For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift. Rom. iii. 23-24.
Subdue, O Lord, the dull pretense
That any good resides
In us, lest we should mount defense
Where even conscience chides.
Your holy sight has never known
The slightest tinge of sin
Without you did repay it on
The guilty head again.
Yea, could we upright be from hence
To keep your Law’s demand,
Guilt still could claim no recompense
Of goodness from your hand.
O freest God! By no man bound
To pity exercise,
We cast our laurels to the ground
And dustward bend our eyes.
Redeeming mercy, faithful grace,
And steadfast love we need;
Naught else can help our helpless case,
And naught beside we plead.
Grace ere the worlds salvation planned,
Grace saves each thus loved soul,
And grace shall keep us till the end,
When all salvation’s whole.
Lord, may we in your service e’er
Exalt that gracious scheme,
And may we everlasting bear
Your wondrous grace as theme.
—5/14/26. To “New Britain” (“Amazing Grace”). Based on JI Packer, Knowing God, “The Grace of God.”
