Tried With Fire

Say, Christian, would'st thou thrive, In knowledge of thy Lord? Against no scripture every strive, But tremble at His word. Revere the sacred page; To injure any part, Betray, with blind and feeble rage,  A hard and haughty heart. If aught there dark appear, Bewail thy want of sight; No imperfection can be there, For all God's words are right. The Scriptures and the Lord Bear one tremendous Name; The written and the Incarnate Word In all things are the same. For Jesus is the Truth, As well as Life and Way; The two-edg'd sword that's in His mouth, Shall all proud reasoners slay. Why dost thou call Him, Lord? And what He says resist? The soul that stumbles at the word, Offended is at Christ. The thoughts of men are lies; The word of God is true; To bow to That is to be wise; Then hear, and fear, and do. Joseph Hart (1712-1768)

Righteousness to the believer Freely given, comes from heaven, God himself the giver. Christ has wrought this mighty wonder; God and man by him can  Meet, and never sunder. All the law in human nature He fulfilled; reconciled Creature and Creator. Every one, without exemption, That believes, now receives Absolute redemption. Robes of righteousness imputed, White and whole, clothe the soul, Each exactly suited. 'Tis a way of God's own finding; 'Tis his act, and the pact Cannot but be binding. Here is no prevarication; Justice stands and demands Full and free salvation. Joseph Hart (1712-1768)

Uprising from the darksome tomb, See the victorious Jesus come; The Almighty Prisoner quits the prison, And angels tell, 'The Lord is risen.' Ye guilty souls , that groan and grieve, Hear the glad tidings, hear and live! God's righteous law is satisfied, And justice now is on your side. Your Surety, thus released by God, Pleads the rich ransom of his blood; No new demand, no bar remains, But mercy now triumphant reigns. Believers, hail your rising Head. The first-begotten from the dead; Your resurrection's sure through his, To endless life and boundless bliss! Joseph Hart (1712-1768)

Let us all with grateful praises, celebrate the happy day, When the lovely, loving Jesus first partook of human clay; When the heavenly host, assembled gazed with wonder from the sky; Angels joyed and devils trembled neither fully knowing why. Long had Satan reigned imperious, till the woman's promised Seed, Born a babe, by birth mysterious, came to bruise the serpent's head. Crush, dear Babe, his power within us, break our chains and set us free; Pull down all the bars between us, till we fly and cleave to thee. Shepherds on their flocks attending, shepherds, that in night-time watched, Saw the messenger descending, from the court of heaven dispatched. Beams of glory decked his mission, bursting through the veil of night; Fear possessed them at the vision; sinners tremble at the light. Dove-like meekness graced his visage; joy and love shone round his head; Soon he cheered them with his message; comfort flowed from all he said; "Fear not, favourites of th...

The God I trust is true and just; His mercy has no end; HImself has said my ransom's paid, And I on Him depend. Then why so sad, my soul? though bad, Thou hast a Friend that's good; He brought thee dear (abandon fear); He bought thee with His blood. So rich a cost can ne'er be lost, Though faith be tried by fire; Keep Christ in view; let God be true; And every man a liar. Joseph Hart (1712-1768)