Redemption, A Poem In Two Books. By John Bennet |
 |
|
| I. |
| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| II. | BOOK II. |
| I. |
| II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
 | Redemption, A Poem |  |
33
BOOK II.
CHAP. I.
The great Messiah having told the plan
Of his redeeming love to sinful Man,
And Twelve selected to reveal the word,
To shew Salvation was with mercy stor'd,
With high commission did them now ordain
To heal the Sick, to make the Lepers clean;
And by that pow'r which wond'ring thousands fed,
They cast out Devils, and they rais'd the Dead.
Of his redeeming love to sinful Man,
And Twelve selected to reveal the word,
To shew Salvation was with mercy stor'd,
With high commission did them now ordain
To heal the Sick, to make the Lepers clean;
And by that pow'r which wond'ring thousands fed,
They cast out Devils, and they rais'd the Dead.
Then as the careful Shepherd will not leave
His flock to others, lest they should deceive,
But watches for its welfare and relieves
The various maladies which oft it grieves,
So Christ commiserates the great distress
Mankind is subject to, and gives redress
To all their many ills; his bounty feeds
The hungry, and th' afflicted sinner leads
To peace, if he with penitence believes
And faithfully this word of truth receives,—
That Jesus dy'd to satisfy that wrath,
Which Adam's disobedience brought on earth.
He that with true repentance thus relies
On his Redeemer, at the great assize
Shall be presented holy, just, and pure,
T' enjoy that bliss which ever shall endure.
His flock to others, lest they should deceive,
But watches for its welfare and relieves
The various maladies which oft it grieves,
So Christ commiserates the great distress
Mankind is subject to, and gives redress
To all their many ills; his bounty feeds
The hungry, and th' afflicted sinner leads
To peace, if he with penitence believes
And faithfully this word of truth receives,—
34
Which Adam's disobedience brought on earth.
He that with true repentance thus relies
On his Redeemer, at the great assize
Shall be presented holy, just, and pure,
T' enjoy that bliss which ever shall endure.
Such who believe and love will goodness trace,
Their souls will be adorn'd with ev'ry grace
That can proceed from so sublime a cause,
While firm obedience to God's holy laws
Will surely follow,—purity of mind,
Just, sober, chaste, benevolent and kind,
Forgiving and forgetting, yea they'll know
What e'er from grace, from love, or truth can flow
Shall shine in them;—this is that second birth
Which opens pure delight to Man on earth:
For these he quits the world's delusive charm,
These are the weapons which the Christian arm.
Thus clad, regardless of each scene of strife,
He calmly passes on thro' fleeting life,
Which spent,—the soul ascends th' ethereal skies,
On wings of joy to gain th' immortal prize.
So the deep stream moves on with steady pace
And gliding slow maintains its constant race;
But when the Sun irradiating shines,
The grossy exhalation he refines,
Then by attraction drawn it speedy flies
Leaving its earthy bed to mount the skies.
Their souls will be adorn'd with ev'ry grace
That can proceed from so sublime a cause,
While firm obedience to God's holy laws
Will surely follow,—purity of mind,
Just, sober, chaste, benevolent and kind,
Forgiving and forgetting, yea they'll know
What e'er from grace, from love, or truth can flow
Shall shine in them;—this is that second birth
Which opens pure delight to Man on earth:
For these he quits the world's delusive charm,
These are the weapons which the Christian arm.
Thus clad, regardless of each scene of strife,
He calmly passes on thro' fleeting life,
Which spent,—the soul ascends th' ethereal skies,
On wings of joy to gain th' immortal prize.
So the deep stream moves on with steady pace
And gliding slow maintains its constant race;
But when the Sun irradiating shines,
The grossy exhalation he refines,
Then by attraction drawn it speedy flies
Leaving its earthy bed to mount the skies.
But now behold the gloomy period's come
Big with the fate of universal doom;
The gath'ring storms appear—lo! death and sin,
Affliction, pain, and guilt converging in
That bitter cup, which must be drank, tho' fill'd
With all the wrath th' eternal justice will'd.
The mighty sword is drawn, upheav'd in ire,
While vengeance rages like a flaming fire,
The passive Lamb immaculate, unstain'd
By sin, is now tumultuously arraign'd,
By those for whom he bleeds. In Isr'el's land
The traitor Judas with a chosen band
Of Soldiers arm'd, pass'd o'er the brook which flows
Along the vale Gethsemane, where rose
A garden like to Paradise adorn'd,
And where the Saviour oft retir'd and mourn'd
For worthless Man, where once he was display'd
To his lov'd friends, in heav'nly light array'd.—
The doleful night was dark—Oh! what ensu'd
To him who felt this grievous solitude;
When all the pow'rs of Death and Hell combin'd
Their terrors to afflict his suff'ring mind.
Retiring from his friends, and prostrate low
On the cold earth, in agonizing woe
With grief intense he calls, O Father, hear,
Let me escape this trial most severe!
The bitter cup, if possible, remove,
If not, thy will be done, Oh God of love!—
Thrice in his woe he from th' Apostles turn'd,
And in an agony of sorrows mourn'd;
In such a storm of grief his soul was tost,
That all his nervous pow'rs their strength had lost;
When sweat like drops of blood (oh! awful stream)
From ev'ry pore bedew'd his sacred frame.
Big with the fate of universal doom;
35
Affliction, pain, and guilt converging in
That bitter cup, which must be drank, tho' fill'd
With all the wrath th' eternal justice will'd.
The mighty sword is drawn, upheav'd in ire,
While vengeance rages like a flaming fire,
The passive Lamb immaculate, unstain'd
By sin, is now tumultuously arraign'd,
By those for whom he bleeds. In Isr'el's land
The traitor Judas with a chosen band
Of Soldiers arm'd, pass'd o'er the brook which flows
Along the vale Gethsemane, where rose
A garden like to Paradise adorn'd,
And where the Saviour oft retir'd and mourn'd
For worthless Man, where once he was display'd
To his lov'd friends, in heav'nly light array'd.—
The doleful night was dark—Oh! what ensu'd
To him who felt this grievous solitude;
When all the pow'rs of Death and Hell combin'd
Their terrors to afflict his suff'ring mind.
Retiring from his friends, and prostrate low
On the cold earth, in agonizing woe
With grief intense he calls, O Father, hear,
Let me escape this trial most severe!
The bitter cup, if possible, remove,
If not, thy will be done, Oh God of love!—
Thrice in his woe he from th' Apostles turn'd,
And in an agony of sorrows mourn'd;
In such a storm of grief his soul was tost,
That all his nervous pow'rs their strength had lost;
When sweat like drops of blood (oh! awful stream)
From ev'ry pore bedew'd his sacred frame.
36
Satan beheld the conflict, gladly saw
Exhausted Nature sink beneath the law;
When lo! from Heav'n an Angel swiftly came
To comfort Christ, who bore the grief and shame
Of sin, a world of sin, he then sustain'd,—
Th' iniquity of all on him remain'd.
Exhausted Nature sink beneath the law;
When lo! from Heav'n an Angel swiftly came
To comfort Christ, who bore the grief and shame
Of sin, a world of sin, he then sustain'd,—
Th' iniquity of all on him remain'd.
Refresh'd by aid divine, he then return'd
To his Apostles, whom he gently warn'd
Of what was near; but sleep had them o'ercame—
Sleep on he said, and rest your weary frame.
But oh! the time is come, the Christ betray'd,
And by his blood Man's ransom shall be paid.—
Scarce had he spoke when Judas with a band
Of Soldier's arm'd, by the High Priest's command
Enter'd the garden, furiously rude,
Attended by the clam'rous multitude,
Who (tho' they'd late ador'd) by malice taught
To scorn the Miracles by Jesus wrought,
With wild mistaken zeal, his life now sought.
So leaps the hungry tyger on his prey,
His foaming jaws and fiery eyes dismay
The spotless victim, who a sacrifice
Falls unrepining, suffers, bleeds, and dies.
To his Apostles, whom he gently warn'd
Of what was near; but sleep had them o'ercame—
Sleep on he said, and rest your weary frame.
But oh! the time is come, the Christ betray'd,
And by his blood Man's ransom shall be paid.—
Scarce had he spoke when Judas with a band
Of Soldier's arm'd, by the High Priest's command
Enter'd the garden, furiously rude,
Attended by the clam'rous multitude,
Who (tho' they'd late ador'd) by malice taught
To scorn the Miracles by Jesus wrought,
With wild mistaken zeal, his life now sought.
So leaps the hungry tyger on his prey,
His foaming jaws and fiery eyes dismay
The spotless victim, who a sacrifice
Falls unrepining, suffers, bleeds, and dies.
37
CHAP. II.
The throng to Jesus press'd with hasty
feet,
When he with calmness did their insults meet;
Then ask'd them whom they sought,—awhile o'ercame
By pow'r divine, they shrunk in silent shame;
Again he ask'd,—when Jesus, they reply'd,—
Their strength then fail'd, nor could their purpose guide.
Appall'd, they trembling fell upon the ground,
While Horror spread her gloomy influence round,
Nor durst they rise, that sacred face to view,
Which precious tears of mercy did bedew.
Then had they gladly left this impious deed,
Had not the Tempter urg'd them to proceed,
For he had enter'd Judas' treach'rous breast
Who now advanc'd, and Jesus thus address'd—
Hail, Master! hail, then gave the faithless kiss
A sign intended to defeat the bliss
For Man prepar'd—thus did the Fiend devise
His fruitless wiles, to make his empire rise:
Alas! how weak, how futile, and how vain,
Like modern Infidels, who rather strain
The falsest tales than own a Saviour's reign.
When he with calmness did their insults meet;
Then ask'd them whom they sought,—awhile o'ercame
By pow'r divine, they shrunk in silent shame;
Again he ask'd,—when Jesus, they reply'd,—
Their strength then fail'd, nor could their purpose guide.
