"GOOD," when the waving grass
And herb show forth to bless,
"Good," when the sparkling sea
Gave back the sun's caress.
"Good," when the shimmering stars
Lit up the radiant earth,
And sun and moon proclaimed
The Light that knew no birth.
When bird and humming bee
Shone out the touch of God,
And power and beauty gleamed
In the insects of the sod:
But aye! twas "very good”
When in His image bright—
Breath of His breath, fresh from His hand—
Stood forth His great delight.”
Good from God's heart and hand,
The law, restraining feet
Swift to rebel, and feeble—there
God and His fallen meet;
Good to be kept from sin,
To know how weak is man;
Good when He prisons those
Who fight against His plan.
But aye! 'twas "very good”
When love, all-surging, lay
The drooping head in death,
And justice wept to slay.
His own, His great delight,
Stretched on that shameful tree,
To lift from pit to throne
Such clay as thee and me!
Oh, see! 'tis "very good"—
His yearning heart of love,
His precious blood, His work
Pleading for thee above.
Oh, see! 'tis "very good"—
Heaven's open door set wide
For thee to enter, and shine forth
Part of His blood-bought Bride.