Christina Georgina Rossetti

The Offering Of The New Law, The One Oblation Once Offered

Once I thought to sit so high In the Palace of the sky; Now, I thank God for His Grace, If I may fill the lowest place. Once I thought to scale so soon Heights above the changing moon; Now, I thank God for delay— To-day, it yet is called to-day. While I stumble, halt and blind, Lo! He waiteth to be kind; Bless me soon, or bless me slow, Except He bless, I let not go. Once for earth I laid my plan, Once I leaned on strength of man, When my hope was swept aside, I stayed my broken heart on pride: Broken reed hath pierced my hand; Fell my house I built on sand; Roofless, wounded, maimed by sin, Fightings without and fears within: Yet, a tree, He feeds my root; Yet, a branch, He prunes for fruit; Yet, a sheep, these eves and morns, He seeks for me among the thorns. With Thine Image stamped of old, Find Thy coin more choice than gold; Known to Thee by name, recall To Thee Thy home-sick prodigal. Sacrifice and Offering None there is that I can bring, None, save what is Thine alone: I bring Thee, Lord, but of Thine Own— Broken Body, Blood Outpoured, These I bring, my God, my Lord; Wine of Life, and Living Bread, With these for me Thy Board is spread.