Appall'd, they trembling fell upon the ground,
While Horror spread her gloomy influence round,
Nor durst they rise, that sacred face to view,
Which precious tears of mercy did bedew.
Then had they gladly left this impious deed,
Had not the Tempter urg'd them to proceed,
For he had enter'd Judas' treach'rous breast
Who now advanc'd, and Jesus thus address'd—
Hail, Master! hail, then gave the faithless kiss
A sign intended to defeat the bliss
For Man prepar'd—thus did the Fiend devise
His fruitless wiles, to make his empire rise:
Alas! how weak, how futile, and how vain,
Like modern Infidels, who rather strain
The falsest tales than own a Saviour's reign.
38
As the Messiah knew the inmost thought
Of his pursuers, and whom 'twas they sought,
That they were thirsting for his precious life,
Striving to wound the healer of all strife,
After his word their hearts with fear had fill'd
And made their cruelty to pity yield,
Inspir'd by the Infernal they renew'd
Their rankling rage, and with revenge pursu'd
Man's heav'nly friend—
Thus when the caprice of a giddy throng
Claims as a fav'rite work a maxim wrong,
Not even reason can their rage restrain,
But folly triumphs in their madd'ning brain.
Of his pursuers, and whom 'twas they sought,
That they were thirsting for his precious life,
Striving to wound the healer of all strife,
After his word their hearts with fear had fill'd
And made their cruelty to pity yield,
Inspir'd by the Infernal they renew'd
Their rankling rage, and with revenge pursu'd
Man's heav'nly friend—
Thus when the caprice of a giddy throng
Claims as a fav'rite work a maxim wrong,
Not even reason can their rage restrain,
But folly triumphs in their madd'ning brain.
The mob tumult'ous, thro' the crafty wiles
Of their abettors, heeded not the smiles
Of the Redeemer, nor the sweet discourse,
Which flow'd from him to give those smiles due force;
But with rude clamour seiz'd him instantly,
While oaths and execrations rent the sky.
When thus the Christ,—What! are ye come with swords
And staves to take me, why not when my words
You daily heard within your holy dome,
Oh! why not then? but now, the time is come.
Yet know ye now, if I resistance chose
Heav'n's panoply would soon confound my foes:
Not all th' united pow'rs of human art
Would aught avail;—but I fulfil the part
My Father hath assign'd.—
This said, the Soldiers dragg'd him to the hall,
Where Priests and Elders waited for his fall,
Prepar'd with subtle artifice they came,
By falshood witnesses subborn'd, to frame
A tale,—to prove his guilt—alas! indeed,
It is for Man's vile guilt he's doom'd to bleed!—
Prejudg'd, he came, a spectacle of woe,
But first must to th' ambitious Annas go;
Mean while with mockeries and scoffing smile
The poor deluded zealots him revile.
Of their abettors, heeded not the smiles
Of the Redeemer, nor the sweet discourse,
Which flow'd from him to give those smiles due force;
But with rude clamour seiz'd him instantly,
While oaths and execrations rent the sky.
When thus the Christ,—What! are ye come with swords
And staves to take me, why not when my words
You daily heard within your holy dome,
Oh! why not then? but now, the time is come.
Yet know ye now, if I resistance chose
Heav'n's panoply would soon confound my foes:
Not all th' united pow'rs of human art
Would aught avail;—but I fulfil the part
My Father hath assign'd.—
This said, the Soldiers dragg'd him to the hall,
Where Priests and Elders waited for his fall,
39
By falshood witnesses subborn'd, to frame
A tale,—to prove his guilt—alas! indeed,
It is for Man's vile guilt he's doom'd to bleed!—
Prejudg'd, he came, a spectacle of woe,
But first must to th' ambitious Annas go;
Mean while with mockeries and scoffing smile
The poor deluded zealots him revile.
Night now return'd, but Jesus by a guard
Of common Soldiers was from rest debarr'd;
No pitying heart his innocence admir'd,—
The Officers and Priests to sleep retir'd
On beds of down;—for him they found no bed
Nor ev'n the means to rest his sacred head;
While nought but tumult 'midst the impious sound
Of vilest execrations him surround.
Thus pass'd the tedious hours—at length the Sun
In orient splendor his bright race begun;
But how his face with conscious blushes glow'd,
To see his great Creator's weary load;
Who bearing all the ills since guilt began
Was made the sport,—the scorn of sinful Man.
Of common Soldiers was from rest debarr'd;
No pitying heart his innocence admir'd,—
The Officers and Priests to sleep retir'd
On beds of down;—for him they found no bed
Nor ev'n the means to rest his sacred head;
While nought but tumult 'midst the impious sound
Of vilest execrations him surround.
Thus pass'd the tedious hours—at length the Sun
In orient splendor his bright race begun;
But how his face with conscious blushes glow'd,
To see his great Creator's weary load;
Who bearing all the ills since guilt began
Was made the sport,—the scorn of sinful Man.
Cai'phas at dawn of day with solemn state,
Ascended what was call'd the holy seat
Of Justice, but alas! that sacred name
Chican'ry's wiles too often does defame.
Near this tribunal Christ's accusers stood,
Nor heeded how, so they could spill his blood.
The priestly Annas with his stately train
(A train too ready temp'rals to maintain)
First him arraign'd, with them the rulers join'd
Ev'n hoary Elders in their charge combin'd.—
Silent Christ stands, amidst their envious spleen,
Secure in innocence, with mind serene,
And hears himself accus'd of various crimes
Which ignorance and malice of the times
Had falsely urg'd—nor further they proceed,
But others find to do the impious deed.
Two then appear'd, whom truth had ne'er adorn'd,
Whom these flagitious Hypocrites subborn'd
By many gifts, and swore,—this Man has said
Should desolation o'er the temple spread;
That in three days he'll build its walls again—
These are the works this boaster does maintain.
Ascended what was call'd the holy seat
Of Justice, but alas! that sacred name
Chican'ry's wiles too often does defame.
Near this tribunal Christ's accusers stood,
Nor heeded how, so they could spill his blood.
The priestly Annas with his stately train
(A train too ready temp'rals to maintain)
40
Ev'n hoary Elders in their charge combin'd.—
Silent Christ stands, amidst their envious spleen,
Secure in innocence, with mind serene,
And hears himself accus'd of various crimes
Which ignorance and malice of the times
Had falsely urg'd—nor further they proceed,
But others find to do the impious deed.
Two then appear'd, whom truth had ne'er adorn'd,
Whom these flagitious Hypocrites subborn'd
By many gifts, and swore,—this Man has said
Should desolation o'er the temple spread;
That in three days he'll build its walls again—
These are the works this boaster does maintain.
Thus when a court vile Sycophants surround,
An upright Magistrate is seldom found;
For the High Priest tho' stil'd a Judge supreme,
Let furious rage his sacred office shame.
Vex'd that the wav'ring multitude before
With loud Hosannas should the Christ adore,
And fraught with envy, stifled ev'ry ray
Of light, to give revenge its hateful sway.—
Now Satan long had roam'd about the earth,
Striving to blast the bless'd Redeemer's birth,—
That busy restless Fiend had often try'd
To tempt the Lord, and cunningly apply'd
His artful stratagems, with curious skill
To make him fall subservient to his will.
But vain each effort—oft as he assail'd
The Saviour Christ, as oft his wiles had fail'd.
Yet still led on by his unbounded pride
To gain success, his arts once more he try'd,
For he unseen had enter'd ev'ry court,
And to the heart of Annas did resort,
'Till in it he awak'd that furious zeal.
Which never sinks till blood is made the seal.—
In private conference the Priests now meet,
And Pilate chose, their purpose to compleat,
A governor, as cruel as his lord
Tiberius, for his vices much abhorr'd:
But Pilate, tho' so wicked, long time strove,
With caution, how he judg'd the Lord of love;
Nay, said, from all the accusations heard,
He would release him—for no guilt appear'd.
An upright Magistrate is seldom found;
For the High Priest tho' stil'd a Judge supreme,
Let furious rage his sacred office shame.
Vex'd that the wav'ring multitude before
With loud Hosannas should the Christ adore,
And fraught with envy, stifled ev'ry ray
Of light, to give revenge its hateful sway.—
Now Satan long had roam'd about the earth,
Striving to blast the bless'd Redeemer's birth,—
That busy restless Fiend had often try'd
To tempt the Lord, and cunningly apply'd
His artful stratagems, with curious skill
To make him fall subservient to his will.
But vain each effort—oft as he assail'd
The Saviour Christ, as oft his wiles had fail'd.
41
To gain success, his arts once more he try'd,
For he unseen had enter'd ev'ry court,
And to the heart of Annas did resort,
'Till in it he awak'd that furious zeal.
Which never sinks till blood is made the seal.—
In private conference the Priests now meet,
And Pilate chose, their purpose to compleat,
A governor, as cruel as his lord
Tiberius, for his vices much abhorr'd:
But Pilate, tho' so wicked, long time strove,
With caution, how he judg'd the Lord of love;
Nay, said, from all the accusations heard,
He would release him—for no guilt appear'd.
When the Priests heard the Roman's lenient views,
Declaring Jesus faultless to the Jews,
With all the cunning of that crafty tribe,
They made the Governor fresh thoughts imbibe.
Then proofs of treason deep they forthwith bring
That Jesus had proclaim'd himself a King;
And had usurp'd that glory—due to none
But mighty Cæsar, could he this charge shun?
That while he exercis'd the Roman laws,
His duty bound to aid his master's cause.—
Thus with much cunning and delusive art
They quickly sway'd the Judge's wav'ring heart;
Who then in haste tho' Christ he own'd so pure,
Commanded that he scourging should endure:
This said, th' obedient Soldiers shew'd their zeal,
Nor dar'd they from the stern command appeal.
