What makes mistaken men afraid
Of sovereign grace to preach?
The reason is (if truth be said)
Because they are so rich.
Why so offensive in their eyes
Doth God’s election seem?
Because they think themselves so wise,
That they have chosen him.
Of perseverance why so loth
Are some to speak or hear?
Because, as masters over sloth,
They vow to persevere.
Whence is imputed righteousness
A point so little known?
Because men think they all possess
Some righteousness their own.
Not so the needy, helpless soul
Prefers his humble prayer;
He looks to Him that works the whole,
And seeks his treasure there.
His language is ‘Let me, my God,
On sovereign grace rely;
And own ‘tis free, because bestow’d,
On one so vile as I.
Election! ‘tis a word divine;
For, Lord, I plainly see,
Had not thy choice prevented mine,
I ne’er had chosen thee.
For perseverance strength I’ve none,
But would on this depend;
That Jesus, having lov’d his own,
He loves them to the end.
Joseph Hart