21. Nature with open volume stands

1 Nature with open volume stands
To spread her Maker's praise abroad,
And every labour of his hands
Shows something worthy of a God.

2 But in the grace that rescued man
His brightest form of glory shines;
Here on the Cross 'tis fairest drawn
In precious blood and crimson lines.

3 Here his whole Name appears complete;
Nor wit can guess, nor reason prove
Which of the letters best is writ,
The Power, the Wisdom, or the Love.

4 O the sweet wonders of that Cross
Where God the Saviour loved and died!
Her noblest life my spirit draws
From his dear wounds and bleeding side.

5 I would for ever speak his Name
In sounds to mortal ears unknown,
With angels join to praise the Lamb,
And worship at his Father's throne.

Text Information
First Line: Nature with open volume stands
Author: Isaac Watts (1674-1748)
Meter: L.M.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1974
Topic: Holy Communion: At the Communion
Notes: This hymn, like the author's 'When I survey the wondrous Cross', was written 'for the Holy Ordinance of the Lord's-Supper'.
Tune Information
Name: NÜRNBERG
Composer: J. S. Bach (1685-1750)
Arranger: John Wilson (b. 1905)
Meter: L.M.
Key: F Major
Copyright: Owner or Controller of Copyright: Oxford University Press



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