Evan. C.M.

_Psalm 119._ (155)

Lord! I have made thy word my choice,
My lasting heritage;
There shall my noblest 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 'Tis 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.

Isaac Watts, 1719.

67 Evan. C.M.

_The Latter Day._ (1018)

Lord! send thy word, and let it fly,
Armed with thy Spirit's power;
Ten thousands shall confess its sway,
And bless the saving hour.

2 Beneath the influence of its grace,
The barren wastes shall rise,
With sudden flowers and fruits arrayed,--
A blooming paradise.

3 Peace, with her olives crowned, shall stretch
Her wings from shore to shore;
No trump shall rouse the rage of war,
Nor murderous cannon roar.

4 Lord! for these days we wait;--these days
Are in thy word foretold;
Fly swifter, sun and stars! and bring
This promised age of gold.

5 Amen!--with joy divine, let earth's
Unnumbered myriads cry;
Amen!--with joy divine, let heaven's
Unnumbered choirs reply.

Thomas Gibbons, 1769.

68 Evan. C.M.

_The Incomparable Richness of God's Word._ (150)

Father of mercies, in thy word
What endless glory shines!
Forever be thy name adored
For these celestial lines.

2 Here may the wretched sons of want
Exhaustless riches find--
Riches above what earth can grant,
And lasting as the mind.

3 Here the fair tree of knowledge grows,
And yields a free repast;
Sublimer sweets than nature knows
Invite the longing taste.

4 Here the Redeemer's welcome voice
Spreads heavenly peace around;
And life and everlasting joys
Attend the blissful sound.

5 Oh, may these heavenly pages be
My ever dear delight;
And still new beauties may I see
And still increasing light.

Anne Steele, 1760.

69 Devizes. C.M.

_The Bible Our Light._ (149)

How precious is the book divine,
By inspiration given!
Bright as a lamp its doctrines shine,
To guide our souls to heaven.

2 Its light, descending from above,
Our gloomy world to cheer,
Displays a Savior's boundless love,
And brings his glories near.