Christian Songs, Song. IX

Melchizedeck, immortal priest! O'er peace and righteousness doth reign, O Most High God, before thy face, And glory fills the bless'd domain:

2 For now the strife is at an end, 'Twixt sinners, righteous God and thee, How thou should'st make the guilty bless'd Yet just and righteous herein be.

3 To end this strife God interpos'd, His dread and solemn oath: He swore, To consecrate the only Son Of God a priest forever more.

4 With sacrifice his hand was fill'd, In God's own presence to appear, With blood divine shed from himself, Most precious, and forever dear.

5 No more a sinful mortal priest, With dying breath for sin atones; Nor stands confessing his own guilt, Nor dies succeeded by his sons:

6 No more the blood of bulls and goats Sprinkles the earthly holy place; No more in tinsel'd glory stands A sinful mortal begging grace.