5 Ye judges of the earth, be wise, And think on heaven with fear; The meanest saint that you despise Has an avenger there. Hymn 2:116. Mercies and thanks. 1 How can I sink with such a prop As my eternal God, Who bears the earth's huge pillars up, And spreads the heavens abroad? 2 How can I die while Jesus lives, Who rose and left the dead? Pardon and grace my soul receives From mine exalted head. 3 All that I am, and all I have Shall be for ever thine, Whate'er my duty bids me give My cheerful hands resign. 4 Yet if I might make some reserve, And duty did not call, I love my God with zeal so great That I should give him all. Hymn 2:117. Living and dying with God present. 1 I cannot bear thine absence, Lord, My life expires if thou depart; Be thou, my heart, still near my God, And thou, my God, be near my heart. 2 I was not born for earth and sin, Nor can I live on things so vile; Yet I would stay my Father's time, And hope and wait for heaven a while. 3 Then, dearest Lord, in thine embrace Let me resign my fleeting breath, And with a smile upon my face Pass the important hour of death. Hymn 2:118. The priesthood of Christ. 1 Blood has a voice to pierce the skies _Revenge_, the blood of Abel cries; But the dear stream when Christ was slain Speaks _Peace_ as loud from ev'ry vein. 2 Pardon and peace from God on high, Behold he lays his vengeance by, And rebels that deserv'd his sword, Become the favourites of the Lord. 3 To Jesus let our praises rise, Who gave his life a sacrifice; Now he appears before his God, And for our pardon pleads his blood. Hymn 2:119. The holy scriptures. 1 Laden with guilt, and full of fears, I fly to thee, my Lord, And not a glimpse of hope appears, But in thy written word. 2 The volume of my Father's grace Does all my griefs assuage: Here I behold my Saviour's face Almost in every page. 3 [This is the field where hidden lies The pearl of price unknown, That merchant is divinely wise Who makes the pearl his own.] 4 [Here consecrated water flows To quench my thirst of sin; Here the fair tree of knowledge grows, Nor danger dwells therein.] 5 This is the Judge that ends the strife, Where wit and reason fail; My guide to everlasting life, Thro' all this gloomy vale. 6 O may thy counsels, mighty God, My roving feet command; Nor I forsake the happy road That leads to thy right-hand. Hymn 2:120. The law and gospel joined in scripture. 1 The Lord declares his will, And keeps the world in awe; Amidst the smoke on Sinai's hill Breaks out his fiery law. 2 The Lord reveals his face, And smiling from above, Sends down the gospel of his grace, Th' epistles of his love. 3 These sacred words impart Our Maker's just commands; The pity of his melting heart, And vengeance of his hands. 4 [Hence we awake our fear, We draw our comfort hence; The arms of grace are treasur'd here, And armour of defence.