The Burdened Sinner

Ah! what can I do, Or where be secure? If justice pursue, What heart can endure? The heart breaks asunder, Though hard as a stone, When God speaks in thunder, And makes himself known.

With terror I read My sins heavy score, The number exceed The sands on the shore: Guilt makes me unable To stand or to flee; So Cain murder’d 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 had 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 For ever to dwell In torments and woe With devils in hell? Oh where is the Saviour I scorn’d in times past? His word in my favour 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 honour thy power; All hell will repine, All heaven adore; If in condemnation Strict justice takes place, It shines in salvation More glorious through grace.