Hebrews 4: t WHETHER the word be preach'd or read

Whether the word be preach'd or read,
No saving benefit I gain
a RS EEE
From empty sounds, or letters dead,
Unprofitable all and vain,
Unless by faith Zy word I hear,
And see its heavenly character.
Unmix'd with faith, the Scripture gives
No comfort, life, or light to me:

But darker still the dark it leaves,
Implunged in deeper misery
O'erwhelm'd with nature's sorest ills;
The spirit saves, the letter kills.

Most wretched comforters are they
Who bid " On the bare word rely!"
Physicians of no price, they say
I must the promises apply;
And destitute of inward sense,
Draw all my consolations hence.

Their counsels aggravate my grief,'
(But never move the heart of stone,)
Insult my helpless unbelief
Who cannot find a God unknown,
While without eyes they bid me look,
And read the seal'd, unfolded book.
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.