The deep'ning furrows on his back were found,
The quiv'ring flesh display'd each ghastly wound;
Fast streams the blood,—the purple veins are tore
His holy frame is stain'd with clotted gore.—
At length the Soldiers, weary'd out, forbear;—
But to inflict fresh tortures now prepare,
A crown of thorns upon his head they plac'd,
A fictious sceptre too his hand disgrac'd;
Then in derision round their God they vaunt,
And bow'd the knee, they hail him King, and taunt
With cruel spleen: to these indignities
They added buffetting and veil'd his eyes;
While young and old around him jeering cry,
Who is it strikes thee? prithee prophecy?
Then striking on the crown, the scornful crown,
From ev'ry vein the blood came trickling down.
Declaring Jesus faultless to the Jews,
With all the cunning of that crafty tribe,
They made the Governor fresh thoughts imbibe.
Then proofs of treason deep they forthwith bring
That Jesus had proclaim'd himself a King;
And had usurp'd that glory—due to none
But mighty Cæsar, could he this charge shun?
That while he exercis'd the Roman laws,
His duty bound to aid his master's cause.—
Thus with much cunning and delusive art
They quickly sway'd the Judge's wav'ring heart;
Who then in haste tho' Christ he own'd so pure,
Commanded that he scourging should endure:
This said, th' obedient Soldiers shew'd their zeal,
Nor dar'd they from the stern command appeal.
42
The quiv'ring flesh display'd each ghastly wound;
Fast streams the blood,—the purple veins are tore
His holy frame is stain'd with clotted gore.—
At length the Soldiers, weary'd out, forbear;—
But to inflict fresh tortures now prepare,
A crown of thorns upon his head they plac'd,
A fictious sceptre too his hand disgrac'd;
Then in derision round their God they vaunt,
And bow'd the knee, they hail him King, and taunt
With cruel spleen: to these indignities
They added buffetting and veil'd his eyes;
While young and old around him jeering cry,
Who is it strikes thee? prithee prophecy?
Then striking on the crown, the scornful crown,
From ev'ry vein the blood came trickling down.
Mov'd to behold this Man of griefs and woe,
Pilate relax'd again, would pity shew;
And sought while mercy triumph'd in his mind
To rescue him, who came to save Mankind.
Full well he knew the custom of the Jews
At th' yearly feast he dar'd not to refuse,
Which was, to grant a pardon free to one
Who stood convicted: thus he meant to shun
The cruel deed, and therefore brought out two,
A Murderer one, the other to their view
Was the Messiah, wounded, faint, and pale,
Then cry'd aloud, let innocence prevail;
Behold the guiltless object of your rage,
And let his woes your cruelty asswage;
Say, whom shall I release, whom shall I bring,
Barabbas? no, much rather Christ your King.
Pilate relax'd again, would pity shew;
And sought while mercy triumph'd in his mind
To rescue him, who came to save Mankind.
Full well he knew the custom of the Jews
At th' yearly feast he dar'd not to refuse,
Which was, to grant a pardon free to one
Who stood convicted: thus he meant to shun
The cruel deed, and therefore brought out two,
A Murderer one, the other to their view
Was the Messiah, wounded, faint, and pale,
Then cry'd aloud, let innocence prevail;
Behold the guiltless object of your rage,
And let his woes your cruelty asswage;
43
Barabbas? no, much rather Christ your King.
Those being prepar'd who had prejudg'd his death,
Cry'd, in one voice, as prompted by one breath,
We have no king but Cæsar—thus they rag'd,
And then the mob to turbulence engag'd;
Release Barabbas—give us him they cry'd,
But for the Christ, let him be crucify'd.—
Unmanly cowardice then shook the soul
Of Pilate, in whose breast more terrors roll,
Lest that the Jews should prejudice his name,
And brand him with disgracing Cæsar's fame;
So gave up Christ to death with feign'd consent,
Altho' he had declar'd him innocent:
Then free'd a wretch, both Murderer and Thief,—
But yet to give his tortur'd mind relief
Call'd out for water, and declar'd aloud,
Christ was condemn'd to satisfy the croud;
Then wash'd his hands, bidding all witness bear,
That in his spotless blood he had no share.—
The giddy throng made answer 'twas their act,
Nor would they ever disavow the fact;
Then all as one, yet bound themselves far worse,
And rent the air with this most horrid curse,
His blood be on us and our race—
A horrid imprecation, black as hell,
Invoking ills which after them befell.
Cry'd, in one voice, as prompted by one breath,
We have no king but Cæsar—thus they rag'd,
And then the mob to turbulence engag'd;
Release Barabbas—give us him they cry'd,
But for the Christ, let him be crucify'd.—
Unmanly cowardice then shook the soul
Of Pilate, in whose breast more terrors roll,
Lest that the Jews should prejudice his name,
And brand him with disgracing Cæsar's fame;
So gave up Christ to death with feign'd consent,
Altho' he had declar'd him innocent:
Then free'd a wretch, both Murderer and Thief,—
But yet to give his tortur'd mind relief
Call'd out for water, and declar'd aloud,
Christ was condemn'd to satisfy the croud;
Then wash'd his hands, bidding all witness bear,
That in his spotless blood he had no share.—
The giddy throng made answer 'twas their act,
Nor would they ever disavow the fact;
Then all as one, yet bound themselves far worse,
And rent the air with this most horrid curse,
His blood be on us and our race—
A horrid imprecation, black as hell,
Invoking ills which after them befell.
Those who for ages had distinguish'd shone
The glory and the dread of ev'ry one,
To whom God had appear'd from Heav'n above,
In pow'r, in wisdom, justice, mercy, love;
Who sent his Seers to teach their chiefest good
In prophecies they all well understood;
That those who ev'ry day had seen the Lord
Display his wonders, heard his healing word,
Should so far lose their reason to prefer
Before him, both a Thief and Murderer;
The Roman Judge to take his life t'inflame
Cursing posterity, with blackest shame,
Appalls the soul, and hence let mortals know,
From raging tumult, justice cannot flow.
The glory and the dread of ev'ry one,
44
In pow'r, in wisdom, justice, mercy, love;
Who sent his Seers to teach their chiefest good
In prophecies they all well understood;
That those who ev'ry day had seen the Lord
Display his wonders, heard his healing word,
Should so far lose their reason to prefer
Before him, both a Thief and Murderer;
The Roman Judge to take his life t'inflame
Cursing posterity, with blackest shame,
Appalls the soul, and hence let mortals know,
From raging tumult, justice cannot flow.
45
CHAP. III.
Thus far had Satan toil'd with boiling rage,
Nor could the deadliest woes his hate asswage,
But the Messiah spitefully pursues
To aid the malice of the envious Jews;
Yet like to stones when thrown against the wall,
Which oft with fury on the slinger fall,
So Satan's schemes pursu'd with so much toil,
Did on his head with tenfold rage recoil.
Tho' he had gain'd the Judge, Christ to condemn,
And made his dearest friends his woes contemn
And flee away, yea more his name deny
With execrations too his works defy:
Tho' now deliver'd to the raging throng,
Who like a torrent hurry'd him along,
And brought him fainting to the cursed tree,
Quite void of that sublime solemnity
Which does th' affecting scene of death attend,
And tho' their tongues almost the Heavens rend
With crucify, the Monarch to us bring,
We'll crucify that false pretending King;—
Yet 'midst of torture, clamour, taunts, and woe,
Christ rose triumphant o'er our deadly foe.
With wounds unheal'd, fill'd with malicious strife
While streams of blood flow'd from the Lord of life,
The Jews compel him now to bear the cross
(Doom'd to retrieve our first and fatal loss)
Thro' crouds of people gather'd to the feast,
And as their spleen, his torture sore increas'd;
He reels and staggers o'er the stony road,
He faints, he falls, beneath the pond'rous load.
Tho' Priests and Elders who at Pilate's call
Attended the procession, saw him fall;
Regardless of his anguish, all their care
Was to procure a stranger, fit to bear
The cross to Calvary—
So blind we move, when reason's brightest ray
Is overcome, and fury leads the way.
Nor could the deadliest woes his hate asswage,
But the Messiah spitefully pursues
To aid the malice of the envious Jews;
Yet like to stones when thrown against the wall,
Which oft with fury on the slinger fall,
So Satan's schemes pursu'd with so much toil,
Did on his head with tenfold rage recoil.
Tho' he had gain'd the Judge, Christ to condemn,
And made his dearest friends his woes contemn
And flee away, yea more his name deny
With execrations too his works defy:
Tho' now deliver'd to the raging throng,
Who like a torrent hurry'd him along,
And brought him fainting to the cursed tree,
Quite void of that sublime solemnity
Which does th' affecting scene of death attend,
And tho' their tongues almost the Heavens rend
With crucify, the Monarch to us bring,
We'll crucify that false pretending King;—
Yet 'midst of torture, clamour, taunts, and woe,
Christ rose triumphant o'er our deadly foe.
46
While streams of blood flow'd from the Lord of life,
The Jews compel him now to bear the cross
(Doom'd to retrieve our first and fatal loss)
Thro' crouds of people gather'd to the feast,
And as their spleen, his torture sore increas'd;
He reels and staggers o'er the stony road,
He faints, he falls, beneath the pond'rous load.
Tho' Priests and Elders who at Pilate's call
Attended the procession, saw him fall;
Regardless of his anguish, all their care
Was to procure a stranger, fit to bear
The cross to Calvary—
So blind we move, when reason's brightest ray
Is overcome, and fury leads the way.
As they approached near the city gate
Where thousands did with sighs and sorrows wait
To view their Saviour's wounds, which they deplor'd
In useless tears,—all that they could afford
To ease his griefs,—when to them thus bespake
Their pitying God:—Oh! weep not for the sake
Of my sad ills, but rather mourn your own
And children's, for the time will soon be known
Which tender Nature shudders to relate,
When war and tumult shall o'erwhelm your state:
In all its horror, famine too shall reign,
Yea in the great extremity of pain,
Of furious hunger crimes ye will abett,
And all the fond endearing ties forget,
Which anxious parents to their offspring bear,
Whose infant charms will only aid despair.
