John Newton 10,10,11,11 The hardened sinner. Ah, what can I do, Or where be secure! If justice pursue What heart can endure! When GOD speaks in thunder, And makes himself known, The heart breaks asunder Though hard as a stone. With terror I read My sins heavy score, The numbers exceed The sands on the shore; Guilt makes me unable To stand or to flee, So Cain murdered Abel, And trembled like me. Each sin, like his blood, With a terrible cry, Calls loudly on God To strike from on high: Nor can my repentance Extorted by fear, Reverse the just sentence, 'Tis just though severe. The case is too plain, I have my own choice; Again, and again I slighted his voice; His warnings neglected, His patience abused, His gospel rejected, His mercy refused. And must I then go, Forever to dwell In torments and woe With devils in hell? Oh where is the Savior I scorned in times past? His word in my favor Would save me at last. Lord JESUS, on thee I venture to call, Oh look upon me The vilest of all! For whom didst thou languish, And bleed on the tree? Oh pity my anguish, And say, "'Twas for thee." A case such as mine Will honor thy pow'r; All hell will repine, All heav'n will adore; If in condemnation Strict justice takes place, It shines in salvation More glorious through grace. |