REDEMPTION. 313
So soon to find such glorious promise fail, And whom we trusted ignominious slain, Still, something bids me wait the promise made. Eyewitness from the first of every act, Concerning whom our faith and fealty bound, E'en from when Zachary the vision saw, Which promised him a son in his old age, To when that son was born, forerunner named, Of whom we now deplore, till J esus came ; In grace and wisdom grew, in favor high, With God and man, miraculous from birth, Far famed, nor wanting signs to illustrate His origins two-fold. Edom then shook, Th' usurper trembled on his lofty throne, Whilst luctual sighs invaded Bethlehem's plains, Whose voice was heard in Rama, where orbate, "Rachel bewail' d her children, by him slain, Who, fearful, sought the royal Infant's life. Escaped his wrath, and up to manhood grown, What miracles his wond'rous mission crown'd ! Not Amram's son, with thaumaturgic wand, Nor Aaron's rod such prodigies perform'd, As this Man with a touch, a look, a word, Or simplest inclination of his will; Not Josue, though he bade the sun and moon, Abide his conquering arm, and was obey'd ; Nor yet, he sole among the prophets, who Was worthy deem'd to be exempt from death, Could aught their greatest works with his compare. These too, their force derived, not innate sprung, But wrought as instruments, what heav'n ordain'dj Nor of their virtue could the least impart,
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