Christian Songs, Song XXXII

Say, word of truth, why sin and death Among God's works were found? Why, by a law to sinners giv'n, Was sin made to abound?

2 Why were the highly favoured Jews Abandon'd to fulfil The things foretold of Christ, and so The prince of life to kill?—

3 It was that mercy might triumph, Where sin before did reign; That, in the darkest wickedness, The strength of grace might shine.

4 Why was that nation broken off? The Gentiles grafted in? And these again, like Jews, cast off By following their sin?—

5 It was to stain the pride of all; Pour shame on ev'ry face; That all th' elected remnant might Indebted stand to grace.

6 And that they all might be built up, Thro' faith, an house for God, And grace might shine more bright to them, When wrath pursues the proud.

7 O great the depth! O rich the store Of knowledge all divine! Most perfect wisdom, thro' the whole, Surprisingly doth shine!

8 Who can his judgments deep search out? His awful steps pursue? Who was to pry into his thoughts, When first his plan he drew?

9 Who was upon his counsels, when His great designs were laid? Who hath first giv'n to him?—it shall Most surely be repaid.

10 For of him, thro' him, all things are, And unto him again; To him all glory be ascrib'd, For evermore. Amen.