Imperfection of nature, and perfection of scripture. <br /> <br />ver. 96, paraphrased. <br /> <br />Let all the heathen writers join <br />To form one perfect book; <br />Great God! if once compared with thine, <br />How mean their writings look! <br /> <br />Not the most perfect rules they gave <br />Could show one sin forgiv'n, <br />Nor lead a step beyond the grave; <br />But thine conduct to heav'n. <br /> <br />I've seen an end to what we call <br />Perfection here below; <br />How short the powers of nature fall, <br />And can no further go! <br /> <br />Yet men would fain be just with God <br />By works their hands have wrought; <br />But thy commands, exceeding broad, <br />Extend to every thought. <br /> <br />In vain we boast perfection here, <br />While sin defiles our frame, <br />And sinks our virtues down so far, <br />They scarce deserve the name. <br /> <br />Our faith, and love, and every grace, <br />Fall far below thy word; <br />But perfect truth and righteousness <br />Dwell only with the Lord.<br /><br />Isaac Watts<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/psalm-119-part-7/
