The Word Quick and Powerful

I

The word of Christ our Lord,
With whom we have to do,
Is sharper than a two-edged sword
To pierce the sinner through!

II

Swift as the lightning’s blaze
When awful thunders roll,
It fills the conscience with amaze,
And penetrates the soul.

III

No heart can be conceal’d
From his all-piercing eyes:
Each thought and purpose stands reveal’d,
Naked without disguise.

IV

He sees his people’s fears,
He notes their mournful cry;
He counts their sighs and falling tears,
And helps them from on high.

V

Though feeble is their good,
It has its kind regard;
Yea, all they would do, if they could,
Shall find a sure reward.

VI

He sees the wicked too,
And will repay them soon,
For all the evil deeds they do,
And all they would have done.

VII

Since all our secret ways
Are mark’d and known by thee,
Afford us, Lord, thy light of grace,
That we ourselves may see.