February 26, 2012

UMH #595 – Whether the Word Be Preached or Read

Whether the Word be preached or read,
no saving benefit I gain
from empty sounds or letters dead'
unprofitable all and vain,
unless by faith thy word I hear
and see its heavenly character.

Unmixed with faint, the Scripture gives
no comfort, life, or light to see,
but me in darker darkness leaves,
inplunged in deeper misery,
overwhelmed with nature's sorest ills.
The Spirit saves, the letter kills.

If God enlighten through his Word,
I shall my kind Enlightener bless;
but void and naked of my Lord,
what are all verbal promises?
Nothing to me, till faith divine
inspire, inspeak, and make them mine.

Jesus, the appropriating grace
'tis thine on sinners to bestow.
Open mine eyes to see thy face,
open my heart thyself to know.
And then I through thy Word obtain
sure present, and eternal gain.

Charles Wesley, 1783