"JUSTICE demandeth satisfaction"—Yes; And ought to have it where injustice is: But—there is none in God—it cannot mean Demand of justice where it has full reign: To dwell in man it rightfully demands, Such as he came from his Creator's hands. Man had departed from a righteous state, Which he at first must have, if God create: 'Tis therefore call'd God's righteousness, and must Be satisfied by man's becoming just; Must exercise good vengeance upon men, Till it regain its rights in them again. This was the justice, for which Christ became A man, to satisfy its righteous claim; Became Redeemer of the human race, That sin, in them, to justice might give place. To satisfy a just and righteous will Is neither more, nor less, than to fulfil: It was, in God, the loving will that sought The joy of having man's salvation wrought: Hence, in his Son, so infinitely pleas'd With righteousness fulfill'd and wrath appeas'd: Not with mere suff'ring, which he never wills, But with mere love that triumph'd over ills. 'Twas tender mercy—by the church confess'd, Before she feeds the sacramental guest; Rememb'ring Him, who offer'd up his soul "A sacrifice for sin, full, perfect, whole, "Sufficient, satisfactory"—and all That words—how short of merit!—can recal. And when receiv'd his body and his blood, The life enabling to be just and good, Off'ring, available thro' Him alone, Body and soul, a sacrifice her own: From Him, from his, so justice has its due; Itself restor'd,—not any thing in lieu. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE SHAPE OF THE CORONER by WALLACE STEVENS L.E.L.'S LAST QUESTION by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING SONG-TIME by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH A FUNERAL CHANT FOR THE OLD YEAR by E. JUSTINE BAYARD MEN OF VERDUN by LAURENCE BINYON VERSES DESIGNED FOR A WATCH CASE by JOHN BYROM FRAGMENT OF AN EPISTLE TO THOMAS MOORE by GEORGE GORDON BYRON |