In this distress which I to you foreshew,
Happy are those who barrenness shall know,
And blest those breasts which never gave relief
To harmless sucklings,—such will be your grief
That clad in dire amaze to caves you'll run,
Afraid to view the brightness of the Sun;
Yea, then such dreary horrors will unite,
The hills you will invoke at the sad sight
To fall to hide you from th' Eternal's might.
With weary steps our Saviour now ascends
The mountain's height, there to compleat the ends
Of Man's redemption: Calv'ry! I thee view
With op'ning scenes of joy and wonder too;
From thy exalted name made sacred now,
Jesus the Lord fulfills his holy vow:
The distant isles repeat the welcome sound,
From Calvary is now Salvation found.
Where thousands did with sighs and sorrows wait
To view their Saviour's wounds, which they deplor'd
In useless tears,—all that they could afford
To ease his griefs,—when to them thus bespake
Their pitying God:—Oh! weep not for the sake
Of my sad ills, but rather mourn your own
And children's, for the time will soon be known
Which tender Nature shudders to relate,
When war and tumult shall o'erwhelm your state:
In all its horror, famine too shall reign,
Yea in the great extremity of pain,
Of furious hunger crimes ye will abett,
And all the fond endearing ties forget,
Which anxious parents to their offspring bear,
Whose infant charms will only aid despair.
47
Happy are those who barrenness shall know,
And blest those breasts which never gave relief
To harmless sucklings,—such will be your grief
That clad in dire amaze to caves you'll run,
Afraid to view the brightness of the Sun;
Yea, then such dreary horrors will unite,
The hills you will invoke at the sad sight
To fall to hide you from th' Eternal's might.
With weary steps our Saviour now ascends
The mountain's height, there to compleat the ends
Of Man's redemption: Calv'ry! I thee view
With op'ning scenes of joy and wonder too;
From thy exalted name made sacred now,
Jesus the Lord fulfills his holy vow:
The distant isles repeat the welcome sound,
From Calvary is now Salvation found.
The fatal tree now on the mountain rear'd,
The Paschal Lamb's the offering prepar'd,
Who calmly waited the impending blow,
The executioner inflicts with woe.
Like as the butcher with unfeeling mind,
The harmless victim does for slaughter bind,
Nor lets his pleading looks his eyes engage,
But heedless strikes the blow with brutal rage.
The Paschal Lamb's the offering prepar'd,
Who calmly waited the impending blow,
The executioner inflicts with woe.
Like as the butcher with unfeeling mind,
The harmless victim does for slaughter bind,
Nor lets his pleading looks his eyes engage,
But heedless strikes the blow with brutal rage.
E'en so the monster did his ills prepare—
Christ's graceful body he extends in th' air;
Then on the tree wide spreads his holy arms,
And thro' the sinews of his sacred palms
With cruel force the tort'ring nail he strikes,
And thro' his feet fierce drives the harden'd spikes.
Thus fasten'd was the Lord in great distress,
Yet as the Serpent in the wilderness
Was lifted up as Jesus had foretold,
So he was rear'd that all might him behold.
Yea, tho' he was between two culprits plac'd,
Whence ignominious censure might be trac'd;
Their wrath fulfill'd the Scripture without flaw,—
He's number'd with transgressors of the law.
Christ's graceful body he extends in th' air;
Then on the tree wide spreads his holy arms,
And thro' the sinews of his sacred palms
48
And thro' his feet fierce drives the harden'd spikes.
Thus fasten'd was the Lord in great distress,
Yet as the Serpent in the wilderness
Was lifted up as Jesus had foretold,
So he was rear'd that all might him behold.
Yea, tho' he was between two culprits plac'd,
Whence ignominious censure might be trac'd;
Their wrath fulfill'd the Scripture without flaw,—
He's number'd with transgressors of the law.
Confirm'd in guilt, with conduct vilely base,
Again the impious Pilate shew'd his face,
And to give colour to his unjust laws
On the rear'd cross inserts th' offending clause,
“Jesus of Naz'reth Monarch of the Jews,”
That by the title he might guilt infuse.—
What wretched art, Pilate proclaim'd him free,
Spotless, and one wherein no fault could be;
Tho' he had heard from Christ his holy case,
Would stigmatize him with the worst disgrace;
But he whose merits are to heal and bless,
Tho' now enwrapt in languishing distress,
Blasphem'd by all, yet still the God we view,
Father forgive,—these know not what they do!
Again the impious Pilate shew'd his face,
And to give colour to his unjust laws
On the rear'd cross inserts th' offending clause,
“Jesus of Naz'reth Monarch of the Jews,”
That by the title he might guilt infuse.—
What wretched art, Pilate proclaim'd him free,
Spotless, and one wherein no fault could be;
Tho' he had heard from Christ his holy case,
Would stigmatize him with the worst disgrace;
But he whose merits are to heal and bless,
Tho' now enwrapt in languishing distress,
Blasphem'd by all, yet still the God we view,
Father forgive,—these know not what they do!
The dark and dismal hour now drawing on
When the Messiah must for sin atone
For sinful Man—in misery immers'd
His fever'd blood brings on a deadly thirst.
Thus he by whom Creation was display'd,
Whose wisdom earth, sea, air, and all things made,
In dying agony so far was spent,
That in the bitter hour of languishment
He cry'd, I thirst—
Th' inhuman Jews attended at his call,
And gave him mingled, vinegar with gall;
Such was their pity—nor could those accord,
Those guilty Thieves, who suffer'd with the Lord,
The one with harden'd guilt dar'd him upbraid,
The other thus besought his Saviour's aid.—
O gracious Lord! take pity on my soul,
And cleanse me of my sins, most vile and foul;
With heart-felt grief and sorrow I bewail
My wicked life, let not thy goodness fail
Me, tho' a wretched sinner, set me free,
My suff'ring Lord, my God remember me!
To whom the dying Jesus thus reply'd,—
As thou with faith hast on my pow'r rely'd,
That benediction I this instant seal
Which all sincere repentant sinners feel—
Be happiness secur'd within thy breast,
Receive the promise of eternal rest.
When the Messiah must for sin atone
For sinful Man—in misery immers'd
His fever'd blood brings on a deadly thirst.
Thus he by whom Creation was display'd,
Whose wisdom earth, sea, air, and all things made,
49
That in the bitter hour of languishment
He cry'd, I thirst—
Th' inhuman Jews attended at his call,
And gave him mingled, vinegar with gall;
Such was their pity—nor could those accord,
Those guilty Thieves, who suffer'd with the Lord,
The one with harden'd guilt dar'd him upbraid,
The other thus besought his Saviour's aid.—
O gracious Lord! take pity on my soul,
And cleanse me of my sins, most vile and foul;
With heart-felt grief and sorrow I bewail
My wicked life, let not thy goodness fail
Me, tho' a wretched sinner, set me free,
My suff'ring Lord, my God remember me!
To whom the dying Jesus thus reply'd,—
As thou with faith hast on my pow'r rely'd,
That benediction I this instant seal
Which all sincere repentant sinners feel—
Be happiness secur'd within thy breast,
Receive the promise of eternal rest.
Now round the Christ increasing tortures flow,
The moment of accumalated woe,
The pow'rs of Sin, of Death, and Hell attend,
Distress and pain his soul with anguish rend;
Forsaken and forlorn, not one to pour
One ray of comfort in this dreadful hour;
His chosen Twelve, whom he secur'd from harm,
Were all dispers'd, with terror and alarm;
And in th' extreme of this dejected state,
Abandon'd by the Godhead, then the weight
Of all the human guilt upon him lay,
This was the grievous debt he came to pay
In infinite distress—all comfort fail'd
When in this crisis sad he thus bewail'd:—
“Eli, Eli, lama sabacthana?”
“My God, my God, hast thou forsaken me?”
For Man's eternal bliss on earth I came,
To ransom him I suffer grief and shame;
And now 'tis finish'd, holy Jesus cry'd,
Then meekly bow'd his sacred head and dy'd.
The moment of accumalated woe,
The pow'rs of Sin, of Death, and Hell attend,
Distress and pain his soul with anguish rend;
Forsaken and forlorn, not one to pour
One ray of comfort in this dreadful hour;
His chosen Twelve, whom he secur'd from harm,
Were all dispers'd, with terror and alarm;
And in th' extreme of this dejected state,
Abandon'd by the Godhead, then the weight
50
This was the grievous debt he came to pay
In infinite distress—all comfort fail'd
When in this crisis sad he thus bewail'd:—
“Eli, Eli, lama sabacthana?”
“My God, my God, hast thou forsaken me?”
For Man's eternal bliss on earth I came,
To ransom him I suffer grief and shame;
And now 'tis finish'd, holy Jesus cry'd,
Then meekly bow'd his sacred head and dy'd.
51
CHAP. IV.
The holy Virgin and the much lov'd John,
With great fatigue approach'd the cross, whereon
The Saviour hung, and just before the Lord
Had finish'd Man's Redemption, ere the word
Had been pronounc'd which seal'd the deed of love,
And ratify'd Man's claim to bliss above,
They had beheld his agony and pain,
Nor could their eyes the flowing tears retain;
Yet while they look'd on him with piercing grief,
His words replete with love convey'd relief.
With great fatigue approach'd the cross, whereon
The Saviour hung, and just before the Lord
Had finish'd Man's Redemption, ere the word
Had been pronounc'd which seal'd the deed of love,
And ratify'd Man's claim to bliss above,
They had beheld his agony and pain,
Nor could their eyes the flowing tears retain;
Yet while they look'd on him with piercing grief,
His words replete with love convey'd relief.
