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.

3 It sweetly cheers our drooping hearts, In this dark vale of tears; Life, light, and joy it still imparts, And quells our rising fears.

4 This lamp, through all the tedious night Of life, shall guide our way, Till we behold the clearer light Of an eternal day.

John Fawcett, 1782.

70 Devizes. C.M.

_Psalm 119._ (158)

How shall the young secure their hearts, And guard their lives from sin?

Thy word the choicest rules imparts To keep the conscience clean.

2 'Tis like the sun, a heavenly light, That guides us all the day; And, through the dangers of the night, A lamp to lead our way.

3 Thy precepts make me truly wise; I hate the sinners' road; I hate my own vain thoughts that rise But love thy law, my G.o.d!

4 Thy word is everlasting truth; How pure is every page!

That holy book shall guide our youth, And well support our age.

Isaac Watts, 1719.

71 Devizes. C.M.

_Perfection of the Law and Testimony._ (154)

Thy law is perfect, Lord of light; Thy testimonies sure; The statutes of thy realm are right, And thy commandments pure.

2 Let these, O G.o.d, my soul convert, And make thy servant wise; Let those be gladness to my ears-- The dayspring to mine eyes.

3 By these may I be warned betimes; Who knows the guile within?

Lord, save me from presumptuous crimes; Cleanse me from secret sin.

4 So may the words my lips express-- The thoughts that throng my mind-- O Lord, my strength and righteousness, With thee acceptance find.

C. Wesley.

72 Manoah. C.M.

_Faithfulness._

Begin, my tongue, some heavenly theme, And speak some boundless thing; The mighty works or mightier name Of our eternal King.

2 Tell of his wondrous faithfulness, And sound his power abroad; Sing the sweet promise of his grace, And the performing G.o.d.

3 His very word of grace is strong, As that which built the skies; The voice that rolls the stars along, Speaks all the promises.

4 Oh, might I hear thy heavenly tongue But whisper, "Thou art mine!"

Those gentle words should raise my song To notes almost divine.

Isaac Watts.

73 Manoah. C.M.

_Power_.

The Lord, our G.o.d, is full of might, The winds obey his will; He speaks,--and, in his heavenly height, The rolling sun stands still.

2 Rebel, ye waves, and o'er the land With threatening aspect roar; The Lord uplifts his awful hand, And chains you to the sh.o.r.e.

3 Howl, winds of night, your force combine; Without his high behest, Ye shall not, in the mountain pine, Disturb the sparrow's nest.

4 His voice sublime is heard afar, In distant peals it dies; He yokes the whirlwind to his car, And sweeps the howling skies.

5 Ye nations bend--in reverence bend; Ye monarchs, wait his nod, And bid the choral song ascend To celebrate your G.o.d.

H. Kirke White.

74 Manoah. C.M.

_Eternity._

Great G.o.d! how infinite art thou!

What worthless worms are we!

Let the whole race of creatures bow, And pay their praise to thee.

2 Thy throne eternal ages stood, Ere seas or stars were made: Thou art the ever-living G.o.d, Were all the nations dead.

3 Eternity, with all its years, Stands present in thy view; To thee there's nothing old appears-- Great G.o.d! there's nothing new.

4 Our lives through various scenes are drawn, And vexed with trifling cares; While thine eternal thought moves on Thine undisturbed affairs.

5 Great G.o.d! how infinite art thou!

What worthless worms are we!