My sins upon me heavy laid

Can I approach this holy place,

My offering in hand,

Before the priest to stand?

 

Tremblingly I lay my hand

Upon the offering's head -

Will this, Jehovah's justice true

Accept, in my poor stead?

 

Yes! Yes! that offering, flawless, pure,

Perfect in every way

Ensures acceptance fixed for me

However I may stray.

 

Tis Christ I plead; I have nought else

To offer, He alone

Must be my plea; His precious blood

Has virtue to atone.

 

In Him I trust, 'tis in His worth

Boldly I now draw near,

Count on a love more strong than death

Which casts out every fear.

 

* * * * *

Can such as I now enter in?

(Oh miracle of grace! )

Behold the candlestick whose light

lllumes this holy place?

 

Can even I look on the loaves

Upon the table laid,

See there God's people, work divine

Which His own hand hath made?

 

No earthly light can penetrate

This holy, tranquil sphere;

From the pure candlestick alone

Is shed its lustre clear.

 

 

God's people there in type I see

Without one fault or taint;

Each of Christ's travail, precious fruit,

Each one declared a saint!

 

Perfect each one! Perfect the work

That suits us for this place -

See Dan and Judah equal shine,

Products of equal grace!

 

* * * * *

 

Within the Holiest of all

The ark of God is found;

Acacia wood and purest gold

Its covering around.

 

It speaks to me of Christ, blest Man

In Whom perfection shines -

Divine perfection! Centre He

Of all God's great designs.

 

God's righteousness with glory bright

Irradiates this sphere -

His glory is the only light

That shines so brightly here.

 

Wonder of wonders, can it be

That I can enter in?

Behold such glory in this place

Where never entered sin?

 

Yes! precious blood has made the way

Living and new for me.

I know a joy beyond all bound

And will eternally!

 

EDINBURGH