(Hebrews, iv.2) <br /> <br />Israel in ancient days <br />Not only had a view <br />Of Sinai in a blaze, <br />But learn'd the Gospel too; <br />The types and figures were a glass, <br />In which thy saw a Saviour's face. <br /> <br />The paschal sacrifice <br />And blood-besprinkled door, <br />Seen with enlighten'd eyes, <br />And once applied with power, <br />Would teach the need of other blood, <br />To reconcile an angry God. <br /> <br />The Lamb, the Dove, set forth <br />His perfect innocence, <br />Whose blood of matchless worth <br />Whould be the soul's defence; <br />For he who can for sin atone, <br />Must have no failings of His own. <br /> <br />The scape-goat on his head <br />The people's trespass bore, <br />And to the desert led, <br />Was to be seen no more: <br />In him our surety seem'd to say, <br />"Behold, I bear your sins away." <br /> <br />Dipt in his fellow's blood, <br />The living bird went free; <br />The type, well understood, <br />Express'd the sinner's plea; <br />Described a guilty soul enlarged, <br />And by a Saviour's death discharged. <br /> <br />Jesus, I love to trace, <br />Throughout the sacred page, <br />The footsteps of Thy grace, <br />The same in every age! <br />Oh, grant that I may faithful be <br />To clearer light vouchsafed to me!<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/old-testament-gospel/
