358 REDEMPTION.
The heav'n of heav'ns not clean ; how much less man,
So alienate from good, so far from thee ;
Who blindly could his evil hand uplift,
That life to take, which freely was vouchsafed,
Without his act, a sacrifice for sin.
This then, Father, this I earnest plead,
Lest thy stern justice, too severe dispensed,
Should sorely fall, and mercy's ward preclude ;
Look not on man, nor on his errant course,
But me his Stead, regard ; accept my face,
And what of righteousness he needs, impute
From me, who all his guiltiness assume.
Judge not too hard th' unequal strife, still waged
Twixt foes superior, and weak flesh and blood.
For this my office pleads; pleads not in vain,
Since thou hast not disdain'd, thy Son, this badge
Of human flesh, with incorporeal mix'd,
Should hypostatic wear; hast not disdain'd,
Rather hast well approved redemption's plan,
Wherein thy love pre-eminent excels,
Intact thy justice bides. For this more glad
Do I accept the mediatorial throne,
Its crown assume and offices of love.
But one request, (to thy omniscience known,)
Remains this asking, perfect work to close.
Thou know'st, for thou approved'st, all the "means,
By which thy saints were supernatural led,
Clear pointing to the sacrifice of blood,
Complete sin-off'ring, ofFer'd once for all.
Pleased I present the first fruits of thy grace,
Who through their faith, the victor's palm have won ;
Pleased I present them, well approved by thee,
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