Peter Sinning and Repenting

When Peter boasted, soon he fell, Yet was by grace restored; His case should be regarded well By all who fear the Lord.

A voice it has, and helping hand, Backsliders to recall; And cautions those who think they stand, Lest suddenly they fall.

He said, “Whatever others do, With Jesus I’ll abide;” Yet soon amidst a murd’rous crew His suff’ring Lord denied.

He who had been so bold before Now trembled like a leaf— Not only lied, but cursed and swore, To gain the more belief.

While he blasphemed he heard the cock, And Jesus look’d in love; At once, as if by lightning struck, His tongue forebore to move.

Deliver’d thus from Satan’s snare, He starts, as from a sleep; His Saviour’s look he could not bear, But hasted forth to weep.

But sure the faithful cock had crow’d A hundred times in vain Had not the Lord that look bestow’d The meaning to explain.

As I, like Peter, vows have made, Yet acted Peter’s part; So conscience, like the cock, upbraids My base ungrateful heart.

Lord Jesus, hear a sinner’s cry, My broken peace renew; And grant one pitying look, that I May weep with Peter too.