University of Virginia Library

3395.

[Yet still the chief of saints below]

If we say that we have not sinned, we make, &c. —i. 10.

Yet still the chief of saints below
Will ne'er his former sins forget;
But while his joyful eyes o'erflow,
Prostrate at his dear Saviour's feet,
The chief of saints will humbly cry,
Will feel “the chief of sinners I.”
Who in their own perfection boast,
“We have not sinn'd,” they proudly say,
Demonstrate that their faith is lost,
Their shield is vilely cast away;
And who their God belie, blaspheme,
His word no longer is in them.
Himself doth in His word declare
That all have sinn'd, and lost His grace;
And though we truly pardon'd are,
Our pardon'd sins we still confess;
In joy repent, in triumph grieve,
And cease at once to mourn and live.