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.
* * * * * Here are two stanzas of one of more mystical reflection: A PENITENTIAL SOLILOQUY.
What though no objects strike upon the sight! Thy sacred presence is an inward light.
What though no sounds shall penetrate the ear! To listening thought the voice of truth is clear.
Sincere devotion needs no outward shrine; The centre of an humble soul is thine.
There may I worship! and there mayst thou place Thy seat of mercy, and thy throne of grace! Yea, fix, if Christ my advocate appear, The dread tribunal of thy justice there! Let each vain thought, let each impure desire Meet in thy wrath with a consuming fire.
And here are two of more lyrical favour.
THE SOUL'S TENDENCY TOWARDS ITS TRUE CENTRE.
Stones towards the earth descend; Rivers to the ocean roll; Every motion has some end: What is thine, beloved soul?
"Mine is, where my Saviour is; There with him I hope to dwell: Jesu is the central bliss; Love the force that doth impel." Truly thou hast answered right: Now may heaven's attractive grace Towards the source of thy delight Speed along thy quickening pace! "Thank thee for thy generous care: Heaven, that did the wish inspire, Through thy instrumental prayer, Plumes the wings of my desire.
"Now, methinks, aloft I fly; Now with angels bear a part: Glory be to God on high! Peace to every Christian heart!" THE ANSWER TO THE DESPONDING SOUL.
Cheer up, desponding soul; Thy longing pleased I see: 'Tis part of that great whole Wherewith I longed for thee.
Wherewith I longed for thee, And left my Father's throne, From death to set thee free, To claim thee for my own.
To claim thee for my own, I suffered on the cross: O! were my love but known, No soul could fear its loss.
No soul could fear its loss, But, filled with love divine, Would die on its own cross, And rise for ever mine.
Surely there is poetry as well as truth in this.

But, certainly in general, his thought is far in excess of his poetry.
Here are a few verses which I shall once more entitle DIVINE EPIGRAMS.
With peaceful mind thy race of duty run God nothing does, or suffers to be done, But what thou wouldst thyself, if thou couldst see Through all events of things as well as he.
* * * * * Think, and be careful what thou art within, For there is sin in the desire of sin: Think and be thankful, in a different case, For there is grace in the desire of grace.
* * * * * An heated fancy or imagination May be mistaken for an inspiration; True; but is this conclusion fair to make-- That inspiration must be all mistake?
A pebble-stone is not a diamond: true; But must a diamond be a pebble too?
To own a God who does not speak to men, Is first to own, and then disown again; Of all idolatry the total sum Is having gods that are both deaf and dumb.
* * * * * What is more tender than a mother's love To the sweet infant fondling in her arms?
What arguments need her compassion move To hear its cries, and help it in its harms?
Now, if the tenderest mother were possessed Of all the love within her single breast Of all the mothers since the world began, 'Tis nothing to the love of God to man.
* * * * * Faith, Hope, and Love were questioned what they thought Of future glory which Religion taught: Now Faith believed it firmly to be true, And Hope expected so to find it too: Love answered, smiling with a conscious glow, "Believe?
Expect?
I _know_ it to be so.".