Now let us join with hearts and tongues, <br />And emulate the angels' songs; <br />Yea, sinners may address their King <br />In songs that angels cannot sing. <br /> <br />They praise the Lamb who once was slain; <br />But we can add a higher strain; <br />Not only say, "He suffer'd thus, <br />"But that he suffer'd all for us." <br /> <br />When angels by transgression fell, <br />Justice consign'd them all to hell; <br />But Mercy form'd a wondrous plan, <br />To save and honour fallen man. <br /> <br />Jesus, who pass'd the angels by, <br />Assum'd our flesh to bleed and die; <br />And still he makes it his abode; <br />As man he fills the throne of God. <br /> <br />Our next of kin, our Brother now, <br />Is he to whom the angels bow; <br />They join with us to praise his name, <br />But we the nearest int'rest claim. <br /> <br />But, ah! how faint our praises rise! <br />Sure, 'tis the wonder of the skies, <br />That we, who share his richest love, <br />So cold and unconcern'd should prove. <br /> <br />Oh, glorious hour, it comes with speed! <br />When we, from sin and darkness freed, <br />Shall see the God who died for man, <br />And praise him more than angels can.<br /><br />John Newton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/men-honoured-above-angels/
