‘TIS night, and Egypt sleeps!
Unconscious; for the Lord’s decree
Is scorned, and they no danger see,
Lulled by false peace contentedly,
While midnight onward creeps.
But hark! What means that cry,
That wail of bitter woe?
Throughout that land, by one fell blow,
Each firstborn son has been laid low;
For judgment has swept by.
No house in all that land
Where there was not one dead;
Tis true in some a lamb had bled,
Had suffered in the firstborn’s stead,
And he a saved one stands.
What peace all Israel feels!
They rest upon the faithful word
Of Him whose ear their cry has heard,
Whose patient love each heart has stirred,
And to their faith appeals.
Sheltered by that shed blood,
Ready to march they stand;
They keep the feast with staff in hand,
And girded loins—a pilgrim band,
All ready to set forth.
Stay, friend; one moment more.
My verse a tale has told
Of what took place in days of old,
When Israel groaned beneath the load
Of Egypt’s bondage sore.
Today there’s judgment nigh.
Today, by Satan cruelly bound,
Asleep full many a soul is found,
In silken cords of false peace wound,
Seeing no need to fly.
For such God’s Lamb did die,
His precious blood was shed;
He suffered in the sinner’s stead.
Oh, yes; for you the Saviour bled!
Then to Him quickly fly.
Then peace, with every good
Fruit of His changeless love,
Each day you more and more shall prove,
Until you reach God’s rest above,
Through Jesus’ precious blood.
E.M.H.