A Selection of Psalms and Hymns ‎#CCLXVIII

CCLXVIII. The Ceremonial Law

1 Israel, in ancient days,
Not only had a view
Of Sinai in a blaze,
But learn'd the gospel too:
Thy types and figures were a glass,
In which they saw the Saviour's face.

2 The Paschal sacrifice,
And blood besprinkled door;
Seen with enlighten'd eyes,
And once apply'd with power,
Would teach the need of other blood,
To reconcile an angry God.

3 The Lamb, the dove set forth,
His perfect innocence,
Whose blood of matchless worth,
Should be the sou's defence,
For he who can for sin atone,
Must have no failings of his own.

4 The scape goat on his head,
The people's trespass bore,
And to the desert led,
Was to be seen no more:
In him our surety seem'd to say,
"Behold I bear your sins away."

5 Dipt in his fellows blood,
The living bird went free;
The type, well understood,
Express'd the sinner's plea;
Described the guilty soul enlarg'd,
And by the Saviour's death discharg'd.

6 Jesus I love to trace
Throughout the sacred page,
The footsteps of thy grace,
The same in every age:
O grant that I may faithful be,
To clearer light. vouchsaf'd to me.

Text Information

• First Line: Israel in ancient days
• Title: The Ceremonial Law
• Author: Cowper
• Meter: Four 5 and twice 8
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1790
• Topic: The Ceremonial Law

Tune Information

(No tune information)