Messenger of the Covenant

Verse 1

Jesus, commission'd from above, Descends to men below, And shews from whence the springs of love, In endless currents flow.

Verse 2

He, whom the boundless Heaven adores, Whom angels long to see; Quitted with joy those blissful shores, Ambassador to me!

Verse 3

To me a worm, a sinful clod, A rebel all forlorn; A foe, a traitor to my God, And, of a traitor born:

Verse 4

To me, who never sought his grace, Who mock'd his sacred word; Who never knew, nor lov'd his face, And all his will abhorr'd:

Verse 5

To me who could not even praise, When his kind heart I knew; But sought a thousand devious ways, Rather than keep the true.

Verse 6

Yet this redeeming angel came, So vile a worm to bless; He took, with gladness, all my blame, And gave his righteousness.

Verse 7

O! that my languid heart might glow, With ardour all divine; And for more love than seraphs knew, Like burning seraphs shine.