DESCRIBING FORMAL RELIGION.
1COME, O thou Prophet of the Lord,
Thou great Interpreter divine,
Explain thine own transmitted word,
To teach and to inspire is thine;
Thou only canst thyself reveal,
Open the book, and loose the seal.
2Whate'er the ancient prophets spoke
Concerning thee, O Christ, make known;
Chief subject of the sacred book,
Thou fillest all, and thou alone;
Yet there our Lord we cannot see,
Unless thy Spirit lend the key.
3Now, Jesus, now the veil remove,
The folly of our darkened heart;
Unfold the wonders of thy love,
The knowledge of thyself impart;
Our ear, our inmost soul, we bow,
Speak, Lord, thy servants hearken now.
PART II. CONVINCING.
SECTION I.
DESCRIBING FORMAL RELIGION.
1LONG have I seemed to serve thee, Lord,
With unavailing pain;
Fasted, and prayed, and read thy word,
And heard it preached in vain.
2Oft did I with the assembly join,
And near thine altar drew;
A form of godliness was mine,
The power I never knew.
