Classic Poem

Priest of the only Sacrifice,
And Victim of the unmeasured price!
What priest, what sacrifice appeared
When Thou wast crucified and slain?
The cross for malefactors reared
Dispensed a malefactor's pain:
Accusers watched, and nothing saw
But the execution of the law
Priest of the only Sacrifice,
And Victim of the availing price!
To meet thy steps no altar stood,
No priest in sadder garb drew nigh;
No knife released thy pouring blood,
No temple echoed with thy cry:
No fire the one sin-offering great
Consumed, from use to separate.
Priest of the only Sacrifice,
And Victim of the unaltered price!
No rite of ancient ordinance,
Wool, hyssop, water running clean,
Thy hidden offering sought to enchance,
Nor sign of sacrifice was seen;
Not aught in which the human mind
Might know the offering for mankind.
Priest of the only Sacrifice,
And Victim of the exactest price!
A little while, and faithful hearts
Discerned the mystery hidden there
where Thou ...
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