Here we have
yet again a mystical thread running radiant athwart both warp and woof of
our poetic web: the mystical thinker will ever be found the reviver of
religious poetry; and although some of the seed had come from afar both
in time and space, Byrom's verse is of indigenous growth. Much of the
thought of the present day will be found in his verses. Here is a
specimen of his metrical argumentation. It is taken from a series of
_Meditations for every Day in Passion Week_.
WEDNESDAY.
_Christ satisfieth the justice of God by fulfilling all
righteousness._
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 called 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.
Pages:
273
274
275
276
277
278
279
280
281
282
283
284
285
286
287
288
289
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297