John Newton, 1725-1807
As the serpent raised by Moses
Healed the burning serpent’s bite;
Jesus thus Himself discloses
To the wounded sinner’s sight:
Hear His gracious invitation,
“I have life and peace to give,
I have wrought out full salvation,
Sinner, look to Me and live."
“Pore upon your sins no longer,
Well I know their mighty guilt;
But My love than death is stronger,
I My blood have freely spilt:
Though your heart has long been hardened,
Look on Me—it soft shall grow;
Past transgressions shall be pardoned,
And I’ll wash you white as snow."
“I have seen what you were doing,
Though you little thought of Me;
You were madly bent on ruin,
But I said—It shall not be:
You had been for ever wretched,
Had I not espoused your part;
Now behold My arms outstretched
To receive you to My heart."
Well may shame, and joy, and wonder,
All your inward passions move;
I could crush thee with My thunder,
But I speak to thee in love:
See! your sins are all forgiven,
I have paid the countless sum!
Now My death has opened Heaven,
Thither you shall shortly come.
Dearest Savior, we adore Thee
For Thy precious life and death;
Melt each stubborn heart before Thee,
Give us all the eye of faith:
From the law’s condemning sentence,
To Thy mercy we appeal;
Thou alone canst give repentance,
Thou alone our souls canst heal.
