Hymns and Spiritual Songs, in Three Books ‎#I.LXXV

I.LXXV. The description of Christ the Beloved

1 The wondering world inquires to know
Why I should love my Jesus so;
“What are his charms (say they) above
"The objects of a mortal love?”

2 Yes, my Beloved to my sight
Shews a sweet mixture, red and white:
All human beauties, all divine,
In my Beloved meet and shine.

3 White is his soul, from blemish free;
Red, with the blood he shed for me;
The fairest of ten thousand fairs;
A sun amongst ten thousand stars.

4 [His head the finest gold excels;
There wisdom in perfection dwells;
And glory like a crown adorns
Those temples once beset with thorns.

5 Compassions in his heart are found,
Hard by the signals of his wound.
His sacred side no more shall bear
The cruel scourge, the piercing spear.]

6 [His hands are fairer to behold
Than di'monds, set in rings of gold;
Those heav'nly hands that on the tree
Were nail'd and torn, and bled for me.

7 Tho' once he bow'd his feeble knees,
Loaded with sins and agonies;
Now on the throne of his command
His legs like marble pillars stand.]

8 His eyes are majesty and love,
The eagle temper'd with the dove;
No more shall trickling sorrows roll
Thro' those dear windows of his soul.]

9 His mouth, that pour'd out long complaints,
Now smiles, and cheers his fainting saints;
His countenance more graceful is
Than Lebanon, with all its trees.

10 All over glorious is my Lord;
Must be belov'd and yet ador'd;
His worth if all the nations knew,
Sure the whole world would love him too!

Text Information

• First Line: The wondering world inquires to know
• Title: The description of Christ the Beloved
• Meter: L. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1793
• Scripture:
  Song of Solomon 5:9-12
  ;
  Song of Solomon 5:14-16

Tune Information

(No tune information)