Thus have I seen a Rustic full of fears
Surrounded by his family in tears,
A prey to grief—by poverty depress'd,
Ev'n hope has ceas'd to animate his breast:
When lo! Benevolence with lovely grace
Appears to charm his tortur'd mind to peace,
Removes each ill, tho' heighten'd by despair,
Relieves their wants and soothes the Parent's care.
Surrounded by his family in tears,
A prey to grief—by poverty depress'd,
Ev'n hope has ceas'd to animate his breast:
When lo! Benevolence with lovely grace
Appears to charm his tortur'd mind to peace,
Removes each ill, tho' heighten'd by despair,
Relieves their wants and soothes the Parent's care.
The holy Lord his Mother thus addrest,—
O woman! set thy anxious soul at rest:
No more shall fears thy tender frame annoy,
Behold me now the pledge of future joy.
Those pleasing raptures which have fill'd thy breast,
Those sweet endearing cares thy love exprest,
Are now no more,—I came here to fulfill
The holy Scriptures and thy Maker's will;
For Man I triumph'd over Satan's hate,—
To save Mankind, I took his lowly state,
Became an Infant, object of thy love,
Nor canst thou that solicitude remove
Which tender mothers for their off'spring know,
Yet let those useless tears forget to flow;
For Man shall be restor'd to joys sublime,
Then wait with resignation for the time,
Which soon shall find accomplishment in me,
My Birth, my Life, my Death, shall set you free
But see my lov'd Apostle and my friend,
With filial duty he shall thee attend;
Be he thy future son, let mutual love
Heart-breaking sorrow far away remove.
And thou Disciple, much belov'd receive
Thy mother to thy care, her woes relieve:
Be her support, her failing spirits aid,
And in this trying scene be not dismay'd:
Soon shall you see me on the earth again,
Triumphant o'er mortality and pain.
Then will I fill thy soul with ev'ry ray
Of grace divine, while thou shalt truths display,
Which to pure virtue and true pleasure tend,
To happiness supreme, which ne'er shall end.
This said, he cry'd—Oh, Father, comfort me,
I now commit my spirit unto thee!
Then shook the whole Creation with his woes,
And earth her beauteous order seem'd to lose,
Tremendous scenes unequall'd terror spread,
And from the graves came forth th' awaken'd dead,
The Temple's vail was rent—the conscious Sun,
As if the sight of human guilt to shun,
Withdrew his genial beams, withheld his light,
All Nature wore the awful gloom of night;
The universal horrors which ensu'd,
With wond'ring dread the distant nations view'd.
While unenlighten'd Gentiles trembling stand
And think earth's dissolution is at hand,
Not ev'n the convert Jews know where to rest
Their hope by fear, their faith by doubt represt;
Long the delusive thought they had retain'd,
That Christ in worldly splendor would have reign'd,
That he to Judah wou'd have brought relief
From foreign tyranny, and thus their grief
Had been no more; alas! to follies giv'n,
For earth they almost lost their care for Heav'n.
Others unmindful of the great event
In careless indolence their moments spent,
Join'd the foul stream tradition pour'd along,
Nor sought to be convinc'd if right or wrong
The Scriptures told, whether obscure or clear
They pointed out, or when Christ should appear.
Oh! wou'd they read those books with that concern
They ponder earthly deeds, they soon would learn
Conviction, faith and love, true hope and joy,
Nor would perplexing doubt their minds annoy.
O woman! set thy anxious soul at rest:
52
Behold me now the pledge of future joy.
Those pleasing raptures which have fill'd thy breast,
Those sweet endearing cares thy love exprest,
Are now no more,—I came here to fulfill
The holy Scriptures and thy Maker's will;
For Man I triumph'd over Satan's hate,—
To save Mankind, I took his lowly state,
Became an Infant, object of thy love,
Nor canst thou that solicitude remove
Which tender mothers for their off'spring know,
Yet let those useless tears forget to flow;
For Man shall be restor'd to joys sublime,
Then wait with resignation for the time,
Which soon shall find accomplishment in me,
My Birth, my Life, my Death, shall set you free
But see my lov'd Apostle and my friend,
With filial duty he shall thee attend;
Be he thy future son, let mutual love
Heart-breaking sorrow far away remove.
And thou Disciple, much belov'd receive
Thy mother to thy care, her woes relieve:
Be her support, her failing spirits aid,
And in this trying scene be not dismay'd:
Soon shall you see me on the earth again,
Triumphant o'er mortality and pain.
Then will I fill thy soul with ev'ry ray
Of grace divine, while thou shalt truths display,
Which to pure virtue and true pleasure tend,
To happiness supreme, which ne'er shall end.
This said, he cry'd—Oh, Father, comfort me,
I now commit my spirit unto thee!
53
And earth her beauteous order seem'd to lose,
Tremendous scenes unequall'd terror spread,
And from the graves came forth th' awaken'd dead,
The Temple's vail was rent—the conscious Sun,
As if the sight of human guilt to shun,
Withdrew his genial beams, withheld his light,
All Nature wore the awful gloom of night;
The universal horrors which ensu'd,
With wond'ring dread the distant nations view'd.
While unenlighten'd Gentiles trembling stand
And think earth's dissolution is at hand,
Not ev'n the convert Jews know where to rest
Their hope by fear, their faith by doubt represt;
Long the delusive thought they had retain'd,
That Christ in worldly splendor would have reign'd,
That he to Judah wou'd have brought relief
From foreign tyranny, and thus their grief
Had been no more; alas! to follies giv'n,
For earth they almost lost their care for Heav'n.
Others unmindful of the great event
In careless indolence their moments spent,
Join'd the foul stream tradition pour'd along,
Nor sought to be convinc'd if right or wrong
The Scriptures told, whether obscure or clear
They pointed out, or when Christ should appear.
Oh! wou'd they read those books with that concern
They ponder earthly deeds, they soon would learn
Conviction, faith and love, true hope and joy,
Nor would perplexing doubt their minds annoy.
54
The prophet Daniel does the time declare
When the Messiah should his suff'rings bear;
And Zechariah has expressly told
The sum for which he was betray'd and sold.
But when Isaiah in majestic strains
Describes his Birth, his Life, and dying Pains;
How can they doubt those truths to them reveal'd,
As tho' the Prophet had his God beheld.
Who can these oracles explore, unmov'd,
Where Man's Salvation is so clearly prov'd.
But, ah! the Jews, like Christians now indeed,
Esteem their Bibles, but they seldom read!
Nor e'er compare th' Evangelist and Seer,
Where num'rous types to end their doubts appear;
Which would they do, those types they might explain,
And find fulfill'd in the Messiah's reign.
When the Messiah should his suff'rings bear;
And Zechariah has expressly told
The sum for which he was betray'd and sold.
But when Isaiah in majestic strains
Describes his Birth, his Life, and dying Pains;
How can they doubt those truths to them reveal'd,
As tho' the Prophet had his God beheld.
Who can these oracles explore, unmov'd,
Where Man's Salvation is so clearly prov'd.
But, ah! the Jews, like Christians now indeed,
Esteem their Bibles, but they seldom read!
Nor e'er compare th' Evangelist and Seer,
Where num'rous types to end their doubts appear;
Which would they do, those types they might explain,
And find fulfill'd in the Messiah's reign.
The hardy Guards now took the sad alarm,
Heart-sinking fear did all the soul disarm;
The light'ning's livid flash deep terror spread,
The thunder's awful sound increas'd their dread,
The night's dark gloom o'ercame meridian light,
And long try'd valour yielded at the sight.
But that some shew of courage might appear,
Or they might gain dismission from their care,
They then approach'd the Mount with falt'ring tread,
And broke the culprits legs, but found Christ dead.
On him they then forbore the useless stroke,
For Scripture faith, his bones shall not be broke;
Yet one who was on this dire task employ'd,
Whose fear had not his cruelty destroy'd,
With wanton rage to cowardice ally'd,
Advanc'd his spear and pierc'd the Saviour's side.
The purple flood stream'd torrents on the ground,
And blood and water mingled in the wound.
Here stands the bulwark, here the Christian's fence,
The Adamah, the First, the Last, from whence
Springs love to Man,—this is the glorious prize
The pure oblation, and the sacrifice
Once offer'd, ever saving Man from doom,
The oath to shew his death until he come,
The Covenant, Baptismal Jordan's stream,
The holy Eucharist, the vow supreme!—
Eternal God thy mercies I adore,
O aid me, Truth Divine! while I explore
Thy wond'rous works; oh grant, Almighty Lord,
My pen, my heart, and life may all accord
To shew thy praise, how thy great goodness will'd
To have each tittle of thy law fulfill'd;
And may thy wond'rous mercy Man engage
To find Salvation in the sacred page.
Heart-sinking fear did all the soul disarm;
The light'ning's livid flash deep terror spread,
The thunder's awful sound increas'd their dread,
The night's dark gloom o'ercame meridian light,
And long try'd valour yielded at the sight.
But that some shew of courage might appear,
Or they might gain dismission from their care,
They then approach'd the Mount with falt'ring tread,
And broke the culprits legs, but found Christ dead.
On him they then forbore the useless stroke,
For Scripture faith, his bones shall not be broke;
Yet one who was on this dire task employ'd,
Whose fear had not his cruelty destroy'd,
55
Advanc'd his spear and pierc'd the Saviour's side.
The purple flood stream'd torrents on the ground,
And blood and water mingled in the wound.
Here stands the bulwark, here the Christian's fence,
The Adamah, the First, the Last, from whence
Springs love to Man,—this is the glorious prize
The pure oblation, and the sacrifice
Once offer'd, ever saving Man from doom,
The oath to shew his death until he come,
The Covenant, Baptismal Jordan's stream,
The holy Eucharist, the vow supreme!—
Eternal God thy mercies I adore,
O aid me, Truth Divine! while I explore
Thy wond'rous works; oh grant, Almighty Lord,
My pen, my heart, and life may all accord
To shew thy praise, how thy great goodness will'd
To have each tittle of thy law fulfill'd;
And may thy wond'rous mercy Man engage
To find Salvation in the sacred page.
