We, who were transgressors

Are now blest possessors

Of His grace and aid.

When in death

He gave His breath

To the cruel foe He yielded

That we should be shielded.

Earth! where are thy wonders!

Hell! where are thy thunders!

Death, where is thy sting!

Jesus rose victorious,

Reigns in heaven glorious

As our Lord and King.

Him, the Lord,

Who did accord

Us so great a joy and favor,

We will praise forever.

Brorson’s other hymns are too numerous to permit a more than cursory review.

Beginning with the subject of creation, he wrote a number of excellent hymns on the work and providence of God. Best known among these is the hymn given below, which is said to have so pleased the king that he chose its author to become bishop. The hymn is thought to have been written while Brorson was still at Randrup. But whether this be so or not, it is evidently inspired by the natural scenery of that locality.

Arise, all things that God hath made[5]

And praise His name and glory;

Great is the least His hand arrayed,

And tells a wondrous story.

Would all the kings of earth display

Their utmost pomp and power,

They could not make a leaflet stay

And grow upon a flower.

How could the wisdom I compass

To show the grace and wonder

Of but the smallest blade of grass

On which the mind would ponder.

What shall I say when I admire

The verdant meadows blooming,

And listen to the joyful choir

Of birds above them zooming.

What shall I say when I descry

Deep in the restless ocean

The myriad creatures passing by

In swift and ceaseless motion.

What shall I say when I behold

The stars in countless numbers

Display their light and charm untold

While nature sweetly slumbers.

What shall I say when I ascend

To Him Who made creation,

And see the angel host attend

His throne with adoration.

What shall I say—vain are my words

And humble my opinion!

Great is Thy wisdom, Lord of lords,