Common Praise ‎#113

113. 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 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 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 (alt.)
• Meter: LM
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 2000
• Scripture:
  1 Peter 1:19
  ;
  John 12:23
  ;
  John 19:34
  ;
  Psalm 19:1
  ;
  Revelation 5:11-14
  ;
  Romans 1:19-20
• Topic: Passiontide and Holy Week; Proper 22: Year A

Tune Information

• Name: NÜRNBERG
• Composer: J. S. Bach, 1685-1750
• Adapter: John Wilson, 1905-1992
• Meter: LM
• Key: F Major
• Source: G. Schemelli's Musikalisches Gesangbuch, 1736
• Copyright: Adaptation © Oxford University Press