more than cursory
review. Beginning with the subject of creation, he wrote a number of
excellent hymns on the work and providence of God. Best known among these
is the hymn given below, which is said to have so pleased the king that
he chose its author to become bishop. The hymn is thought to have been
written while Brorson was still at Randrup. But whether this be so or
not, it is evidently inspired by the natural scenery of that locality.

Arise, all things that God hath made[5]
And praise His name and glory;
Great is the least His hand arrayed,
And tells a wondrous story.

Would all the kings of earth display
Their utmost pomp and power,
They could not make a leaflet stay
And grow upon a flower.

How could the wisdom I compass
To show the grace and wonder
Of but the smallest blade of grass
On which the mind would ponder.

What shall I say when I admire
The verdant meadows blooming,
And listen to the joyful choir
Of birds above them zooming.

What shall I say when I descry
Deep in the restless ocean
The myriad creatures passing by
In swift and ceaseless motion.

What shall I say when I behold
The stars in countless numbers
Display their light and charm untold
While nature sweetly slumbers.

What shall I say when I ascend
To Him Who made creation,
And see the angel host attend
His throne with adoration.

What shall I say--vain are my words
And humble my opinion!
Great is Thy wisdom, Lord of lords,
Thy glory and dominion!

Lift up your voice with one accord
Now, every tribe and nation:
Hallelujah, great is our Lord
And wondrous His creation!

The Pietist movement is known for its fervid glorification of the Savior,
and particularly of His blood and wounds, a glorification which at times
appears objectionable because of the too-familiar and realistic terms in
which it is expressed. Brorson did not wholly escape the excesses of the
movement in this respect, especially in his translations. In his original
hymns the excesses are less apparent. However faithful he might be to the
movement he possessed a wholesome restraint which, when he was not
following others, caused him to moderate its most inappropriate
extravagances. What can be more reverent than this beautiful tribute to
the Savior:

Jesus, name of wondrous grace,
Fount of mercy and s