THE CHRISTIAN PARADOX.
“Not of works, lest any man should boast.”—Eph. ii. 9.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”—Matt. xxv. 21.
Free mercy,—all-sufficient grace,—
In these, in these my trust I place:
Mercy that cancels all account
Of debt or deed;
And Grace, an ever-flowing fount
For all my need.
Vain were the guilty thought, and weak,
Thy love with boastful claim to seek;
To compensate for wasted years
By service base;
To bribe thy justice with my tears,
Or earn thy grace.
Shall rebel man to Heaven's high King
His deeds in satisfaction bring?
Oh what could turn Thy wrath aside?
So dread, so just!
Not flaming worlds. But Jesus died
For guilty dust.
Thou didst the sacrifice provide,
Which Thine own justice satisfied.
Unbought that love: yet, Oh the price!
The gift most free;
The ransom might for worlds suffice;
Then sure for me.
Yes, I am blood-bought: shall I try
That sovereign, self-sprung love to buy?
Lord, I renounce my worthless plea:
Receive thy child:—
For Thou, my Father, now I see,
Art reconciled.
Yet to thy children, bounteous Lord,
Thy promise speaks of high reward;
Of toils requited, thanks received
For service done;
Plaudits and palms for deeds achieved
And victories won.
By mercy saved, yet may I dare
Aspire the victor's wreath to wear?
Lord, in Thy strength I'll strive to earn
The heavenly crown;
Then, at Thy feet, in glad return,
Will cast it down.
