Upon the altar, then, the wood
Was all in order laid,
And Abraham took the knife in hand,—
That knife with naked blade.
Then quick an angel of the Lord
Was sent from heaven above,
To gladden faithful Abraham's heart
With these sweet words of love.
"Lay not thy hand upon the lad,
For now, indeed, I see
Thou fearest God, nor hast withheld
Thine only son from me.
"And now in blessing I will bless
Thee and thy numerous seed;
All those who have thy simple faith
Shall be my friends[1] indeed.
"When I shall give mine only Son
To die on Calvary,
The Lamb of God for sinners slain,
Thine offspring he shall be."
And has "Our Father" sent his Son,
His only Son, from heaven
To die for us that we might live
And have our sins forgiven?
- ↑ "The seed of Abraham my friend."—Isaiah, xli: 8.
