Lord, What is Man?

Father of uncreated light,
Fountain of life, and Source of power,
We tremble at Thy glory's height,
And, lost in silent praise, adore.

Truly Thou art a secret God,
That hid'st Thee in the deepest shade;
Thy inaccessible abode
Thou hast in cloud and darkness made.

Darkness and clouds surround Thy throne.
And veil the brightness of Thy face;
Still we revere a God unknown,
A bottomless abyss of grace.

Who, who can all Thy counsel see,
Thine uttermost perfection prove,
Fathom the depths of Deity,
The mystery of redeeming love!

Yet hast Thou in the Gospel glass
The beamings of Thy glory shown;
Before us made Thy goodness pass,
And strongly stamp'd it on Thy Son.

Thy judgments all our thoughts transcend,
Thy love is written on our heart,
Thy love in part we comprehend,
Love, only love, we know Thou art.

Angels, behold the bleeding Lamb,
Your God for guilty sinners slain,
Confess the power of Jesu's name;
Angels, bow down, and worship Man.

See where enthroned in Christ we sit,
We, who the ransom'd nature share!
Hell, earth, and heaven to man submit,
To me; for I in Christ am there:

Amazing height of Jesu's love!
Lord, what is man's distinguish'd race,
Exalted in Thy flesh above,
The angels that behold Thy face!

O when shall all Thy members rise,
To perfect life in Thee restored,
Caught up to meet Thee in the skies
And be for ever with the Lord!

Who now our scanty offerings bring,
And praise Thee with a stammering tongue,
We soon triumphantly shall sing
The new, the everlasting song.

Come, Lord, we groan to see Thy day!
Come, Son of Man, with glory crown'd!
The banner of Thy cross display;
Descend, and bid the trumpet sound!