The Counsels of Redeeming Love

Verse 1

Th' Eternal speaks: All heav'n attends: Who that unhappy race defends, While justice aims the blow? See nature tremble at their fates: Death with his iron sceptre waits: Hell opes her adamantine gates, And triumphs at their woe.

Verse 2

Which of the bright celestial throng, With Love so warm, and heart so strong, Dares languish on a cross? Who can leave liberty for chains? Abandon ecstacy, for pains? What angel fortitude sustains Th' inestimable Loss.

Verse 3

He said: And death like silence reign'd: Deep was their awe: The radiant band, The mighty task declin'd, At once, heav'n's Prince the silence broke, And ardent thus, the Sire bespoke, "None, but thy Son can ward the stroke;, Ten let the task be mine.

Verse 4

Mine, be the feeble infant state; Mine, in return for love be hate; A manger be my throne. Pain, when thy glory calls, is bliss; When man's in danger, torture's peace; Shame praise; a paradise th' abyss: Then yield thy darling Son."

Verse 5

Th' Almignty radiance smil'd assent, Loud was the shout that ether rent, All heav'n was in amaze. Be born, in anguish to expire;" Earth triumph: Angels strike the lyre, To everlasting praise.