A more solemn hymn, this one foreboded a dull sermon, often leading into the second part of a double sabbath.
I hate the thoughts of vanity but I do love Thy law.
Thou art my shield and hiding place; I on Thy word rely.
All ye who evildoer are, from me depart away;
Because the precepts of my God I purpose to obey.
Uphold and strengthen me according to Thy faithful word;
That I may live and of Thy hope, may never be ashamed.
O hold me safe, and ever in Thy will let me delight;
That for the statutes of my God I may have deep respect.
My God will set at naught all those who from His precepts stray;
For their own lies are all in vain, and they themselves deceive.
For all the wicked of the earth are counted but as dross;
And therefore do I love Thy law and testimonies pure.
Based on the same psalm as the previous hymn, this one takes a bit of a different twist. Whereas the previous hymn exhorted the member to love the hand-picked “laws” that Armstrong had chosen for his faithful to follow, this hymn ensures that the members reject “the world” and all thoughts and actions associated with it. Leaving only “the law” as an appropriate receptacle for the member’s devotion and affections.
The second verse promotes biblical inerrancy and the alleged “protection” that was afforded members who practiced their due diligence towards the various rules and regulations of the church—which often changed purely at the leader’s whim.
The third verse fear-mongers any who would stray from the accepted “path” of living by “the law”.
Tags: cult control, fear-mongering, isolationism, legalism
