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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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