1 Nature with open volume stands
to spread her Maker's praise abroad
and every labor 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 Oh! the sweet wonders of that cross
where Christ my Savior 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!