1 The book of nature open lies,
With much instruction stored;
But till the Lord anoints our eyes,
We cannot read a word.
2 The knowledge of the saints excels
The wisdom of the schools;
To them his secrets God reveals,
Tho' men account them fools.
3 To them the sun and stars on high,
The flowers that paint the field,
And all the artless birds that fly,
Divine instruction yield.
4 The creatures on their senses press,
As witnesses to prove
Their Savior's power and faithfulness,
His providence and love.
5 Thus may we study nature's book,
To make us wise indeed!
And pity those who only look
At what they cannot read.
The Hartford Selection of Hymns from the most approved authors, 1799