Hymns

When the Eternal bows the skies

by Isaac Watts·1707·Meter 8.6.8.6 (CM)

Based on Psa 138:6.

1

When the Eternal bows the skies
To visit earthly things,
With scorn divine he turns his eyes
From towers of haughty kings.

2

He bids his aweful chariot roll
Far downward from the skies,
To visit every humble soul
With pleasure in his eyes.

3

Why should the Lord that reigns above
Disdain so lofty kings?
Say, Lord, and why such looks of love
Upon such worthless things?

4

Mortals, be dumb; what creature dares
Dispute his aweful will?
Ask no account of his affairs,
But tremble and be still.

5

Just like his nature is his grace,
All sovereign and all free;
Great God, how searchless are thy ways,
How deep thy judgments be!