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,
Thy glory and dominion!
Lift up your voice with one accord
Now, every tribe and nation:
Hallelujah, great is our Lord
And wondrous His creation!
The Pietist movement is known for its fervid glorification of the Savior, and particularly of His blood and wounds, a glorification which at times appears objectionable because of the too-familiar and realistic terms in which it is expressed. Brorson did not wholly escape the excesses of the movement in this
respect, especially in his translations. In his original hymns the excesses are less apparent. However faithful he might be to the movement he possessed a wholesome restraint which, when he was not following others, caused him to moderate its most inappropriate extravagances. What can be more reverent than
this beautiful tribute to the Savior:
Jesus, name of wondrous grace,
Fount of mercy and salvation,
First fruit of the new creation,
Weary sinners’ resting place,
Banner of the faith victorious,
Anchor of our hope and love,
Guide us in Thy footsteps glorious,
Bear us to Thy home above.
Or more expressive than this jubilant hymn of adoration:
O Thou blest Immanuel!
What exceeding joy from heaven
Hast Thou caused in me to dwell
