Again, as in the synagogue,
The Lord on Sabbath taught,
A man who had a withered hand
His kind attention sought.
And scribes and Pharisees around
Watched if the Lord would use
His power to heal upon this day,
That they might Him accuse.
But He, who knew their evil thoughts,
Unto the sufferer said :
"Arise, and stand forth in the midst;"
And the poor man obeyed.
Then He, to those who watched Him, said :
"I one thing ask of you;
Is it on Sabbath days correct
Evil or good to do?"
But they replied not, then He said :
"What man amoung you all
Shall have one sheep which on this day
Into a pit shall fall;
"And he will not lay hold on it,
And quickly lift it out?
That man is better than a sheep,
You surely cannot doubt.
"Wherefore 'tis lawful thus to do
Good on the Sabbath days;"
And He looked on them with surprise,
Grieved by their wicked ways.
Then to the man who meekly stood,
Waiting the Lord's command,
In centre of the synagogue,
He said: "Stretch forth thine hand."
And though the hand hung helpless down,
The heart with faith was strong;
And instantly ran vital force
The arm's whole length along.
Then went the haughty Pharisees
And the Herodians rude,
And held a council to destroy
Him who did only good,
But Jesus, knowing it, withdrew,
Still followed by the crowd;
He healed them all, but charged that they
Speak not His name aloud.
