The Treasury Of Sacred Song

By Francis Turner Palgrave

XCVII ON JUSTICE AND MERCY

Anon.

Justice doth call for vengeance on my sins,

And threatens death as guerdon for the same;

Mercy to plead for pardon then begins,

With saying, CHRIST hath undergone the shame.

Justice shews me an angry GOD offended,

And Mercy shews a Saviour crucified:

Justice says, I that sinn'd must be condemnéd:

Mercy replies, CHRIST for my sins hath died.

Grim justice threats with a revengeful rod:

Meek Mercy shews me an appeaséd GOD.

LORD! though my sins make me for Justice fit,

Through CHRIST let Mercy triumph over it.