Page:Redemption, a Poem.djvu/281

 REDEMPTION. 275

In whom abide, by nature, peace and joy;

In me abide, essential, increate,

Who effluent dispense without decrease.

The greater wonder then, thou deem'st my pray'r,

To be released this cumulative grief.

Let wonder cease, in view of perfect Man ;

Perfect in suff'ring, anguish, torture, grief,

As Deity in joy. This then exempt;

That, all the fullness bears of wrath for sin,

Pain, sorrow, death, justly sin's due, entail'd

On me, who, as thou say'st, freely assumed

The sum entire of punishmant for guilt.

Wonder not then, that Man, (not perfect else,)

Should some sign show of this stupendous weight,

This recompense unmeasured, infinite

Of woe, nor free will off'ring least impair,

Off'ring then made, before the world began;

Nor yet the agony unseen by me,

But willingly the one with th' other join'd ;

Sufficient, did my people but refrain

With vi'lent hands to slay, to perfect make

The off'ring I intend, not wanting blood,

Without which, sacrifice for sin is not ;

Nor wanting force to slay, that death to cause,

Which I, the willing Victim, long portend.

Here then, celestial spirit, ends thy task.

Leave me to perfect mine, nor aught omit.

The promised sacrifice will soon be made,

Mankind redeem' d be, and all those be saved,

Who my redeeming shall with faith receive.

The wine press I will tread alone, though red

My garments, and with dripping gore distain'd.

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