The Cyber Hymnal ‎#246

246. As the Serpent

1. As the serpent raised by Moses
Healed the burning serpent’s bite;
Jesus thus Himself discloses
To the wounded sinner’s sight:
Hear His gracious invitation,
“I have life and peace to give,
I have wrought out full salvation,
Sinner, look to Me and live.

2. “Pore upon your sins no longer,
Well I know their mighty guilt;
But My love than death is stronger,
I My blood have freely spilt:
Though your heart has long been hardened,
Look on me—it soft shall grow;
Past transgressions shall be pardoned,
And I’ll wash you white as snow.

3. “I have seen what you were doing,
Though you little thought of me;
You were madly bent on ruin,
But I said—It shall not be:
You had been for ever wretched,
Had I not espoused your part;
Now behold My arms outstretchèd
To receive you to My heart.

4. Well may shame, and joy, and wonder,
All your inward passions move;
I could crush thee with My thunder,
But I speak to thee in love:
See! your sins are all forgiven,
I have paid the countless sum!
Now My death has opened Heaven,
Thither you shall shortly come.

5. Dearest Savior, we adore Thee
For Thy precious life and death;
Melt each stubborn heart before Thee,
Give us all the eye of faith:
From the law’s condemning sentence,
To Thy mercy we appeal;
Thou alone canst give repentance,
Thou alone our souls canst heal.

Text Information

• First Line: As the serpent raised by Moses
• Title: As the Serpent
• Author: John Newton
• Language: English
• Source: Olney Hymn, (London: W. Oliver, 1779), number 61
• Copyright: Public Domain
• Notes: Alternate tunes: AUSTRIA (HAYDN), Franz J. Haydn, 1797; AUTUMN, François H. Barthélémon, 1785; HERE IS LOVE,Robert Lowry, 1876

Tune Information

• Name: ALL FOR JESUS (Hull)
• Composer: Asa Hull (1871)
• Incipit: 33332 35322 55423
• Key: F Major
• Copyright: Public Domain