The Excellency of the Priesthood of Christ

1 'Mong all the priests of Jewish Race,
Jesus the most illustrious stands:
The radiant Beauty of his face
Superior love and awe demands.

2 Not Aaron or Melchizedek
Cou'd claim such high descent as he;
His Nature and his name bespeak
His unexampled pedigree.

3 Descended from the eternal God,
He bears the name of his own son;
And, dress'd in human flesh and blood,
He puts his priestly garments on.

4 The mitred crown, the embroider'd vest,
With graceful dignity he wears;
And in full splendor on his breast
The sacred oracle appears.

5 So he presents his sacrifice,
An off'ring most divinely sweet;
While clouds of fragrant incense rise,
And cover o'er the mercy seat.

6 The Father with approveing smile
Accepts the off'ring of his son:
New Joys the wond'ring angels feel,
And haste to bear the tidings down.

7 The welcome news their lips repeat,
Gives sacred pleasure to my breast:
Henceforth, my soul, thy cause commit
To Christ, thy advocate and priest.

Source: A Selection of Hymns: from the best authors, intended to be an appendix to Dr. Watt's psalms and hymns. (1st Am. ed.) #CXCI