The book of nature open lies

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. The book of nature open lies,With much instruction stored;But till the Lord anoints our eyesWe cannot read a word.

2. 2

   Stanza 2. Philosophers have pored in vain,And guessed, from age to age;For reason’s eye could ne’er attainTo understand a page.

3. 3

   Stanza 3. Though to each star they give a name,Its size and motions teach;The truths which all the stars proclaim,Their wisdom cannot reach.

4. 4

   Stanza 4. With skill to measure earth and sea;And weigh the subtle air;They cannot, LORD, discover theeThough present everywhere.

5. 5

   Stanza 5. The knowledge of the saints excelsThe wisdom of the schools;To them his secrets God reveals,Though men account them fools.

6. 6

   Stanza 6. To them the sun and stars on high,The flow’rs that paint the field,And all the artless birds that fly,Divine instruction yield.

7. 7

   Stanza 7. The creatures on their senses press,As witnesses to proveTheir Savior’s pow’r, and faithfulness,His providence and love.

8. 8

   Stanza 8. Thus may we study nature’s bookTo make us wise indeed!And pity those who only lookAt what they cannot read.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 2, Hymn 81. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/2-81