Religion

The Effort (Book III, Hymn 11)

by John Newton 1725–1807

From Olney Hymns, Book III (1779)

Religion

Cheer up, my soul, there is a mercy-seat
Sprinkled with blood, where JESUS answers prayer;
There humbly cast thyself, beneath his feet,
For never needy sinner perished there.

Lord, I am come! thy promise is my plea,
Without thy word I durst not venture nigh;
But thou hast called the burdened soul to thee,
A weary burdened soul, O Lord, am I!

Bowed down beneath a heavy load of sin,
By Satan's fierce temptations sorely pressed,
Beset without, and full of fears within,
Trembling and faint I come to thee for rest.

Be thou my refuge, Lord, my hiding-place,
I know no force can tear me from thy side;
Unmoved I then may all accusers face,
And answer every charge, with, "JESUS died."

Yes, thou didst weep, and bleed, and groan, and die,
Well hast thou known what fierce temptations mean;.
Such was thy love, and now, enthroned on high,
The same compassions in thy bosom reign.

Lord give me faith--he hears--what grace is this!
Dry up thy tears, my soul, and cease to grieve:
He shows me what he did, and who he is,
I must, I will, I can, I do believe.

MLA

Newton, John. “The Effort (Book III, Hymn 11).” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/newton_j/218/.

Chicago

Newton, John. “The Effort (Book III, Hymn 11).” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/newton_j/218/.

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