Christ the way

HE that would some choice thing attain,
Or to a place would go;
A way for him some must explain,
And he the way must know.

We, Lord, would find the way to bliss,
Where does thy Father dwell;
No Habitation like to his,
His favour does excell.

How shall we take up our abode
In him whom we should love?
How shall we find the way to God,
And come to him above?

The way was barr'd up by our sin,
Another's opened;
Thou art the way, by thee must we
For evermore be led.

By thy sweet Life, and by thy Death.
And by thy Doctrine too,
Thou art the way, none else on earth
Is there for us to go.

The Second Part.

There is no way to God most high,
But only Lord by thee;
No other Name whereby we sav'd,
O Lord, can ever be.

As thou the Mediator art,
And didst attone for sin;
And thy own merits dost impart,
The way in thee is seen.

As thou a Priest for us didst die,
A King o're us to reign;
And as a Prophet us to teach,
We see the way most plain.

The way of pardon and of peace,
And to be justify'd;
The way to union with our God,
It is by thee who dy'd.

If we would have eternal life,
Thou art the way thereto;
'Tis not by our own righteousness,
Though some that way do go.

No 'tis by thee, by thee alone,
Thou art the way, O Lord;
'Tis by thy merits, on them to rest,
Thy grace do thou afford.

And we thy praises will sing forth,
And in the way rejoyce;
Nay sing again melodiously
With a most chearful voice.

The Third Part.

This is the good old way we know,
Who ever saved were,
'Twas in this way they all did go,
None else did God prepare.

Yet 'tis a new and living way,
Prepared 'twas by blood;
O walk in it, don't go astray,
The way is very good.

Most safe and easie to the soul
Who does on Christ depend;
And in the way we do each day
Meet with our dearest Friend.

Sweet company besides also,
Who do each other love;
For none can in this streight way go,
But those born from above.

We in the way find all things cheap,
Our charges all are born;
And other blessings thou dost heap,
Rouze up and do not mourn.

Ye drooping Souls, you have a Guide
Who never will you leave;
And will defend you on e'ry side,
If unto him you cleave.

Besides you are now almost come
Unto your journeys end;
Behold you are in sight of home,
Your pace O therefore mend.

Cast off your loads, O come away,
And sing as you do go;
Sing praise to Christ continually,
From whence all blessings flow.