'Twas by an Order From the Lord

Verse 1

’Twas by an order from the Lord
The ancient prophets spoke his word;
His Spirit did their tongues inspire,
And warm’d their hearts with heavenly fire.

Verse 2

The works and wonders which they wrought
Confirm’d the messages they brought;
The prophet’s pen succeeds his breath
To save the holy words from death.

Verse 3

Great God, mine eyes with pleasure look
On the dear volume of thy book;
There my Redeemer’s face I see,
And read his name who dy’d for me.

Verse 4

Let the false raptures of the mind
Be lost and vanish in the wind;
Here I can fix my hopes secure,
This is thy word, and must endure.