Now while the tragic scene made pity reign,
One of the Sanhedrim went forth to gain
Christ's sacred body of the Roman Chief;
And, his consent receiv'd, with pious grief
He took it down, and with a solemn gloom
Repos'd it in a new and spacious tomb.
When fix'd in wrath, the Leaders of the Jews,
Their malice to relinquish yet refuse;
To the High Priest with hasty steps they go,
But all was discord, anarchy and woe.
The glory of the Shekinah was fled,
The beauty of the Israelites was dead;
In vain did Caiaphas assume the chair,
In vain he now commands attention there;
Increasing numbers tumults more increase,
And restless Satan almost su'd for peace.
To hush their various clamours he forsook
His outward terrors, then himself betook,
With all the venerable form and grace—
The mild resemblance of a Rabbi's face;
Then for admission to the Priest he sues,
Who vainly still endeavour'd to reduce
The throng to order, but as soon he'd gain
Both peace and order from the raging main.
At length the arch-deceiver struggled through
The num'rous multitude, and gain'd the view
Of Caiaphas; then in his ear instill'd
Revenge and falshood,—yea, his bosom fill'd
With rankling envy, hinting that the friends
Of Christ would steal him, to promote their ends;
Then would report abroad in artful strain,
That he their glorious Lord had rose again.
Th' attentive Priest in thoughtful silence heard,
Approv'd, and by a sign his friends prepar'd,
For private conf'rence—who with him retir'd
To learn what new concurrence was requir'd.
He then unfolds the scheme—they orders send
Commission'd with his name one to attend
The Roman Judge, that Soldiers might be sent
To frustrate what Christ's friends would now invent.
Thus were produc'd by the malicious Jews
Those strong convincing proofs that so conduce
To fix the Christian's Faith, had not they sought
A Guard of Pilate, they with mischief fraught
Had form'd a tale whose plausible pretext
The early converts might have much perplext.
One of the Sanhedrim went forth to gain
Christ's sacred body of the Roman Chief;
And, his consent receiv'd, with pious grief
He took it down, and with a solemn gloom
Repos'd it in a new and spacious tomb.
When fix'd in wrath, the Leaders of the Jews,
Their malice to relinquish yet refuse;
To the High Priest with hasty steps they go,
But all was discord, anarchy and woe.
56
The beauty of the Israelites was dead;
In vain did Caiaphas assume the chair,
In vain he now commands attention there;
Increasing numbers tumults more increase,
And restless Satan almost su'd for peace.
To hush their various clamours he forsook
His outward terrors, then himself betook,
With all the venerable form and grace—
The mild resemblance of a Rabbi's face;
Then for admission to the Priest he sues,
Who vainly still endeavour'd to reduce
The throng to order, but as soon he'd gain
Both peace and order from the raging main.
At length the arch-deceiver struggled through
The num'rous multitude, and gain'd the view
Of Caiaphas; then in his ear instill'd
Revenge and falshood,—yea, his bosom fill'd
With rankling envy, hinting that the friends
Of Christ would steal him, to promote their ends;
Then would report abroad in artful strain,
That he their glorious Lord had rose again.
Th' attentive Priest in thoughtful silence heard,
Approv'd, and by a sign his friends prepar'd,
For private conf'rence—who with him retir'd
To learn what new concurrence was requir'd.
He then unfolds the scheme—they orders send
Commission'd with his name one to attend
The Roman Judge, that Soldiers might be sent
To frustrate what Christ's friends would now invent.
Thus were produc'd by the malicious Jews
Those strong convincing proofs that so conduce
57
A Guard of Pilate, they with mischief fraught
Had form'd a tale whose plausible pretext
The early converts might have much perplext.
Pilate at once comply'd with their request,
He thought it prompted by a skilful breast;
The Watch was fix'd, the Sepulchre made sure,
A stone of pond'rous weight secur'd the door.
Yea, that no plan their prudence might defeat,
They seal'd it with the signet of the state;
But what is human soresight, what avails
The seal, the pond'rous stone when justice fails?
What are the hardy vet'rans when they stand
Against Jehovah's all victorious hand?
For at th' appointed time the trembling earth
Display'd his wond'rous might who'd given birth
To all this spacious globe: her horrid shocks
Sent forth dismay, and rent the stony rocks:
When lo! the Spirit of the Lord descends
From Heav'n, attended by an host of friends—
Angelic friends, who gladly him surround,
To see Omniscience sin and death confound.
Oh, Death, where is thy sting! thy triumphs Grave!
Now all thy gloomy terrors thou must leave;
Behold the great Messiah reassumes
His sacred form which vivid life illumes;
Christians may well admire the glorious deed,
That Resurrection which lost Man has freed.
This is the joyful day the Saviour sends,
On this Man's hope, on this his life depends;
The Heav'ns resound with praise, th' angelic throng
With harps celestial, sing the glorious song,
None but th' Eternal Godhead e'er could plan
Returning love, returning love to Man;
Christ the first-fruits, the chains of Death has broke,
And Man's recover'd from the Serpent's yoke:
Christ shews the world that as he rose again,
Triumphant over Death, o'er Hell and pain;
So Man to Immortality shall rise,—
So Man in triumph shall ascend the skies.
He thought it prompted by a skilful breast;
The Watch was fix'd, the Sepulchre made sure,
A stone of pond'rous weight secur'd the door.
Yea, that no plan their prudence might defeat,
They seal'd it with the signet of the state;
But what is human soresight, what avails
The seal, the pond'rous stone when justice fails?
What are the hardy vet'rans when they stand
Against Jehovah's all victorious hand?
For at th' appointed time the trembling earth
Display'd his wond'rous might who'd given birth
To all this spacious globe: her horrid shocks
Sent forth dismay, and rent the stony rocks:
When lo! the Spirit of the Lord descends
From Heav'n, attended by an host of friends—
Angelic friends, who gladly him surround,
To see Omniscience sin and death confound.
Oh, Death, where is thy sting! thy triumphs Grave!
Now all thy gloomy terrors thou must leave;
Behold the great Messiah reassumes
His sacred form which vivid life illumes;
Christians may well admire the glorious deed,
That Resurrection which lost Man has freed.
This is the joyful day the Saviour sends,
On this Man's hope, on this his life depends;
58
With harps celestial, sing the glorious song,
None but th' Eternal Godhead e'er could plan
Returning love, returning love to Man;
Christ the first-fruits, the chains of Death has broke,
And Man's recover'd from the Serpent's yoke:
Christ shews the world that as he rose again,
Triumphant over Death, o'er Hell and pain;
So Man to Immortality shall rise,—
So Man in triumph shall ascend the skies.
59
CHAP. V.
Let Christians now the Hallelujah sing
To Christ the Lord, the God, the heavenly King;
Let thankful praise be heard thro' all the earth,
For the Messiah gives Salvation birth.
What glorious change to sinful Man appears
To guide him happy thro' this vale of tears;
The Buffetters are fled, the Rulers gone,
And those who shame and misery put on
The Holy Christ, now lie entranc'd as dead,
Nor is there one who dares to raise his head.
For this great scene did all the Watch confound,—
With wild affright they leave the usual bound
Of their allotted duty, and return
To the High Priest, who fill'd with much concern,
Beheld them trembling with unusual dread,
While broken sentences the tidings spread
That Christ was ris'n,—that round them shone such light
As with amazement long o'ercame their sight,
That while they wond'ring fell upon the ground;
T' escape those terrors which did them surround,—
The trembling earth shook horribly and seem'd
As tho' her womb with dissolution teem'd;—
That then they found the Tomb where Christ was laid
Wide open, and the stone which fast was made
Remov'd, altho' secur'd by Pilate's seal,
But how effected they could not reveal.
To Christ the Lord, the God, the heavenly King;
Let thankful praise be heard thro' all the earth,
For the Messiah gives Salvation birth.
What glorious change to sinful Man appears
To guide him happy thro' this vale of tears;
The Buffetters are fled, the Rulers gone,
And those who shame and misery put on
The Holy Christ, now lie entranc'd as dead,
Nor is there one who dares to raise his head.
For this great scene did all the Watch confound,—
With wild affright they leave the usual bound
Of their allotted duty, and return
To the High Priest, who fill'd with much concern,
Beheld them trembling with unusual dread,
While broken sentences the tidings spread
That Christ was ris'n,—that round them shone such light
As with amazement long o'ercame their sight,
That while they wond'ring fell upon the ground;
T' escape those terrors which did them surround,—
The trembling earth shook horribly and seem'd
As tho' her womb with dissolution teem'd;—
60
Wide open, and the stone which fast was made
Remov'd, altho' secur'd by Pilate's seal,
But how effected they could not reveal.
Have you not seen the anxious Parent stand
To see his son approach his native strand,
With longing eyes he views the boist'rous main,
The ship appears which all his joys contain;
When lo! a sudden storm dispels delight,
And all his joys are gone to endless night:
No more his hopes rise with the rising gale,
The prospect chills his soul, his spirits fail.
So stood the Priest in fancy quite secure,
But how could happiness like his endure?
He vainly vaults in pride, his counsel giv'n
He thought was worthy all the bliss of Heav'n.
Alas! when blind delusion warps the mind,
Hypocrisy can Virtue's semblance find,—
A moment's calm had lull'd his soul to rest,
But when the Centinels their tale exprest,
His boasted stratagems at once gave way,
And to despair himself had been a prey,
Had not the Prince of darkness sought again
With ev'ry art, to prop his tott'ring reign.
