James 2:21: Was not Abraham our father justified by works, &c

The father of the faithful seed
His faith by his obedience proved,
Abraham was justified indeed,
When offering up his best-beloved,
He show'd the grace before received,
And perfectly in God believed.

Accepted jrst through faith alone,
His pardon unconfirm'd he held;
But rendering back his only son,
He felt the precious promise seal'd,
Felt in his heart and spirit pure
The peace irrevocably sure.

Before he sacrificed his child,
Accounted just through faith he lived,
By causeless mercy reconciled
Forgiveness without works received:
But when he resolutely obey'd,
Through works he then was righteous made.