Blest sign of Man's redemption ! — I adore

Blest sign of Man's redemption! — I adore —
Not thee, — but Him who did not fear thy pains,
Who — tho' in light where the Eternal reigns
He loved to live, — yet loved His people more,
And therefore thus on thee their trespass bore.
I do not owe thee worship, — but I ne'er
Would join with those who, thro' some sickly fear
Of rite idolatrous, on thee would pour
Contempt and scorn, and level with decay
God's finger-post that points the narrow way:
But when I see thee, — this poor soul doth bless
Love's cheering token in the wilderness,
Recalling ever, at the well-known sign,
Sad thoughts of mortal guilt, glad thoughts of Love