For he with Caiaphas being closely leagu'd,
Assur'd him that the Soldiers were fatigu'd
With over watching, and no doubt requir'd
Refreshment oft, this thought the Priest admir'd—
'Twas true such horrors had disturb'd the night,
As would ev'n more than human beings fright;
The lightning's vivid flash—the thunder's roar
Had scarce been equall'd on the earth before.
To see his son approach his native strand,
With longing eyes he views the boist'rous main,
The ship appears which all his joys contain;
When lo! a sudden storm dispels delight,
And all his joys are gone to endless night:
No more his hopes rise with the rising gale,
The prospect chills his soul, his spirits fail.
So stood the Priest in fancy quite secure,
But how could happiness like his endure?
He vainly vaults in pride, his counsel giv'n
He thought was worthy all the bliss of Heav'n.
Alas! when blind delusion warps the mind,
Hypocrisy can Virtue's semblance find,—
A moment's calm had lull'd his soul to rest,
But when the Centinels their tale exprest,
His boasted stratagems at once gave way,
And to despair himself had been a prey,
Had not the Prince of darkness sought again
With ev'ry art, to prop his tott'ring reign.
For he with Caiaphas being closely leagu'd,
Assur'd him that the Soldiers were fatigu'd
With over watching, and no doubt requir'd
Refreshment oft, this thought the Priest admir'd—
'Twas true such horrors had disturb'd the night,
As would ev'n more than human beings fright;
61
Had scarce been equall'd on the earth before.
Th' officious Sanhedrim again attend
On the High Priest, their counsellor and friend;
He tells the plan his intimate had shewn,
But they must make the active part their own;
Then bids them try with artful bribes to gain
The Watch, this grand imposture to maintain.
Thus by their Chief these misled zealots taught,
The Centinels with eager care they sought;
Laugh'd at their doubts, o'erwhelm'd their sense in wine,
And when the copious draught made fear resign
Her station in their lately failing breast,
Then thus the subtile train themselves exprest:—
The terrors of the night might well prevent
Your seeing Jesus' followers intent;
For while o'ercome with sleep and care you lay,
They mov'd the stone, and took the corpse away,
That all would be convinc'd this tale was true,
Since none the fraud could e'er expose to view;
And Jews and Romans well were satisfy'd
Th' Impostor had been punish'd for his pride.
Then added they, tho' you in duty fail,
No punishment or danger shall assail
Your want of prudence,—only well accord,
And we will recompence with great reward.
This said, with gifts they ev'ry fear remov'd,
And to their will, the Watch obedient prov'd.—
Such lights appear the Christian faith to prove,
Which no base frauds or falshoods can remove.
The Priest's commands deliver'd with design
To stifle truth, more lovely made it shine.
If the Guards knew what happen'd while they slept,
Why had not they the sacred body kept?
How could they know, while they all prostrate were,
As their new tale confess'd, with sleep and care,
Who took the body, yet if that they knew,
Why not attempt those robbers to subdue?
Of all Christ's num'rous friends, but one was found,
Who dar'd to raise his hand, to give a wound;
And after that his courage did subside,
And with vile oaths he thrice his Lord deny'd.
When all were scatter'd round thro' grief and fear,
Was he the head to bring those cowards near
T' encounter Soldiers, arm'd with sword and spear?
Oh, holy Father! ever just and true,
Let full conviction ev'ry mind subdue,
To taste thy glorious Truths, that bliss divine,
The fountain where thy mercies ever shine.
On the High Priest, their counsellor and friend;
He tells the plan his intimate had shewn,
But they must make the active part their own;
Then bids them try with artful bribes to gain
The Watch, this grand imposture to maintain.
Thus by their Chief these misled zealots taught,
The Centinels with eager care they sought;
Laugh'd at their doubts, o'erwhelm'd their sense in wine,
And when the copious draught made fear resign
Her station in their lately failing breast,
Then thus the subtile train themselves exprest:—
The terrors of the night might well prevent
Your seeing Jesus' followers intent;
For while o'ercome with sleep and care you lay,
They mov'd the stone, and took the corpse away,
That all would be convinc'd this tale was true,
Since none the fraud could e'er expose to view;
And Jews and Romans well were satisfy'd
Th' Impostor had been punish'd for his pride.
Then added they, tho' you in duty fail,
No punishment or danger shall assail
Your want of prudence,—only well accord,
And we will recompence with great reward.
This said, with gifts they ev'ry fear remov'd,
And to their will, the Watch obedient prov'd.—
Such lights appear the Christian faith to prove,
Which no base frauds or falshoods can remove.
62
To stifle truth, more lovely made it shine.
If the Guards knew what happen'd while they slept,
Why had not they the sacred body kept?
How could they know, while they all prostrate were,
As their new tale confess'd, with sleep and care,
Who took the body, yet if that they knew,
Why not attempt those robbers to subdue?
Of all Christ's num'rous friends, but one was found,
Who dar'd to raise his hand, to give a wound;
And after that his courage did subside,
And with vile oaths he thrice his Lord deny'd.
When all were scatter'd round thro' grief and fear,
Was he the head to bring those cowards near
T' encounter Soldiers, arm'd with sword and spear?
Oh, holy Father! ever just and true,
Let full conviction ev'ry mind subdue,
To taste thy glorious Truths, that bliss divine,
The fountain where thy mercies ever shine.
Such mighty deeds could not remain conceal'd,—
Th' Apostles heard, and the glad news reveal'd
That Christ was ris'n, which spread from friend to friend,
And made their timid apprehensions end.
Ev'n Thomas, tho' so full of doubting pride,
Unless he saw his Master's wounded side,
And thrust his hand therein, had not believ'd,
Receiv'd those proofs, and knew that Jesus liv'd.—
The great Messiah on the earth again
Appear'd triumphant over Death and pain;
And with his much-lov'd friends behold him stand,
Giving this holy, pure, and just command:—
Go forth and teach the various nations round,
I give you pow'r all evils to confound;
Let Baptism be perform'd on ev'ry coast
In name of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
For now the great partition wall is broke,
And all are freed from th' heavy Jewish yoke;
The Holy Spirit shall descend in sight,
And spread conviction clear as morning light;
Those beauteous truths which mysteries conceal,
To all the Gentile world he will reveal;
And tho' the time—the joyful time is come,
Which now restores me to my heav'nly home,
Be not afraid, for tho' from you I go,
I've put on grief, and cloath'd myself with woe;
And your frail nature took to set you free,
Thus all have found accomplishment in me.
Yet 'till I go, the Comforter on you
Will not descend, but when his pow'r you know
He'll be your wisdom, spirit, strength, and guide,
And shew you paths from whence you shall not slide.
Then cease from grief, my absence ne'er bewail,
I carry with me your Redemption's seal;
And ye, my brethren, who believe and love,
Shall one day join th' angelic choir above;
And ye who doubt my saving grace repent,
So shall ye endless misery prevent.
Remember this—
Salvation is complete, its purchase paid,
No more you'll want the smoaking altar's aid,
No sacrifice, or offer'd blood takes place,
New moons and all your vain oblations cease.
No other merits come before the throne
But mine, and for your sins they shall atone.
When I go hence I will this body take
An earnest that from Death you shall awake;
Then will the Heav'ns declare Jehovah's praise,
And sing the wonders of his glorious ways;
Millions of millions will in joy accord,
To sing of Man's Redemption, Man restor'd.
The Cherubim and Seraphim divine,
Who in the radiant robes of glory shine,
And who eternal honours pay their King,
Of Man restor'd shall then exulting sing;—
Shall sing of Justice, with sweet Mercy join'd—
Shall sing of Love, display'd to all Mankind.
Such were the comforts the Messiah gave
His lov'd Apostles, e'er he took his leave;
Thus he convers'd, immaculate, and pure,
And thus set forth the wretched Sinner's cure;
'Till the great day of his Ascension came,
When with the Brethren to the Mount of Fame
Call'd Olives, he repair'd, where shining rays
Of glory beam'd around the Lord of Praise.
His lov'd Disciples now a num'rous band,
With awe and admiration silent stand;
While holy Angels fill'd th' expanse of Heav'n,
And throng'd to hear our Saviour's blessing giv'n.—
With tender love his arms he did extend,
Farewell, he cry'd, my brethren, I ascend
The throne of Grace,—in love and kindness live,
Freely ye have receiv'd, as freely give.
The holy bond, sweet peace, I leave with you,
Then 'midst refulgent light in glory flew
To his bright mansion, blessing as he rose,
While Angels did this joyful Hymn compose.
Th' Apostles heard, and the glad news reveal'd
That Christ was ris'n, which spread from friend to friend,
And made their timid apprehensions end.
Ev'n Thomas, tho' so full of doubting pride,
Unless he saw his Master's wounded side,
And thrust his hand therein, had not believ'd,
Receiv'd those proofs, and knew that Jesus liv'd.—
The great Messiah on the earth again
Appear'd triumphant over Death and pain;
And with his much-lov'd friends behold him stand,
Giving this holy, pure, and just command:—
63
I give you pow'r all evils to confound;
Let Baptism be perform'd on ev'ry coast
In name of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
For now the great partition wall is broke,
And all are freed from th' heavy Jewish yoke;
The Holy Spirit shall descend in sight,
And spread conviction clear as morning light;
Those beauteous truths which mysteries conceal,
To all the Gentile world he will reveal;
And tho' the time—the joyful time is come,
Which now restores me to my heav'nly home,
Be not afraid, for tho' from you I go,
I've put on grief, and cloath'd myself with woe;
And your frail nature took to set you free,
Thus all have found accomplishment in me.
Yet 'till I go, the Comforter on you
Will not descend, but when his pow'r you know
He'll be your wisdom, spirit, strength, and guide,
And shew you paths from whence you shall not slide.
Then cease from grief, my absence ne'er bewail,
I carry with me your Redemption's seal;
And ye, my brethren, who believe and love,
Shall one day join th' angelic choir above;
And ye who doubt my saving grace repent,
So shall ye endless misery prevent.
