Excellence of the Gospel

483 The different Success of the Gospel

1 CHRIST and His cross is all our theme; The mysteries that we speak Are scandal in the Jew's esteem, And folly to the Greek.

2 But souls enlighten'd from above With joy receive the Word;

They see what wisdom, power, and love, Shine in their dying Lord.

3 The vital savour of His name Restores their fainting breath; But unbelief perverts the same To guilt, despair, and death.

4 Till God diffuse His graces down, Like showers of heavenly rain. In vain Apollos sows the ground, And Paul may plant in vain.

Isaac Watts, 1709.

484 Power of the Gospel

1 THIS is the word of truth and love, Sent to the nations from above;

Jehovah here resolves to show What His almighty grace can do.

2 This remedy did wisdom find To heal diseases of the mind; This sovereign balm, whose virtues can Restore the ruin'd creature, man.

3 The gospel bids the dead revive, Sinners obey the voice, and live;

Dry bones are raised, and clothed afresh, And hearts of stone are turn'd to flesh.

4 Lions and beasts of savage name Put on the nature of the lamb;

While the wide world esteem it strange, Gaze and admire, and hate the change.

5 May but this grace my soul renew, Let sinners gaze, and hate me too; The word that saves me does engage A sure defence from all their rage.

Isaac Watts, 1709.

485 Blessedness of Gospel Times

1 HOW beauteous are their feet Who stand on Zion's hill! Who bring salvation on their tongues, And words of peace reveal!

2 How charming is their voice!

How sweet their tidings are!

"Zion, behold thy Saviour King;

He reigns and triumphs here."

3 How happy are our ears, That hear this joyful sound, Which kings and prophets waited for, And sought, but never found.

4 How blessed are our eyes, That see this heavenly light!

Prophets and kings desired it long, But died without the sight.

5 The watchmen join their voice, And tuneful notes employ;

Jerusalem breaks forth in songs, And deserts learn the joy.

6 The Lord makes bare His arm Through all the earth abroad;

Let every nation now behold Their Saviour and their God.

Isaac Watts, 1709.

486 Excellence of the Gospel

1 LET everlasting glories crown Thy head, my Saviour and my Lord, Thy hands have brought salvation down, And writ the blessings in Thy Word,

2 What if we trace the globe around, And search from Britain to Japan, There shall be no religion found So just to God, so safe for man.

3 In vain the trembling conscience seeks Some solid ground to rest upon; With long despair the spirit breaks, Till we apply to Christ alone.

4 How well Thy blessed truths agree!

How wise and holy Thy commands!

Thy promises, how firm they be!

How firm our hope and comfort stands!

5 Should all the forms that men devise Assault my faith with treacherous art, I'd call them vanity and lies, And bind the gospel to my heart.

Isaac Watts, 1709.