That was a Wonder-Working Word

I: That was a wonder-working word
Which could the vast creation raise!

Angels, attendant on their Lord
Admired the plan, and sung his praise.

II: From what a dark and shapeless mass
All nature sprang at his command!

Let there be light! and light there was,
And sun and stars and sea and land.

III: With equal speed the earth and seas
Their mighty Maker's voice obey'd;
He spake, and straight the plants and trees
And birds and beasts and man were made.

IV: But man, the lord and crown of all,
His heart (how alter'd since the fall! )

Is dark, deform'd, and void and waste.

V: The new creation of the soul
Does now no less his power display,
Than when he form'd the mighty whole,
And kindled darkness into day.

VI: Though self-destroy'd, O Lord, we are,
Yet let us feel what thou canst do;
Thy word the ruin can repair,
And all our hearts create anew.