The Cyber Hymnal ‎#12050

12050. The Humble Inquiry

1 Grace rules below, and sits enthroned above,
How few the sparks of wrath! how slow they move,
And drop and die in boundless seas of love!

2 But me, vile wretch! should pitying love embrace
Deep in its ocean, hell itself would blaze,
And flash and burn me through the boundless seas.

3 Yea, Lord, my guilt to such a vastness grown
Seems to confine my choice to wrath alone,
And calls Thy power to vindicate Thy throne.

4 Thine honor bids, "Avenge Thy injured name,"
Thy slighted loves a dreadful glory claim,
While my moist tears might but incense Thy flame.

5 Should heav’n grow black, almighty thunder roar,
And vengeance blast me, I could plead no more,
But own Thy justice, dying, and adore.

6 Yet can those bolts of death that cleave the flood
To reach a rebel, pierce this sacred shroud,
Tinged in the vital stream of my Redeemer’s blood?

Text Information

• First Line: Grace rules below, and sits enthroned above
• Title: The Humble Inquiry
• Author: Isaac Watts
• Meter: 10.10.10.10.10.10
• Language: English
• Source: Horae Lyrica Book 1, 1706
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: YORKSHIRE
• Composer: John Wainwright (1750)
• Meter: 10.10.10.10.10.10
• Key: C Major
• Copyright: Public Domain