English poem
Joshua the High-Priest's Change of Raiment, applied to Christian Priviledges. Zech. iii. 4
by Philip Doddridge (1773–1832)
Eternal King, thy Robes are white In spotless Rays of heav'nly Light; Adoring Angels round are seen, Yet in thy Presence are not clean.
When then are we, the Sons of Earth, That draw Pollution from our Birth? Our fleshly Garments, LORD, how mean! O'erspread with hateful Spots of Sin.
Hail to that condescending Grace, Which shews a Saviour's Righteousness! Eternal Honours to that Name, Which covers all our Guilt and Shame!
His Blood, an overflowing Sea, Shall purge our deepest Stains away: Our Souls, renew'd by Grace divine, Shall in their LORD'S Resemblance shine.
Yet, while these Rags of Flesh we wear, Pollution will again appear. Come, Death, and ease me of the Load: Come, Death, and bear my Soul to GOD.
The King of Heav'n will there bestow A richer Robe, than Monarchs know, Dress all his Saints in glitt'ring White; Not Joshua's Mitre shone so bright.
The Grave its Trophies shall resign; Christ will the mould'ring Dust refine; And Death, the last of Foes, shall be Swallow'd and lost in Victory.
My Faith, on tow'ring Pinions borne, Anticipates that glorious Morn; And with celestial Raptures strong, Gives mortal Lips th' immortal Song.
More by Philip Doddridge
- ISRAEL and AMALEK. Exodus xvii. 11
- Israel's Obstinacy under GOD'S lifted Hand. Isaiah xxvi. 11
- JACOB'S Vow. Genesis xxviii. 20.-22
- James's Advice to Sinners. James iv. 7, 8
- Joshua the High-Priest's Zeal and Fidelity rewarded with a Station among the Angels. Zech. iii. 6, 7
- Joy and Prosperity from the Presence and Blessing of GOD. Psalm xc. 17
- Laying hold on GOD'S Strength, that we may be at Peace with him. Isaiah xxvii. 5
- LESSON I. Of our Nature, and its Chief Happiness