Hymns

A Garden contemplation suits,

by John Newton·1779·Meter 8.6.8.6 (CM)

Based on Isa 61:3

1

A Garden contemplation suits,
And may instruction yield,
Sweeter than all the flow'rs and fruits
With which the spot is filled.

2

Eden was Adam's dwelling place,
While blest with innocence;
But sin o'erwhelmed him with disgrace,
And drove the rebel thence.

3

Oft as the garden-walk we tread,
We should bemoan his fall;
The trespass of our legal head
In ruin plunged us all.

4

The garden of Gethsemane,
The second Adam saw,
Oppressed with woe, to set us free
From the avenging law.

5

How stupid we, who can forget,
With gardens in our sight,
His agonies and bloody sweat,
In that tremendous night

6

His church as a fair garden stands,
Which walls of love enclose;
Each tree is planted by his hand,
And by his blessing grows.

7

Believing hearts are gardens too,
For grace has sown its seeds;
Where once, by nature, nothing grew
But thorns and worthless weeds.

8

Such themes to those who JESUS love,
May constant joys afford;
And make a barren desert prove
The garden of the LORD.

Creation