The Ceremonial Law points to Christ

Israel in ancient days

Author: William Cowper
Tune: SAMUEL (Sullivan)
Published in 84 hymnals

Printable scores: PDF, Noteworthy Composer
Audio files: MIDI

Representative Text

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.

Author: William Cowper

William Cowper (pronounced "Cooper"; b. Berkampstead, Hertfordshire, England, 1731; d. East Dereham, Norfolk, England, 1800) is regarded as one of the best early Romantic poets. To biographers he is also known as "mad Cowper." His literary talents produced some of the finest English hymn texts, but his chronic depression accounts for the somber tone of many of those texts. Educated to become an attorney, Cowper was called to the bar in 1754 but never practiced law. In 1763 he had the opportunity to become a clerk for the House of Lords, but the dread of the required public examination triggered his tendency to depression, and he attempted suicide. His subsequent hospitalization and friendship with Morley and Mary Unwin provided emotional st… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: Israel in ancient days
Title: The Ceremonial Law points to Christ
Author: William Cowper
Meter: 6.6.6.6.8.8
Language: English
Copyright: Public Domain

Timeline

Media

The Cyber Hymnal #11918
  • PDF (PDF)
  • Noteworthy Composer Score (NWC)

Instances

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The Cyber Hymnal #11918

Include 83 pre-1979 instances
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