Hymnal: A Selection of Christian Hymns
Date: 1818
Compiler: Rice Haggard
Publisher/Printer: John Norvell
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: 114
Page Number: 115, click to see hymnal pages
LyicsLet all the heathen writers join,
To form one perfect book;
Great God if once compared with thine,
How mean their writings look.
Not the most perfect rules they gave
Could show one sin forgiven;
Nor lead a step beyond the grave;
But thine conduct to heaven.
I've seen an end to what we call
Perfection here below;
How short the powers of nature fall,
And can no further 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.