11. The law is holy, just, and true,
And what it speaks, it speaks to you
Who to be under it desire,
And eagerly thereby aspire
To everlasting life and bliss,
Through works of your own righteousness.
12. But if the gospel sound you'll choose,
Nor him that speaks from heaven refuse,
Prepare to hear the tidings good,
Proclaimed to Man by Jesus' blood;
Administered with glory, more
Than Sinai's law which went before.
13. No dreadful thunders roaring here,
Nor halting lightnings, causing fear;
Nor earthquake, darkness, smoke, nor flame,
Nor dreadful voice when Jesus came:
But all was glorious, calm, serene,
When God came down to dwell with men.
14. From heaven the flaming cherubs came,
And sung on earth with tongues of flame,
Tidings of endless joy to all
The Sons of Adam great and small;
How that blest morn was born a child,
By whom the law would be fulfilled.
15. Under the law, of woman made,
And, as of all his church, the head;
Perfect obedience unto blood,
To yield the law engaged he stood;
And all its breaches to repair,
By tasting death, Hell, and despair.
16. Divinely born, this wondrous Child
Was holy, harmless, undefiled!
The law He perfectly obeyed,
In action, word, nor thought, e'er strayed
But in the law was His delight,
By doing good both day and night.
17. He knew no sin, was free from guile,
Nor could the tempter him defile:
One God he served in righteousness:
Nor bowed to creature-likenesses:
His name in vain he never took:
Nor holy Sabbath ever broke.
18. Honor to parents he did give;
Nor ceased, while he on earth did live:
Quite free from murder and debate,
Nor did his soul his brother hate:
His nature loathed adulterous fire,
Nor ever felt a base desire.
19. He did not steal with heart, nor hand:
Nor bearing witness, falsely stand:
No evil of his neighbor spake,
Nor coveted with lust to take
Whatever was his neighbor's right,
'Twas always hateful in his sight.
20. But God, with all his heart, He loved:
This His whole life and practice proved:
Next as Himself, yea far above
Himself he doth his neighbor love.
Does unto all men what He would
That they, in all their doings, should.
