From Sinai's cloud of darkness

1 From Sinai's cloud of darkness
The vivid lightnings play,
They serve the God of vengeance,
The Lord who shall repay.
Each fault must bring its penance,
Each sin the avenging blade;
For God upholds in justice
The laws that he hath made.

2 But Calvary stands to ransom
The earth from utter loss,
In shade than light more glorious,
The shadow of the Cross.
To heal a sick world's trouble,
To soothe its woe and pain,
On Calvary's sacred summit
The Paschal Lamb was slain.

3 The boundless might of Heaven
Its law in mercy furled,
As once the bow of promise
O'erarched a drowning world.
The law said As you keep me
It shall be done to you.
But Calvary prays--Forgive them,
They know not what they do.

4 Almighty God! direct us
To keep thy perfect Law!
O blessed Saviour, help us
Nearer to thee to draw;
Let Sinai's thunders aid us
To guard our feet from sin,
And Calvary's light inspire us
The love of God to win.

Source: Laudes Domini: a selection of spiritual songs, ancient and modern for use in the prayer-meeting #440