On the cool mountaintop the patriarch stood,
With rugged faith and confidence in good;
Here are the wood, the altar, and the fire,
The uplifted thought aglow with deep desire.
And here, behold, upon the altar lies
That which the Lord demands for sacrifice—
The son of promise, earnest of a nation
As stars for multitude, from whom shall come salvation.
A willing offering, a proffered life,
Humble, obedient, Isaac waits the knife.
An angel hand clasps the uplifted wrist;
An angel voice pierces the morning mist:
Slay not the lad! Loose him and let him rise!
God will provide Himself a sacrifice.
Upon the mount, behold the sun arise.
The vision clears to God-awakened eyes.
The purpose of eternal Love is sealed;
Immaculate, immortal Life revealed.
For he in whom the mortal sense is crucified,
Shall rise to see the Christ, forever glorified!
