Olney Hymns (1840)/Book 1/Hymn 19

19.
The True Aaron.—Levit.—viii, 7–9.

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

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

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

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

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

6 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.

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

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

9 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.