Verse 1
Whether the word be preach’d or read,
No saving benefit I gain
From empty sounds, or letters dead,
Unprofitable all and vain,
Unless by faith thy word I hear,
And see its heavenly character.

Verse 2
Unmixt with faith, the scripture gives
No comfort, life, or light to me,
But darker still the dark it leaves,
Implung’d in deeper misery,
Or’ewhelm’d with nature’s sorest ills:
The Spirit saves, the letter kills.

Verse 3
Most wretched comforters are they
Who bid “On the bare word rely!”
Physicians of no price, they say
I must the promises apply,
And, destitute of inward sense,
Draw all my consolations thence.

Verse 4
Their counsels aggravate my grief,
(But never move the heart of stone)
Insult my helpless unbelief,
Who cannot find a God unknown,
While without eyes they bid me look
And read the seal’d, unfolded book.

Verse 5
If God inlighten thro’ his word,
I shall my kind Inlightener bless:
But void, and naked of my Lord
What are all verbal promises?
Nothing to me, till faith divine
Inspire, inspeak, and make them mine.

Verse 6
Jesus, th’ appropriating grace
Tis thine on sinners to bestow:
Open mine eyes to see thy face,
Open my heart Thyself to know,
And then I thro’ thy word obtain
Sure, present, and eternal gain.