Olney Hymns (1840)/Book 1/Hymn 133

133.
The word quick and powerful.—Heb. iv, 12, 13.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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