What evil can such teachers do

1 What evil can such teachers do,
Who only boast to make a shew!
They aim at nothing that is good,
As Paul to the Gallatians shew'd.

2 They lay a burthen on the flock,
But will not join to bear the yoke;
They seek their gain in other's loss:
To screen them from the Saviour's Cross.

3 Their aim is not the Saviour's cause,
They glory in their own applause--
They seek the world with its esteem:
The Cross is foolishness with them.

4 But O, it is a diff'rent case,
With those who teach the plan of grace,
Their carnal lusts are crucified,
And they are by the world denied.

5 They teach the truth, God's holy word
The word of life, the sure record!
They shew that Jesus' blood alone,
Could for the sins of man atone.

6 No ordinance could e'er avail,
Their best efforts for ever fail;
When they have done all they an do,
They cannot form the mind anew.

7 But diff'rent is the Gospel pow'r,
God's image lost, it an restore--
Poor fallen man condemn'd to pain,
In Jesus are renew'd again.


Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #CXXVII