A few interesting selections of poetry from poet and hymn-writer John Newton:
THE BOOK OF CREATION
John Newton
The book of nature open lies,
With much instruction stor'd;
But till the Lord anoints our eyes,
We cannot read a word.
Philosophers have por'd in vain,
And guess'd from age to age;
For reason's eye could ne'er attain
To understand a page.
Though to each star they give a name,
Its size and motions teach;
The truths which all the stars proclaim
Their wisdom cannot reach.
With skill to measure earth and sea,
And weigh the subtle air;
They cannot, Lord, discover thee,
Though present ev'ry where.
The knowledge of the saints excels
The wisdom of the schools;
To them his secrets God reveals,
Though men account them fools.
To them the sun and stars on high,
The flow'rs that paint the field,
And all the artless birds that fly,
Divine instruction yield.
The creatures on their senses press,
As witnesses to prove
Their Saviour's pow'r and faithfulness,
His providence and love.
Thus may we study nature's book,
To make us wise indeed!
And pity those who only look
At what they cannot read.