Not only hearers of the word

1 Not only hearers of the word
Can e'er be pleasing to the Lord!
But such who seek and strive to do:
All things as well as they do know.

2 How greatly doth that man deceive:
Himself who may suppose or b'lieve--
To be an heir of saving grace
Whilst Christian duties he delays.

3 Just like a simple man that would,
His visage in a glass behold!
But soon his visage is for got,
As tho' he had beheld it not.

4 Sure, such religion all is vain,
Whilst man to sin, a slave remain--
That soul in grace can ne'er succeed
That will not serve the Lord indeed.

5 But bless'd and happy is the man,
Who searches well the Gospel plan?
That perfect law of liberty
That sets the soul from vices free.


Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #LXXXVI