Classic Poem

Wonder of wonders! On the cross He dies!
Man of the ages—David's mighty Son—
The Eternal Word, who spake and it was done,
What time, of old, he formed the earth and skies.
Abashed be all the wisdom of the wise!
Let the wide earth through all her kingdoms know
The promised Lamb of God, whose blood should flow,
For human guilt the grand, sole sacrifice:
No more need altar smoke, nor victim bleed;
'Tis finished!—the great mystery of love;
Ye sin-condemned, by this blood 'tis decreed
Ye stand absolved; behold the curse remove!
O Christ! thy deadly wounds, thy mortal strife
Crush death and hell, and give immortal life!