Author: J. Stennett Meter: 8.6.8.6 Appears in 29 hymnals Scripture: Psalm 85:10-11 First Line: When first the God of boundless grace Lyrics: 1 When first the God of boundless grace
Disclos'd his kind design,
To rescue our apostate race
From mis'ry, shame, and sin.
2 Quick through the realms of light and bliss,
The joyful tidings ran,
Each heart exulted at the news,
That God would dwell with man.
3 Yet 'midst their joys they paus'd a while,
And ask'd with strange surprise,
"But how can injur'd justice smile,
"Or look with pitying eyes?
4 Will the Almighty deign again,
To visit yonder world;
And hither bring rebellious men,
Whence rebels once were hurl'd?
5 Their tears, and groans, and deep distress,
Aloud for mercy call:
But ah! must truth and righteousness
Victims to mercy fall?"
6 So spake the friends of God and man,
Delighted, yet surpris'd;
Eager to know the wond'rous plan,
That wisdom had devis'd.
7 The Son of God attentive heard,
And quickly thus reply'd,
"In me let mercy be reve'd,
And justice satisfy'd.
8 Behold! my vital blood I pour,
A sacrifice to God;
Justice divine will now no more
Demand the sinner's blood."
9 He spake, and heav'n's high arches rung;
Praise, ev'ry tongue employs,
"He dy'd," the friendly angels sung,
Nor cease their rapturous joys.
Mercy and Truth
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