Christian Songs, Song LXXV

When Isr'el sinn'd against their God, His awful wrath began to flame; He sent his pow'rful word abroad, And fiery serpents instant came; Fierce pain assail'd the guilty host around, And all attempts of cure were fruitless found.

2 When God does wound, there's none but he Relief can to the wounded give; 'Tis he who sets the captive free, And bids despairing wretches live! He speaks; and peace, and gladness fill the soul, And mercy flows to man without controul.

3 He said to Moses graciously, "Go thou, a brazen serpent make, "And on a pole exalt it high, "And let the guilty comfort take: "Whoever looks to that shall quickly know "'Tis God who wounds, and he does health bestow."

4 But ye redeem'd, lift up your eyes, And see, what Moses faintly shows, Christ lifted up for sinners dies! To save from death rebellious foes! Whoe'er, believing, looks to him shall live, Eternal life is his alone to give.

5 The world he came not to condemn, As guilty mortals well might fear; But peace and pardon to proclaim; This was his gracious errand here. Our works he wrought—and justice satisfy'd, For us he groan'd, and in our stead he dy'd.

6 Let the proud boaster vainly think, By his own merit God to please; Or that Christ's work is not enough, To give the guilty conscience ease. May that alone for ever be our boast, Thro' life our glory, and in death our trust.