Poems (Jordan)/"Christ, or Barabbas?"
"CHRIST, OR BARABBAS?"
"Brothers! Whom will ye I shall release unto you?"
Still the same old question of each other, we ask.
Do ye demand release of that robber, Sin, who
Doth steal Life's best treasures?—foe 'neath a friendly mask!
Still the same old question of each other, we ask.
Do ye demand release of that robber, Sin, who
Doth steal Life's best treasures?—foe 'neath a friendly mask!
Or shall I release Him who giveth all good,
Freely to all men, whatever their need;
Who once in Earth's judgment hall as Prisoner stood,
That He for His accusers might silently plead?
Freely to all men, whatever their need;
Who once in Earth's judgment hall as Prisoner stood,
That He for His accusers might silently plead?
The one or the Other I must unto you yield;
The partaker with you of all pleasureful sin;
Or the Love which is willing, on Life's battle-field,
To suffer and die your salvation to win!
The partaker with you of all pleasureful sin;
Or the Love which is willing, on Life's battle-field,
To suffer and die your salvation to win!
Oh, brothers, I choose to give the Helper to all;
Him would I release to your needing, alway;
For whichever you may in your ignorance, call,
I would yield through my life-doors, the Christ, ev'ry day!
Him would I release to your needing, alway;
For whichever you may in your ignorance, call,
I would yield through my life-doors, the Christ, ev'ry day!