Hymns

That was a wonder-working word

by John Newton·1779·Meter 8.8.8.8 (LM)

Based on Job 38:7; 2 Cor 4:6

1

That was a wonder-working word
Which could the vast creation raise!
Angels, attendant on their LORD,
Admired the plan, and sung his praise.

2

From what a dark and shapeless mass,
All nature sprang at his command!
Let there be light, and light there was,
And sun and stars, and sea and land.

3

With equal speed the earth and seas,
Their mighty Maker's voice obeyed;
He spake, and strait the plants and trees,
And birds, and beasts, and man were made.

4

But man, the lord and crown of all,
By sin his honor soon defaced;
His heart (how altered since the fall!)
Is dark, deformed, and void, and waste.

5

The new creation of the soul
Does now no less his pow'r display;
Than when he formed the mighty whole,
And kindled darkness into day.

6

Though self-destroyed, O LORD, we are,
Yet let us feel what thou cast do;
Thy word the ruin can repair,
And all our hearts create anew.

Creation