When the eager people came
To see the holy man
Who showed to all the living truth,
As only inspiration can,
Lo, his potent precepts touched
The seeker's inmost soul,
And those who heard in honest faith
Became, with joy, both strong and whole.
Friends drew near with one who lay
In fettered helplessness,
To feel that tender ministry
And prove its sovereignty to bless.
Jesus knew their yearning hope,
And spake in love thus, Son,
Thy sins be now forgiven thee;
And thus the Christly work was done.
God's eternal law that healed
Affliction in that hour
Is ours when with profound desire
We truly claim its hallowed power.
Now as then, when chastened hearts
Would break the hold of sin,
They find anew that sacred place
Where men with Christ may enter in.
