The promise made to Abraham

1 The promise made to Abraham,
And unto all his promis'd race;
It was complete when Jesus came,
And seal'd the covenant of Grace.

2 That which was long before determin'd,
That all the law should be fulfill'd--
This was to Abraham confirm'd,
The promise ratified and seal'd.

3 What e'er the law could teach or give,
That would be labour all in vain;
To rescue, ransom or retrieve,
The wretched state of fallen men.

4 The law just like the teachers rod,
Can scourge and let us feel the smart;
But never work that love to God,
Which can renew and change the heart.

5 But this effectual change we need,
Is wrought by a superior hand;
To be of Abrah'm's genuine seed,
Entitled to that heav'nly land.

6 Jesus who was forelong ordain'd,
According to the promis'd word;
Our lost Salvation hath regain'd,
And everlasting life restor'd.

7 O let us praise the Saviours name:
Who lov'd us to the last degree--
Whose death entitles us to claim,
His love to all eternity.


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.) #CXXIII