As when the Hebrew prophet raised
the brazen serpent high,
The wounded looked, and straight were cured,
the people ceased to die:

So from the Saviour on the cross
a healing virtue flows;
Who looks to him with lively faith
is saved from endless woes.

For God gave up his Son to death,
so gen’rous was his love,
That all the faithful might enjoy
eternal life above.

Not to condemn the sons of men
the Son of God appeared;
No weapons in his hand are seen,
nor voice of terror heard:

He came to raise our fallen state,
and our lost hopes restore:
Faith leads us to the mercy-seat,
and bids us fear no more.

But vengeance just for ever lies
on all the rebel race,
Who God’s eternal Son despise
and scorn his offered grace.

Scottish Psalms and Paraphrases