Divine Hymns, or Spiritual Songs ‎#46

46. The condescending Love and Mercy of God in fallen man's redemption

1 God's power and wisdom is display'd
In every thing his hands have made;
But more his mercy and his grace,
In saving fallen Adam's race.

2 The matchless grace and love of God,
Appears in shedding of his blood,
For poor apostate Adam's seed,
'Tis condescending love indeed.

3 Methinks I heard his father say,
"The utmost farthing you shall pay;
"My injur'd justice must have right,
"I can't abate one single mite.

4 "Since you espouse the sinner's cause,
"You must fulfil my righteous laws;
"Altho' you are my darling son,
"I will have right and justice done."

5 Hark! how the Savior then reply'd;
"Since justice must be satisfy'd,
"I am your most obedient son:
"My father let thy will be done.

6 "I give myself into thy hands,
"Let justice have its full demands;
"If all my blood will pay the debt,
"Man shan't be lost for want of that.

7 "If that my life will but atone
"For the offence that man has done
"I freely will resign my breath,
"To save their precious souls from death."

8 Amidst his sorrows fro a space,
His father hid his smiling face,
Which did extort such bitter cries
As fill'd all nature with surprise.

9 Those piercing words, Eli, Eli,
Likewise Lama sabachtini!
Which our expiring Lord did speak,
They made the universe to shake.

10 Well might the sun its glory veil,
And every thing in nature fail,
And blush, had they but eyes to see
Their maker hanging on a tree.

11 What adamantine hearts of stone
Could hear our Savior's dying groan,
And not lament in any shape,
Except some harden'd reprobate?

12 How could the spotless Lamb of God,
Consent to spill his precious blood:
To save a stubborn guilty wretch?
'Twas love indeed without a match!

13 O! what is sin, that spawn of hell?
Its dreadful nature who can tell?
No man on earth, nor Gabriel's tongue,
Can e'er express what sin has done.

14 God's grace and love to fallen man,
Our human reach can never scan!
An angel's tongue can say no more,
It is a sea without a shore.

15 Arise ye stupid souls, and view
What your dear Lord has done for you;
And spend the remnant of your days
In striving to advance his praise.

16 The Father, Son and Spirit too,
All praise and honor are their due,
From spotless angels round the throne,
And human creatures ev'ry one.

Text Information

• First Line: God's power and wisdom are display'd
• Title: The condescending Love and Mercy of God in fallen man's redemption
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1800

Tune Information

(No tune information)