While most are quite familiar with the hymn Amazing Grace by John Newton, many are less aware of his many other hymns. Below is one that has blessed my heart today and made me so thankful, once again, for God's abundant grace toward those who are His.
The Book of Creation (Hymn 81)
The book of nature open lies, With much instruction stor’d;
But till the Lord anoints our eyes, We cannot read a word.
Philosophers have por’d in vain, And guess’d from age to age:
For reason’s eye could ne’er attain To understand a page.
Though to each star they give a name, Its size and motions teach;
The truths which all the stars proclaim, Their wisdom cannot reach.
With skill to measure earth and sea, And weigh the subtile air;
They cannot, Lord, discover thee, though present ev’rywhere.
The knowledge of the saints excels The wisdom of the schools;
To them his secrets God reveals, Though men account them fools.
To them the sun and stars on high, The flowers that paint the field,
And all the artless birds that fly, Divine instruction yield.
The creatures in their senses press, As witnesses to prove
Their Saviour’s power and faithfulness, His providence and love.
Thus may we study nature’s book, To make us wise indeed!
And pity those who only look At what they cannot read.
