Lord Jesus, 'tis our joy to know
Thy love, that rests upon us now,
Is ours forevermore;
Not this the manner of vain man-
Thou lovest as God only can
Ages and ages o'er.
Before a creature lived or died,
Before God's sons rejoicing cried
At sight of all things made,
Man was the object of Thy heart,
With him to take Thy destined part,
By Satan undismayed.
O blessed Lord, Thy love did then
Pass angels by for sons of men,
For beings of the dust!
Thyself the Father's chief delight,
Eternal Wisdom, Life and Light,
How worthy of all trust!
Yet man, alas! a rebel turned
And soon with every evil burned,
The slave of Thy worst foe;
How wondrously this drew Thy love
To reconcile with God above
Our alien hearts, we know!
Lord, 'tis the virtue of Thy blood
To wash us spotless for our God:
Was ever love like this?
Yea, Thou would'st have us now enjoy
The tidings glad without alloy,
Waiting for heavenly bliss.
But far, far more: Thy love that came
So low to bear sin's doom and shame
Has raised us to Thy height;
For Thou hast made us one with Thee,
In heavenly glory all shall see
When Thou dost come in might.