The God who once to Israel spoke

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. The God who once to Israel spokeFrom Sinai’s top, in fire and smoke,In gentler strains of gospel graceInvites us, now, to seek his face.

2. 2

   Stanza 2. He wears no terrors on his brow,He speaks, in love, from Zion, now;It is the voice of JESUS’ bloodCalling poor wand’rers home to GOD.

3. 3

   Stanza 3. The holy Moses quaked and fearedWhen Sinai’s thund’ring law he heard;But reigning grace, with accents mild,Speaks to the sinner, as a child.

4. 4

   Stanza 4. Hark! how from Calvary it sounds;From the Redeemer’s bleeding wounds!“Pardon and grace, I freely give,Poor sinner, look to me, and live.”

5. 5

   Stanza 5. What other arguments can moveThe heart, that slights a Savior’s love!Yet till Almighty pow’r constrain,This matchless love is preached in vain.

6. 6

   Stanza 6. O Savior let that pow’r be felt,And cause each stony heart to melt!Deeply impress upon our youthThe light, and force, of gospel truth.

7. 7

   Stanza 7. With this new–year may they beginTo live to thee, and die to sin,To enter by the narrow wayWhich leads to everlasting day.

8. 8

   Stanza 8. How will they else thy presence bearWhen as a Judge thou shalt appear!When slighted love to wrath shall turn,And the whole earth like Sinai burn!

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 2, Hymn 17. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/2-17