XCVII ON JUSTICE AND MERCY

Justice doth call for vengeance on my sins,

And threatens death as guerdon for the same;

Mercy to plead for pardon then begins,

With saying, CHRIST hath undergone the shame.

Justice shews me an angry GOD offended,

And Mercy shews a Saviour crucified:

Justice says, I that sinn'd must be condemnéd:

Mercy replies, CHRIST for my sins hath died.

Grim justice threats with a revengeful rod:

Meek Mercy shews me an appeaséd GOD.

LORD! though my sins make me for Justice fit,

Through CHRIST let Mercy triumph over it.