Hymns

Nature with open volume stands

by Isaac Watts·1707·Meter 8.8.8.8 (LM)

Based on 1 Cor 2:7

1

Nature with open volume stands,
To spread her Maker's praise abroad;
And every labor of his hands
Shows something worthy of a God.

2

But in the grace that rescued man
His brightest form of glory shines;
Here, on the cross, 'tis fairest drawn,
In precious blood and crimson lines.

3

Here his whole name appears complete;
Nor wit can guess, nor reason prove,
Which of the letters best is writ,
The power, the wisdom, or the love.

4

Here I behold his inmost heart,
Where grace and vengeance strangely join,
Piercing his Son with sharpest smart,
To make the purchased pleasure mine.

5

O! the sweet wonders of that cross,
Where God the Savior loved and died
Her noblest life my spirit draws
From his dear wounds and bleeding side.

6

I would for ever speak his name,
In sounds to mortal ears unknown;
With angels join to praise the Lamb,
And worship at his Father's throne.