Classic Poem

HYMN XXV.

Lord, all the works thy hand has form'd
In earth and heaven above,
And all thy tracks of providence
Shew thee a God of love .

But thy surprizing acts of grace,
To Adam 's guilty seed,
Loudly proclaim to all the world,
That God is love indeed.

To object who deserve thy wrath
Thy boundless love extends;
Thou'rt kinder to thy enemies
Than men are to their friends.

Love drew the model of our bliss
In the decrees divine;
Conducts the work, and will at length
Complete the vast design.

Love brought heav'n's heir down from his throne
Into a virgin's womb;
Fasten'd him to a cursed tree,
And laid him in a tomb.

In his words, deeds, and sufferings all,
The law of kindness reign'd:
Love open'd all his ghastly wounds,
Thro which his life was drain'd,

His love as freely tenders now
That meritorious blood,
That broken body, to our souls
The best and sweetest food.

Love carry'd him up to his throne,
There to prepare us room;
And love will bring him down again
At last, to lead us home.