257
C. P. M.
The only foundation.
Had I ten thousand gifts beside,
I’d cleave to Jesus crucified,
And build on him alone;
For no foundation is there given
On which to place my hopes of heaven,
But Christ, the corner-stone.
2 Possessing Christ I all possess,
Wisdom, and strength, and righteousness,
And holiness complete;
Bold in his name, I dare draw nigh
Before the Ruler of the sky,
And all his justice meet.
3 There is no path to heavenly bliss,
To solid joy or lasting peace,
But Christ, th’ appointed road;
O may we tread the sacred way,
By faith rejoice, and praise, and pray,
Till we sit down with God!
4 The types and shadows of the word
Unite in Christ, the Man, the Lord,
The Saviour kind and true;
O may we still his word believe,
And all his promises receive,
And all his precepts do.
5 As he above for ever lives,
And life to dying mortals gives,
Eternal and divine;
O may his Spirit in me dwell!
Then, saved from sin, and death, and hell,
Eternal life is mine.
Chatham.