The Rod of Moses

I

When Moses waved his mystic rod,
What wonders follow’d while he spoke!
Firm as a wall the waters stood,
Or gush’d in rivers from the rock.

II

At his command the thunders roll’d;
Lightning and hail his voice obey’d;
And Pharaoh trembled to behold
His land in desolation laid.

III

But what could Moses’ rod have done
Had he not been divinely sent?
The power was from the Lord alone,
And Moses but the instrument.

IV

O Lord, regard thy people’s pray’rs!
Assist a worm to preach aright;
And since thy gospel-rod he bears,
Display thy wonders in our sight.

V

Proclaim the thunders of thy law,
Like lightning let thine arrows fly,
That careless sinners, struck with awe,
For refuge may to Jesus fly.

VI

Make streams of godly sorrow flow
From rocky hearts, unused to feel;
And let the poor in spirit know
That thou art near their griefs to heal.

VII

But chiefly we would now look up
To ask a blessing for our youth,
The rising generation’s hope,
That they may know and love thy truth.

VIII

Arise, O Lord, afford a sign,
Now shall our pray’rs success obtain;
Since both the means and power are thine,
How can the rod be raised in vain?