The Cyber Hymnal ‎#9503

9503. Behold The Potter And The Clay

1 Behold the potter and the clay,
He forms his vessels as he please;
Such is our God, and such are we,
The subjects of His high decrees.

2 Doth not the workman’s power extend
O’er all the mass, which part to choose
And mold it for a nobler end,
And which to leave for viler use?

3 May not the sovereign Lord on high
Dispense His favors as He will,
Choose some to life, while others die,
And yet be just and gracious still?

4 What if, to make His terror known,
He lets His patience long endure,
Suff’ring vile rebels to go on,
And seal their own destruction sure?

5 What if He means to show His grace,
And His electing love employs
To make out some of mortal race,
And form them fit for heav’nly joys?

6 Shall man reply against the Lord,
And call his maker’s ways unjust,
The thunder of whose dreadful word
Can crush a thousand worlds to dust?

7 But, O my soul! if truths so bright
Should dazzle and confound thy sight,
Yet still His written will obey,
And wait the great decisive day.

8 Then shall He make His justice known,
And the whole world before His throne
With joy or terror shall confess
The glory of His righteousness.

Text Information

• First Line: Behold the potter and the clay
• Title: Behold The Potter And The Clay
• Author: Isaac Watts
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Source: Hymns and Spiritual Songs, Book I, 1707
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: ST. CRISPIN
• Composer: George Job Elvey
• Meter: LM
• Key: E♭ Major
• Copyright: Public Domain