Scripture Verse

Unto us was the Gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it. Hebrews 4:2

Introduction

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William Cowper
1731–1800

Words: Will­iam Cow­per, Ol­ney Hymns (Lon­don: W. Ol­iv­er, 1779), Book 1, num­ber 132.

Music: Sam­u­el (Sul­li­van) Ar­thur S. Sul­li­van, 1874 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

portrait
Arthur S. Sullivan
1842–1900

Lyrics

Israel, in ancient days,
Not only had a view
Of Sinai in a blaze,
But learned the Gospel too:
The types and figures were a glass,
In which they saw the Savior’s face.

The paschal sacrifice,
And blood-besprinkled door,
Seen with enlightened eyes,
And once applied with power,
Would teach the need of other blood,
To reconcile an angry God.

The lamb, the dove, set forth
His perfect innocence,
Whose blood of matchless worth
Should be the soul’s defense;
For He who can for sin atone,
Must have no failings of His own.

The scape-goat on his head
The people’s trespass bore,
And, to the desert led,
Was to be seen no more;
In him our surety seemed to say,
Behold I bear your sins away.

Dipped in his fellow’s blood,
The living bird went free:
The type, well understood,
Expressed the sinner’s plea—
Described the guilty soul enlarged,
And by the Savior’s death discharged.

Jesus, I love to trace
Throughout the sacred page,
The footsteps of Thy grace,
The same in every age!
O grant that I may faithful be
To clearer light vouchsafed to me!