Hymnal: The Christian Hymn-Book
Date: 1829
Compiler: B W Stone and T Adams
Publisher/Printer: N L Finnell
First Line: Let all the heathen writers join
Topic: Excellency of the Scriptures
Writer: <no first name given> <no last name given>
Composer:
Meter: CM
Tune:
Hymn Number: 208
Page Number: 232, click to see hymnal pages
LyicsLet all the heathen writers join,
To form one perfect book;
Great God, if once compar'd with thine,
How mean their writings look!
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.
I've seen an end to what we call
Perfection here below;
How short the powers of nature fall,
And can no farther go.
Yet man would fain be just with God,
By works their hands have wrought;
But thy commands, exceeding broad,
Extend to every thought.
In vain we boast perfection here,
While sin defiles our frame;
And sinks our virtues down so far,
They scarce deserve the name.
Our faith and love and every grace,
Fall far below thy word;
But perfect truth and righteousness
Dwell only with the Lord.