English poem
The Happy Debtor
by John Newton (1725–1807)
Ten thousand talents once I owed, And nothing had to pay; But Jesus freed me from the load, And wash’d my debt away.
Yet since the Lord forgave my sin, And blotted out my score, Much more indebted I have been Than e’er I was before.
My guilt is cancel’d quite, I know. And satisfaction made; But the vast debt of love I owe Can never be repaid.
The love I owe for sin forgiven, For power to believe, For present peace and promised heaven, No angel can conceive.
That love of thine, thou sinner’s Friend! Witness thy bleeding heart! My little all can ne’er extend To pay a thousandth part.
Nay, more; the poor returns I make, I first from thee obtain; And ’tis of grace that thou wilt take Such poor returns again.
’Tis well—it shall my glory be, (Let who will boast their store,) In time and to eternity, To owe thee more and more.