Scripture Verse

Surely it is not angels He helps, but Abraham’s descendants. Hebrews 2:16

Introduction

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John Newton
1725–1807

Words: John New­ton, Ol­ney Hymns (Lon­don: W. Ol­iv­er, 1779), Book 2, num­ber 39. Man hon­oured above an­gels.

Music: Mainz­er Jo­seph Mainz­er, 1841 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tunes:

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Joseph Mainzer
1801–1851

Lyrics

Now let us join with hearts and tongues,
And emulate the angels’ songs;
Yea, sinners may address their king
In songs that angels cannot sing.

They praise the Lamb who once was slain,
But we can add a higher strain;
Not only say, He suffered thus,
But that He suffered all for us.

When angels by transgression fell,
Justice consigned them all to hell;
But mercy formed a wondrous plan,
To save and honor fallen man.

Jesus, who passed the angels by,
Assumed our flesh to bleed and die;
And still He makes it His abode,
As man, He fills the throne of God.

Our next of kin, our brother now,
Is He to whom the angels bow;
They join with us to praise His name,
But we the nearest interest claim.

But ah! how faint our praises rise!
Sure, ’tis the wonder of the skies;
That we, who share His richest love,
So cold and unconcerned should prove.

O glorious hour, it comes with speed!
When we from sin and darkness freed,
Shall see the God who died for man,
And praise Him more than angels can.