English poem
The grand Scheme of the Gospel. Ephes. i. 9, 10, 11
by Philip Doddridge (1773–1832)
We sing the deep mysterious Plan, Which GOD devis'd e'er Time began; At length disclos'd in all its Light. We bless the wond'rous Birth of Love, Which beams around us from above, With Grace so free, and Hope so bright.
Here has the wise eternal Mind In Christ, their common Head, conjoin'd Gentiles and Jews, and Earth and Heav'n. Thro' him, from the great Father's Throne, Rivers of Bliss come rolling down, And endless Peace and Life are giv'n.
No more the awful Cherubs guard The Tree of Life with flaming Sword, To drive asar Man's trembling Race; At Salem's pearly Gates they stand, And smiling wait (a friendly Band!) To welcome Strangers to the Place.
While we expect that glorious Sight, Love shall our Hearts with theirs unite, And ardent Hope our Bosoms raise: From Earth's dark Vale, and Tongues of Clay, To those resplendent Realms of Day, We'll try to send the sounding Praise.
More by Philip Doddridge
- The Gospel first preached at Jerusalem. Luke xxiv.-47
- The Gospel Jubilee. Psalm lxxxix. 15. compared with Levit. xxv. and Isa. lxi. 2
- The Gospel Treasure in earthen Vessels, 2 Cor. iv. 7
- The Grace of CHRIST in ministring to Men, and dying for them. Matt. xx. 28
- The great Journey. Job xvi. 22
- The Greatness and Majesty of GOD, and the Meanness of the Creatures. Isaiah xl. 15, 16, 17
- The Hand of the LORD upon the Cattle. Exodus ix. 3
- The Happiness and Security of CHRIST'S Sheep. John x. 28