20.-C.M. The word of the Lord standeth sure. BEGIN, my tongue, some heavenly theme, Tell of his wondrous faithfulness, Proclaim salvation from the Lord Engraved as in eternal brass, Nor can the powers of darkness rase His very word of grace is strong, As that which built the skies; The voice that rolls the stars along, Speaks all the promises. He said, 'Let the wide heaven be spread :' And heaven was stretched abroad: Abra'm, I'll be thy God,' he said; And he was Abra'm's God. O might I hear thy heavenly tongue Those gentle words should raise my song How would my leaping heart rejoice, I trust the all-creating voice, 21.-C.M. Lord Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations. OUR God, our help in ages past, Under the shadow of thy throne Before the hills in order stood, Thy word commands our flesh to dust, Return, ye sons of men ;' All nations rose from earth at first, A thousand ages in thy sight Are like an evening gone; Short as the watch that ends the night Before the rising sun. [The busy tribes of flesh and blood, Time, like an ever-rolling stream, Like flowery fields the nations stand, Pleased with the morning light; The flowers beneath the mower's hand, Lie withering ere 'tis night.] Our God, our help in ages past, Be thou our guard while troubles last, Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness. GOD moves in a mysterious way He plants his footsteps in the sea, Deep in unfathomable mines He treasures up his bright designs, Ye fearful saints fresh courage take; Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, His purposes will ripen fast, The bud may have a bitter taste, Blind unbelief is sure to err, 23.-148th. The word of the Lord endureth for ever. THE promises I sing, Which sovereign love hath spoke ; Nor will the eternal King His words of grace revoke ; They stand secure, And stedfast still; Not Zion's hill The mountains melt away In radiant lines The promise shines Thro' all the flame. Their harmony shall sound Thro' mine attentive ears, When thunders cleave the ground And dissipate the spheres; 'Midst all the shock Of that dread scene, I stand serene, |