Author: Dr. S. Stennett Meter: 8.6.8.6 Appears in 29 hymnals Topics: Harmony of the divine perfections 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 misery, 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
To mercy victims 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 rever'd,
"And justice satisfy'd.
8 "Behold! my vital blood I pour,
"A sacrifice to God;
"Let angry justice now no more
"Demand the sinner's blood."
9 He spake, and heaven's high arches rung,
With shouts and loud applause;
"He dy'd," the friendly angels sung,
Nor cease their rapturous joys. Scripture: Psalm 65:10
Mercy and Truth met together; or, the Harmony of the divine Perfections
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