Classic Poem

FROM Sinai's trembling peak,
In trumpet-blasts from Heaven,
And thunders of a threat'ning God,
The olden Law was given.

To us the selfsame Lord,
Attemper'd to our gaze
By the soft veil of flesh, Himself
In love and grace displays.

On the hard rock engrav'd,
The Law from Sinai's hill,
Precepts supplied, but gave no strength
Those precepts to fulfil.

Stamp'd in the heart, the Law
Which Christ proclaim'd anew,
With its commandment also gives
The strength to will and do.

This Law with faithful pen
Ye wrote, O Scribes of God;
Preach'd it by holiest word and deed,
And seal'd it with your blood.

O, may that Spirit blest,
Who touch'd your lips with fire,
Those same eternal words of life
Deep in our hearts inspire!