John 5:39: Christ Himself the precept gives

Christ Himself the precept gives,
(Let who will the word despise,)
Bids me in the sacred leaves
Trace the way to paradise.
All His oracles explore,
Read, and pray them o'er and o'er.

Who with true humility
Seek Him in the written word,
Christ in every page they see.
See, and apprehend their Lord;
Every scripture makes Him known.
Testifies of Christ alone.

Here I cannot seek in vain;
Digging deep into the mine,
Hidden treasure I obtain
Pure, eternal Life Divine,
Find Him in His Spirit given,
Christ the Way, the Truth of Heaven.
1738. i'e itnll not come to Me, that ye might have Ufe.—. 40.
I Will they not? alas for them,
Dead in sin who Christ refuse!
He did all the world redeem,
All unto salvation choose:
Sinners come, with me receive
All the grace He waits to give.

In ourselves the hindrance Ues,
Stopp'd by our own stubborn will;
He His love to none denies,
He with love pursues us still:
Sinners came, and find with me
Only heaven in His decree.