English poem
GOD's Love to the World in sending CHRIST for its Redemption. John iii. 16
by Philip Doddridge (1773–1832)
Sing to the LORD a new melodious Song: Assist the Choir, ye Tribes of ev'ry Tongue: Wide as the World his sov'reign Mercy reigns; Wide as the World resound the rapt'rous Strains. Ye Angels, join the joyful Acclamation, And sing the Love, that brings to Men Salvation.
His gracious Eye beheld in full Survey Where Adam's Race in mingled Ruin lay: No human Aid the Danger could avert: No Angel's Hand could soothe the raging Smart: In his own Breast divine Compassion rises, And the grand scheme the court of Heav'n surprises.
GOD's only Son with peerless Glories bright, His Father's fairest Image and Delight, Justice and Grace the Victim have decreed, To wear our Flesh, and in that Flesh to bleed. Prostrate in Dust, ye Sinners, all adore him, And tremble, while your Hearts rejoice before him.
The wondrous work is done; the cov'nant stood, And Jesus expiates human Guilt with Blood; Nail'd to the Tree he bows his sacred Head; A mangled Corps he sojourns with the Dead; Rising, the Gospel sends thro' ev'ry Nation; Sinners believe, and gain compleat Salvation.
Father of Grace, accept our humble Praise; O let it run thro' everlasting Days! And Thou, Blest Saviour, spotless Lamb of GOD, Accept the Souls dear-ransom'd with thy Blood; And to those Songs, form all our feeble Voices, In which the choir round thy bright throne rejoices.
More by Philip Doddridge
- GOD'S gracious Approbation of a religious Care of our Families, Genesis xviii. 19
- GOD's gracious Methods of adopting Love. Jerem. iii. 19
- GOD's gracious Regard to active Attempts to revive Religion. Mal. iii. 16, 17
- GOD's incomparable Mercy admired. Micah vii. 18, 19, 20
- GOD's Name profaned, when his Table is treated with Contempt. Malachi. i. 12
- GOD'S Name the Encouragement of our Faith. Psalm ix. 10
- GOD'S Presence desireable. Exodus xxxiii. 15
- GOD's Purposes effectual, and CHRIST's Invitations sincere. John vi. 37