 | The Choir and The Oratory |  |
61
XI.
With blood, but not his own, the Jew drew near
The Mercy-seat, and Heaven received his prayer.
Yet was his hope obscured by doubt and fear:
“If Thou shouldst mark transgression, who might dare
To stand before Thee?” Mercy loves to spare
And pardon; but stern Justice has a voice,
That cries, “Our God is holy, nor can bear
Uncleanness in the people of His choice.”
But now, One Offering, ne'er to be renewed,
Hath made our peace for ever. This now gives
Free access to the Throne of Heavenly Grace.
No more base fear and dark disquietude.
He who was slain, the Accepted Victim, lives,
And intercedes before the Father's face.
The Mercy-seat, and Heaven received his prayer.
Yet was his hope obscured by doubt and fear:
“If Thou shouldst mark transgression, who might dare
To stand before Thee?” Mercy loves to spare
And pardon; but stern Justice has a voice,
That cries, “Our God is holy, nor can bear
Uncleanness in the people of His choice.”
But now, One Offering, ne'er to be renewed,
Hath made our peace for ever. This now gives
Free access to the Throne of Heavenly Grace.
No more base fear and dark disquietude.
He who was slain, the Accepted Victim, lives,
And intercedes before the Father's face.
| The Choir and The Oratory | |