Faith and Repentance

Verse 1

Let us ask the important question, (Brethren, be not too secure), What it is to be a Christian, How we may our hearts assure. Vain is all our best devotion, If on false foundations built; True religion’s more than notion; Something must be known and felt.

Verse 2

’Tis to trust our Well-belovèd In his blood has washed us clean; ’Tis to hope our guilt’s removèd, Though we feel it rise within; To believe that all is finished, Though so much remains to endure; Find the dangers undiminished, Yet to hold deliverance sure.

Verse 3

’Tis to credit contradictions; Talk with him one never sees; Cry and groan beneath afflictions, Yet to dread the thoughts of ease. ’Tis to feel the fight against us, Yet the victory hope to gain; To believe that Christ has cleansed us, Though the leprosy remain.

Verse 4

’Tis to hear the Holy Spirit Prompting us to secret prayer; To rejoice in Jesus’ merit, Yet continual sorrow bear; To receive a full remission Of our sins for evermore, Yet to sigh with sore contrition, Begging mercy every hour.

Verse 5

To be steadfast in believing, Yet to tremble, fear and quake; Every moment be receiving Strength, and yet be always weak; To be fighting, fleeing, turning; Ever sinking, yet to swim; To converse with Jesus, mourning For ourselves or else for him.