For Heavenly Things

To the unfading things of heaven

My spirit fain would reach;

And grasp the wealth which Thou hast given;

Come, Lord: Thy scholar teach

To realise my heritage,

Eternal, undefiled;

Reserved upon life's higher stage,

For every blood-bought child.

To say good-bye to things which once

The flesh and mind have charmed;

Lay at the Cross; then lift my glance

From all my true life harmed.

Oh, keep me steadfast in Thy Word;

Staunch to its teaching pure

My watchword e'er - "Thus saith the Lord",

This Rock shall aye endure!

For everything my lips advance,

Thy - "It is written so!"

Truth's purity shall then enhance

My soul, with heavenly glow;

Then when the Tempter hurls his "If";

Whispers, - "Yea, hath God said?"

"Perchance, 'tis but a man-made lie!"

Offers his lie instead;

Then, on this Rock impregnable,

Resist the deadly lie!

On "It is written" stay my soul,

And watch the false one fly.

Hide close Thy Word within my heart;

Thus keep me safe from sin,

From jot or tittle ne'er to part;

My spirit steep therein.

With doubts he would my conscience sear;

(Breeder of all unfaith!)

But turn, blood-touched, anointed ear,

From Satan's tainted breath.

In nearness to my glorious Head;

And hidden in my Lord;

His glory-beams will then be shed

On those bought with His blood.

unknown | Apr 1969
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