A sinless God, for sinful men, Now holy Peace may smile from heaven, And He that gave His blood for men Acton Bell. THE CIRCUMCISION. YE flaming powers, and winged warriors bright, Seas wept from our deep sorrow : He who with all heaven's heraldry whilere Entered the world, now bleeds to give us ease; Alas, how soon our sin Sore doth begin His infancy to seize ! O more exceeding love or law more just? And that great covenant which we still transgress And the full wrath beside Of vengeful Justice bore for our excess, And seals obedience first with wounding smart This day, but, oh, ere long Huge pangs and strong Will pierce more near His heart. John Milton. O HAPPY day, when this our state O happy day, when first the Lord began. Scarce born in this our solitude, The little Infant pours His blood; To be the earnest of His endless love, The prelibation of His death to prove. Entering the world, His Father's will And is beforehand with the day of death, Marked as the victim ere He yields His breath. |