The True Aaron

I

See Aaron, God’s anointed priest,
  Within the veil appear,
In robes of mystic meaning dress’d,
  Presenting Isr’el’s pray’r.

II

The plate of gold which crowns his brows
  His holiness describes;
His breast displays, in shining rows,
  The names of all the tribes.

III

With the atoning blood he stands
  Before the mercy-seat;
And clouds of incense from his hands
  Arise with odour sweet.

IV

Urim and Thummim near his heart,
  In rich engravings worn,
The sacred light of truth impart,
  To teach and to adorn.

V

Through him the eye of faith descries
  A greater Priest than he:⁠—
Thus Jesus pleads above the skies
  For you, my friends, and me.

VI

He bears the names of all his saints
  Deep on his heart engraved,
Attentive to the state and wants
  Of all his love has saved.

VII

In him a holiness complete⁠—
  Light and perfections shine,
And wisdom, grace, and glory meet;⁠—
  A Saviour all divine.

VIII

The blood which as a Priest he bears
  For sinners is his own;
The incense of his prayers and tears
  Perfumes the holy throne.

IX

In him my weary soul has rest,
  Though I am weak and vile;
I read my name upon his breast,
  And see the Father smile.