265		LM
	NATURE with open volume stands,    To spread her Maker’s praise abroad; And every labour of His hands     Shows something worthy of our 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 suffering lines.
3	Here I behold His inmost heart,     Where grace and justice strangely join, Piercing His Son with sharpest smart,     To make the purchased blessings mine.
4	He Who distributes crowns and thrones—     The Prince of Life—resigns His breath, Hangs on a tree and bleeds and groans;     The King of Glory bows to death!
5	O, the sweet wonders of that cross,     Where God the Saviour loved and died! Its noblest life my spirit draws     From His dear wounds and bleeding side.
6	I will for ever speak His name,     In songs to mortal ears unknown: With angels join to praise the Lamb,     And worship at His Father’s throne.
	Isaac Watts, 1674-1748