Remember this—
Salvation is complete, its purchase paid,
No more you'll want the smoaking altar's aid,
No sacrifice, or offer'd blood takes place,
New moons and all your vain oblations cease.
64
But mine, and for your sins they shall atone.
When I go hence I will this body take
An earnest that from Death you shall awake;
Then will the Heav'ns declare Jehovah's praise,
And sing the wonders of his glorious ways;
Millions of millions will in joy accord,
To sing of Man's Redemption, Man restor'd.
The Cherubim and Seraphim divine,
Who in the radiant robes of glory shine,
And who eternal honours pay their King,
Of Man restor'd shall then exulting sing;—
Shall sing of Justice, with sweet Mercy join'd—
Shall sing of Love, display'd to all Mankind.
Such were the comforts the Messiah gave
His lov'd Apostles, e'er he took his leave;
Thus he convers'd, immaculate, and pure,
And thus set forth the wretched Sinner's cure;
'Till the great day of his Ascension came,
When with the Brethren to the Mount of Fame
Call'd Olives, he repair'd, where shining rays
Of glory beam'd around the Lord of Praise.
His lov'd Disciples now a num'rous band,
With awe and admiration silent stand;
While holy Angels fill'd th' expanse of Heav'n,
And throng'd to hear our Saviour's blessing giv'n.—
With tender love his arms he did extend,
Farewell, he cry'd, my brethren, I ascend
The throne of Grace,—in love and kindness live,
Freely ye have receiv'd, as freely give.
The holy bond, sweet peace, I leave with you,
Then 'midst refulgent light in glory flew
65
While Angels did this joyful Hymn compose.
Now worthy is the Lamb to reign supreme,
And to receive all honour to his name;
The holy Lamb of God, the Sacrifice,
Has Man receiv'd as his redeemed prize:
He is th' accepted Sacrifice for all,
Who have offended by first Adam's fall:
All Men on Earth join, join the holy theme,
Let love, let gratitude, his works proclaim.
And to receive all honour to his name;
The holy Lamb of God, the Sacrifice,
Has Man receiv'd as his redeemed prize:
He is th' accepted Sacrifice for all,
Who have offended by first Adam's fall:
All Men on Earth join, join the holy theme,
Let love, let gratitude, his works proclaim.
66
CHAP. VI.
The Friends of the Messiah much amaz'dTo see him rise, still on the Heavens gaz'd;
And did with reverential awe receive
The gracious Benediction which he gave.
They saw how the Angelic Host ador'd,
And homage paid to Christ th' ascending Lord.
Such wond'rous scenes were ne'er display'd before,
Nor shall again, 'till time shall be no more.
The whole expanse appear'd exceeding bright,
And far surpass'd the Sun's meridian light;
The sacred path in Jacob's vision known,
Where the Angelic Host in glory shone,
Was now again with heav'nly Spirits lin'd,
Who to their harps celestial voices join'd.
Th' harmonious strains were with such raptures sung,
As struck with silence ev'ry human tongue;
When to the throng two Angels were display'd,
Who in celestial splendor were array'd,
And to the Wonderers spake—
Ye Men of Galilee, why stand ye here,
Your Lord ascends from this sublunar sphere,
To those bright regions of eternal day,
To fix the seal of Man's redemptive plea;
He now assumes the sceptre of the world,
And sin and guilt are into chaos hurl'd;
67
The infinite expanse. Oh! can you raise
Your thoughts, to trace his wonderful decrees,—
'Tis he who calms the raging of the seas:
His pow'r gives life and breath to ev'ry soul,
Th' eternal King illuminates the whole.
And now that long expected great event
Is finish'd by Omnipotent consent:
This is that stay which hope to Man has giv'n,
And which with bliss has fill'd the highest Heav'n,
Transcending all description, much too great
For the weak limits of your mortal state—
To comprehend it—we have always strove
The theme employ'd our wonder, praise, and love—
It has employ'd the whole Angelic throng,
And joyful strains have flow'd from ev'ry tongue,
E'er since this wond'rous Covenant began,
When great Jehovah it decree'd for Man,
And fix'd his restoration—
Thus Angels gloried in the lovely theme
Of Man restor'd to happiness supreme,
They then proceeded—
The subject of Creation shews what store
Of goodness reigns with God for evermore;
It proves his pow'r and wisdom infinite,
And all are fill'd with wondering delight;
Yet in Redemption further we explore,
Man's lost condition nothing could restore,
But an atonement, equal to the fall,—
No other way could raise him from his thrall.
68
With Wisdom, Love, and Mercy did unite
In perfect reconcilement,—'tis this theme
Which Angels and Archangels now proclaim.
But now the joyful time is nigh at hand,
The Holy Ghost will make you understand,
When ev'ry tongue inspir'd with truth divine,
Shall tell the world how God's great mercies shine.
Shall mortals teach that penitence and prayer
For the last Judgment must their Souls prepare.
When this fix'd earth shall agitated heave,
And flinty rocks their harden'd substance leave;
When this vast globe shall be by fire consum'd,
And then the Dead by Life shall be illum'd,
The mighty ocean which so long has roll'd
Within unfathom'd depths, shall then unfold
Those gloomy caverns,—from his oozy bed
Shall rise whole myriads of awaken'd dead,
All summon'd by th' Archangels solemn call,
Nor shall a single hair unnumber'd fall.
In that great day, high arm'd with pow'r and might,
The Christ Messiah will assume his right
Of conquest, which his gracious love alone
O'er Death, o'er Hell and Sin for mortals won.
This said—the Angels join'd the heavenly train,
Nor could the wond'ring croud from thanks refrain;
But with loud praise proclaim'd what real joys
Inspire the mind which gratitude employs.
Th' Apostles gladden'd by the promis'd grace
Of heav'nly comfort, left this sacred place,
69
To supplicate Jehovah's watchful care.
With them abundance of the brethren join'd,
Glowing with sentiments of love refin'd;
Each day they pass'd in breaking holy bread,
And on the Bread of Life they daily fed.
The day of Pentecost was now at hand,
When met by one consent, the holy band
To praise and pray—when on a sudden came
A sound like wind, join'd by an heav'nly flame.
Then was fulfill'd our Saviour's words I go,
Yet tho' I leave you,—grief you shall not know;
The Comforter shall come, his heav'nly rays
Will you instruct, and teach you how to praise.
Oh wond'rous pow'r! miraculous the sign,
When God the Holy Ghost appear'd divine
To be their guide, while they with knowledge fill'd,
Began t' expound and preach as tho' long skill'd
In all the languages, both new and old,
And to each tongue God's wonders they unfold.
The poor illiterate Fisherman is seen
With noble courage and with mind serene,
Discoursing, and confounding all that strove
By calumny the wonder to remove.
Mean time his untaught brother prophecies,
And tells the secrets of th' ethereal skies;
Another faith maintains,—while others heal—
Others interpret,—none in knowledge fail.
Where is the Scribe? where are the mighty wise?
Those great disputers, dare ye claim the prize?
70
With God your wisdom is of none effect;
Redemption is compleat, these will maintain
That holy myst'ry which you strive t' arraign.—
Your plea is reason, can weak reason frame,
The Attributes of your Creator's name?
Or can you fathom what for Man is done,
And Truth oppose which says these Three are One?
Why does this wond'rous work appear so odd?—
Th' acknowledg'd sign and token of a God
Is knowing all our thoughts,—this potent sign
In all his works prov'd Jesus was divine.
Your Saviour says, (will not you him believe,
Or will your doubt the Holy Spirit grieve?)
The Comforter shall come,—then further told,
And when He's come, He will all things unfold.
All things unfold, can cavillers destroy
Man's best, his dearest hope, of future joy?
Who can unfold all things but very God,
Whose mercy let's Man 'scape his scourging rod.
And shall his wonders, boundless in extent,
Be question'd by a worm, as tho' th' event
Would follow at his call—untoward Man
Jehovah's counsels thou canst never scan,
In self rais'd fallacies engage no more,
Go search the Scriptures, and thy God adore.
The glorious Wonder being spread abroad
Great numbers came, suspecting 'twas a fraud—
T' expose the cheats,—but how were they amaz'd,
When in all accents the Disciples rais'd
71
How God to happiness had Man restor'd;
Shewing that Jesus Christ of blessed name,
Justice to satisfy, from Heav'n came,
Our nature took to suffer on the Cross,
To rescue Man condemn'd for Adam's loss.
This said as with one heart they instant raise
Their voice to God, in worship, love, and praise.—
All praise and glory be to God on high,
Ye men on earth his praises magnify!
Let us rejoice and join with one accord
To sing the boundless goodness of the Lord.
For thy great mercies, oh thou heav'nly King,
Father Almighty! we thy praises sing.—
Ye men on earth his praises magnify!
Let us rejoice and join with one accord
To sing the boundless goodness of the Lord.
For thy great mercies, oh thou heav'nly King,
Father Almighty! we thy praises sing.—
Oh Jesus Christ! thou pure begotton Son,
Stupendous are the works which thou hast done;
Thou holy Lamb, who sav'd us from the rod,
Receive our praise for thou art ever God.—
Stupendous are the works which thou hast done;
Thou holy Lamb, who sav'd us from the rod,
Receive our praise for thou art ever God.—
Oh Holy Ghost! the Comforter divine,
Let thy refreshing Grace on Mortals shine;
O holy God, to truth our minds engage,
Thou great Inspirer of the Sacred Page!
Oh holy Triune God! the Father, Son,
Let thy refreshing Grace on Mortals shine;
O holy God, to truth our minds engage,
Thou great Inspirer of the Sacred Page!
And Holy Ghost, thou glorious Three in One,
We thee, with wonder, love, and praise adore,
Who was, and is, and shall be evermore!
| Redemption, A Poem | |