JESUS, commissioned from above, Descends to us below, And shows from Whom the springs of love In endless mercy flow.
He, Whom the boundless Heaven adores, Whom angels long to see, Departed from those blissful shores, Ambassador to me!
To me, who never sought His grace, Who mocked His sacred Word: Who never knew or loved His face, But all His will abhorred.
To me, who could not even praise When His kind heart I knew, But sought a thousand devious ways Rather than find the true.
Yet this redeeming Saviour came So vile a worm to bless; And took with gladness all my blame, And gave His righteousness.
O, that my listless heart might glow With ardour all divine! And, for more love than seraphs know, Like burning seraphs shine!
Ambrose Serle, 1742-1812