Hymns

The LORD receives his highest praise,

by William Cowper·1779·Meter 8.8.8.8 (LM)

Based on Ex 28:33

1

The LORD receives his highest praise,
From humble minds and hearts sincere;
While all the loud professor says,
Offends the righteous Judge's ear.

2

To walk as children of the day
To mark the precepts' holy light
To wage the warfare, watch and pray,
Show who are pleasing in his sight.

3

Not words alone it cost the LORD,
To purchase pardon for his own;
Nor with a soul, by grace restored,
Return the Savior words alone.

4

With golden bells, the priestly vest,
And rich pomegranates bordered round,
The need of holiness expressed,
And called for fruit, as well as sound.

5

Easy, indeed, it were to reach
A mansion in the courts above,
If swelling words, and fluent speech
Might serve, instead of faith and love.

6

But none shall gain the blissful place,
Or GOD'S unclouded glory see;
Who talks of free and sovereign grace,
Unless that grace has made him free.

Cautions