Tune: ST MICHAEL
Words: John Newton, 1779
Music: Louis Bourgeois, 1543
View Lyrics
The word of Christ, our Lord, with Whom we have to do,
is sharper than a two-edged sword, to pierce the sinner through.
Swift as the lightning’s blaze when awful thunders roll,
it fills the conscience with amaze, and penetrates the soul.
No heart can be concealed from His all-piercing eyes;
each thought and purpose stands revealed, exposed, without disguise.
He sees his peoples’ fears; He notes their mournful cry;
He counts their sighs and falling tears and helps them from on high.
Though feeble is their good, it has His kind regard;
yea, all they would do, if they could, shall find a sure reward.
He sees the wicked too, and will repay them soon,
for all the evil deeds they do, and all they would have done.
Since all our secret ways are marked and known by Thee;
afford us, Lord, Thy light of grace, that we ourselves may see.
is sharper than a two-edged sword, to pierce the sinner through.
Swift as the lightning’s blaze when awful thunders roll,
it fills the conscience with amaze, and penetrates the soul.
No heart can be concealed from His all-piercing eyes;
each thought and purpose stands revealed, exposed, without disguise.
He sees his peoples’ fears; He notes their mournful cry;
He counts their sighs and falling tears and helps them from on high.
Though feeble is their good, it has His kind regard;
yea, all they would do, if they could, shall find a sure reward.
He sees the wicked too, and will repay them soon,
for all the evil deeds they do, and all they would have done.
Since all our secret ways are marked and known by Thee;
afford us, Lord, Thy light of grace, that we ourselves may see.