The Lord First Empties

1The Lord first empties whom He fills,
Casts down whom He would raise;
He quickens when the letter kills,
Exalting thus His praise.
When He applies His healing blood Unto a sin sick soul,
This balsam, pow'rful, precious, good,
Ne'er fails to make it whole.

2On us He spent His life and blood,
Our losses to retrieve;
Mankind's redemption now holds good For sinners who believe.
Lord,
I believe! whate'er befall,
A thankful heart be mine,— A heart that answers to Thy call,— One that is wholly Thine.