When by the fiery serpent stung

1 When by the fiery serpent sung,
What anguish seiz'd both old and young;
No sinner then so vain and proud,
but would for mercy cry aloud.

2 When rack'd with pain, and fill'd with fear,
A joyful sound salutes their ear,
"Lift up your heads, and here behold,
"The brazen serpent on the pole."

3 The prophet gave a common call,
The object, too, was free for all;
'Twas rais'd aloft in open light,
That nothing might obstruct the sight.

4 Some are with sudden virtue bless'd,
How swift they fly to the distress'd;
Raise up their heads, direct their face,
And point their finger to the place.

5 On wings of love the christians fly
And look to Jesus is their cry;
The virtue flows, he shouts aloud,
And leaps into the joyful crowd.

6 Here true believes feel and see,
The love of Christ so rich and free;
They wonder at the unbelief
Of all who do not find relief.

Source: The Christian Hymn-Book, compiled and published at the request of the Miami Christian Conference #16