' incarnate mystery, And there I fix my trust.

Hymn 2:149.

Honour to Magistrates; or, Government from G.o.d.

1 Eternal Sovereign of the sky, And Lord of all below, We mortals to thy majesty Our first obedience owe.

2 Our souls adore thy throne supreme, And bless thy providence For magistrates of meaner name, Our glory and defence.

3 [The crowns of British princes s.h.i.+ne With rays above the rest, Where laws and liberties combine To make the nation bless'd.]

4 Kingdoms on firm foundations stand, While virtue finds reward; And sinners perish from the land By justice and the sword.

5 Let Cesar's due be ever paid To Cesar and his throne; But consciences and souls were made To be the Lord's alone.

Hymn 2:150.

The deceitfulness of sin.

1 Sin has a thousand treacherous arts To practise on the mind; With flattering looks she tempts our hearts But leaves a sting behind.

2 With names of virtue she deceives The aged and the young; And while the heedless wretch believes, She makes his fetters strong.

3 She pleads for all the joys she brings, And gives a fair pretence; But cheats the soul of heavenly things, And chains it down to sense.

4 So on a tree divinely fair Grew the forbidden food; Our mother took the poison there, And tainted all her blood.

Hymn 2:151.

Prophesy and inspiration.

1 'Twas by an order from the Lord The ancient prophets spoke his word; His Spirit did their tongues inspire, And warm'd their hearts with heavenly fire.

2 The works and wonders which they wrought Confirm'd the messages they brought; The prophet's pen succeeds his breath To save the holy words from death.

3 Great G.o.d, mine eyes with pleasure look On the dear volume of thy book; There my Redeemer's face I see, And read his name who dy'd for me.

4 Let the false raptures of the mind Be lost and vanish in the wind; Here I can fix my hopes secure, This is thy word, and must endure.

Hymn 2:152.