This hymn is again steeped in Old Testament, particularly Tabernacle and Temple, imagery. The idea of trembling and adoring is not such an uncommon one in Reformed writers. In his sermon on Godly Fear the Puritan Jeremiah Burroughs speaks of a godly scholar contemplating God's glory as it shines in Arts and Science and was so taken that he fell upon his face then says "Surely now these glorious Mysteries are far more dreadful to make us to fall down and adore and tremble before the Lord."
81 An Advocate LM
FATHER of mercies, at thy feet, We trembling, yet adoring stand;
Though worthless, we are sure to meet
A kind reception at thy hand.
2 Close by thy side, and on thy throne,
Sits Jesus, our high priest and king,
Whose merits spread a rich perfume,
O’er all the services we bring.
3 There as our Surety he appears,
With all our names upon his breast,
Mingles his incense with our prayers,
And thus obtains what we request.
4 With joy we see the mercy seat
Sprinkled with his atoning blood:
And in our glorious Head complete,
Dare to approach a holy God.
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