"Jesus of the Scars"

[jwithnell]

I'm wondering if any of you are familiar with this poem: Jesus of the Scars:

http://learningyesican.blogspot.com/2013/09/our-pastor-read-astonishing-poem-this.html

I had never heard of it or its author. What is the "Free Church" of England? Are you familiar with Edward Shillito? I just can't believe I never heard this before.

*Edited* This isn't so long, so I probably should just quote it here.

A poem by Edward Shillito (1872-1948)

A Free Church minister in England during World War I:

If we have never sought, we seek Thee now;
Thine eyes burn through the dark, our only stars;
We must have sight of thorn-pricks on Thy brow,
We must have Thee, O Jesus of the Scars.
The heavens frighten us; they are too calm;
In all the universe we have no place.
Our wounds are hurting us; where is the balm?
Lord Jesus, by Thy Scars, we claim Thy grace.
If, when the doors are shut, Thou drawest near,
Only reveal those hands, that side of Thine;
We know to-day what wounds are, have no fear,
Show us Thy Scars, we know the countersign.
The other gods were strong; but Thou wast weak;
They rode, but Thou didst stumble to a throne;
But to our wounds only God’s wounds can speak,
And not a god has wounds, but Thou alone.

 

[PhilA]

He was a Congregational Minister. A search under Google Books will reveal a number of books authored or edited by him.

Although born in Yorkshire he appears to have ministered in Kent, Sussex and London.

He was on the staff of The Christian Century, established in 1884 in Des Moines, Iowa published by and for members of the Disciples of Christ denomination and wrote a regular “British Table Talk” feature.

 

[jwithnell]

Thank you! I had seen some theological works, but wasn't sure if it was the same individual. Thank you! He is an accomplished poet, finer even than many preserved as having produced fine literature.