6 Thy noblest wonders here we view,
In souls renewed, and sins forgiven:
Lord, cleanse my sins, my soul renew,
And make thy word my guide to heaven.

L. M.

222.

Prophecy and Inspiration.

WATTS.

1 'T WAS by an order from the Lord The ancient prophets spoke his word; His spirit did their tongues inspire,

And warmed their hearts with heavenly fire.

2 The works and wonders which they wrought
Confirmed the messages they brought;
The prophet's pen succeeds his breath
To save the holy words from death.

3 Great God! mine eyes with pleasure look
On the dear volume of thy book;

There Redeemer's face I see,

my

And read his name who died for me.

4 Let the false raptures of the mind
Be lost, and vanished in the wind;
Here I can fix my hope secure :
This is thy word, and must endure.

The Glad Tidings of the Gospel.

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.

C. M.

224.

MRS. STEEle.

Excellence of the Scriptures.

1 FATHER of mercies! in thy word
What endless glory shines!
For ever be thy name adored
For these celestial lines.

2 Here, may the wretched sons of want
Exhaustless riches find;
Riches above what earth can grant,
And lasting as the mind.

3 Here, the Redeemer's welcome voice
Spreads heavenly peace around,
And life and everlasting joys

Attend the blissful sound.

4 O may these heavenly pages be
My ever dear delight;

And still new beauties may I see,
And still increasing light.

5 Divine Instructor, gracious Lord,
Be thou for ever near;

Teach me to love thy sacred word,
And view my Saviour there.

L. M.

225.

DODDRIDGE.

Influence of the Word.

1 THY sacred book we would survey,
Enlightened by a heavenly ray:
And ask thy Spirit with the word,
To teach our souls to know the Iord.

2 So shall our children learn the road
That leads them to their fathers' God;
And, formed by lessons so divine,
Shall infant minds with knowledge shine

3 So shall the haughtiest soul submit,
With children placed at Jesus' feet;
The rising swell of pride shall cease,
And thy sweet voice be heard in peace.

160

JESUS CHRIST AND HIS KINGDOM.

78. M.

226.

BOWRING.

Report of the Watchman.

1 WATCHMAN! tell us of the night,
What its signs of promise are.
Traveller! o'er yon mountain's height
See that glory-beaming star.

2 Watchman! does its beauteous ray
Aught of hope or joy foretell?
Traveller! yes; it brings the day,
Promised day of Israel.

3 Watchman! tell us of the night;
Higher yet that star ascends.
Traveller! blessedness and light,
Peace and truth, its course portends.

4 Watchman! will its beams alone
Gild the spot that gave them birth?
Traveller ages are its own;

See, it bursts o'er all the earth.

5 Watchman! tell us of the night,
For the morning seems to dawn.
Traveller! darkness takes its flight;
Doubt and terror are withdrawn.

6 Watchman! let thy wanderings cease;
Hie thee to thy quiet home.
Traveller! lo, the Prince of Peace,
Lo, the Son of God, is come!

C. M.

227.

E. H. SEARS.

The Nativity.

1 CALM on the listening ear of night
Come heaven's melodious strains,
Where wild Judæa stretches far
Her silver-mantled plains.

2 Celestial choirs from courts above
Shed sacred glories there,
And angels, with their sparkling lyres,
Make music on the air.

3 The answering hills of Palestine -
Send back the glad reply;

And greet, from all their holy heights,
The day-spring from on high.

4 O'er the blue depths of Galilee
There comes a holier calm,

And Sharon waves, in solemn praise, Her silent groves of palm.

5 "Glory to God!" the sounding skies Loud with their anthems ring, "Peace to the earth, good-will to men, From heaven's Eternal King!"