Man by Nature, Grace, and Glory

I

Lord, what is man? extremes how wide
In this mysterious nature join!
The flesh to worms and dust allied,
The soul immortal and divine!

II

Divine at first, a holy flame
Kindled by the Almighty’s breath;
Till, stain’d by sin, it soon became
The seat of darkness, strife, and death.

III

But Jesus, O amazing grace!
Assumed our nature as his own,
Obey’d and suffer’d in our place,
Then took it with him to his throne.

IV

Now what is man, when grace reveals
The virtue of a Saviour’s blood?
Again a life divine he feels,
Despises earth and walks with God.

V

And what, in yonder realms above,
Is ransom’d man ordain’d to be?
With honour, holiness, and love,
No seraph more adorn’d than he.

VI

Nearest the throne, and first in song,
Man shall his hallelujahs raise;
While wond’ring angels round him throng,
And swell the chorus of his praise.