A Book of Hymns for Public and Private Devotion (15th ed.) ‎#441

441. Mercy and Not Sacrifice

O Thou, at whose rebuke, the grave
Back to warm life the sleeper gave,
Who, waking, saw with joy, above,
A brother’s face of tenderest love;—

Thou, unto whom the blind and lame,
The sorrowing, and the sin-sick came;
The burden of thy holy faith
Was love and life, not hate and death.

O, once again thy healing lay
On the blind eyes which know thee not,
And let the light of thy pure day
Shine in upon the darkened thought!

O, touch the hearts of men, and show
The power which in forbearance lies;
And let them feel that Mercy now
Is better than old Sacrifice!

Text Information

• First Line: O Thou, at whose rebuke, the grave
• Title: Mercy and Not Sacrifice
• Author: Whittier
• Meter: L. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1866

Tune Information

(No tune information)