Doctor Watts's Imitation of the Psalms of David ‎#214b

214b. Imperfection of Nature, and Perfection of Scripture

1 Let all the heathen writers join
To form one perfect book,
Great God, if once compar'd with thine,
How mean their writings look.

2 Not the most perfect rules they gave
Could shew one sin forgiven;
Nor lead a step beyond the grave,
But thine conduct to heaven.

3 I've seen an end to what we call
Perfection here below;
How short the powers of nature fall,
And can no further go.

4 Yet men would fain be just with God,
By works their hands have wrought;
But thy commands, exceeding broad,
Extend to every thought.

5 In vain we boast perfection here,
While sin defiles our frame;
And sinks our virtues down so far,
They scarce deserve the name.

6 Our faith, and love, and every grace
Fall far below thy word;
But perfect truth and righteousness
Dwell only with the Lord.

Text Information

• First Line: Let all the heathen writers join
• Title: Imperfection of Nature, and Perfection of Scripture
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1790
• Scripture:
  Psalm 119:96
• Topic: Counsel and Support form God; Law of God: Delight in in; Persecutors: punished; Scripture: compared with Nature; Instruction: from Scripture
• Notes: Seventh Part

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