Book III · Hymn 11 · The Effort

John Newton

The effort.
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.