The Sword Bathed in Heaven

Verse 1

Wake thou, my sword! Jehovah said, It woke, obey'd the high command; And bath'd in blood on Jesus' head, Smote down the Man of God's right hand.

Verse 2

Why leap'd the blade from mercy's sheath? Why wrapt for slaughter gleam'd the sword, That kills—and makes alive from death? What rouz'd the vengeance of the Lord?

Verse 3

Stern justice drew the weapon forth: Soft mercy aim'd the mortal blow: Then judgment past on all the earth: Now, truth a seal'd release can show.

Verse 4

All hail! great plan of plans divine! First counsels of the might God! Before all worlds this one design, Was grav'd on archives, writ in blood.

Verse 5

The heav'ns may perish—earth decay; Suns turn to night—and moons wax pale: Th' Almighty love of Calv'ry's day; The blood of Christ can never fail.

Verse 6

What he bagan, ere time begun, Eternity shall but complete; Nor hell in arms against the Son, The triumphs of the cross defeat.