A Choice Collection of Hymns and Spiritual Songs ‎#LII

LII. The counsels of Grace, a Carol

1 The Eternal speaks, all Heaven attends,
Who that unhappy Race defends,
While Justice aims the Blow,
See Nature tremble at their Fates,
Death with his iron sceptre waits,
Hell opes her adamantine Gates,
And triumphs at their Woe.

2 Which of the bright celestial Throng,
With Love so warm, and Heart so strong,
Dares languish on a Cross?
Who can leave Liberty for Chains?
Abandon Extacy for Pains?
What Angel Fortitude sustains?
Th' inestimable Loss!

3 He said, and Death-like silence reign'd,
Deep was their Awe, the radiant Band,
The mighty Task declin'd,
At length Heav'n's Prince the Silence broke,
And ardent thus the Sire bespoke,
None but thy son can ward the Stroke,
Ten let the Task be mine.

4 Mine be the feeble infant State,
Mine in Return for Love be hate;
A Manger be my Throne:
Pain when thy Glory calls, is Bliss;
When Man's in Danger, Torture's Peace,
Shame Praise, a Paradise th' Abyss,
Then yield thy darling Son.

5 Th' Almignty Radiance smil'd Assent,
Loud was the Shout that Ether rent,
All Heav'n was in Amaze!
Be born, in Anguish to expire,
Earth triumph, Angels strike the Lyre,
To everlasting Praise.

Text Information

• First Line: The Eternal speaks, all Heaven attends
• Title: The counsels of Grace, a Carol
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1774

Tune Information

(No tune information)