Hence, doth he see he must be cold or hot;
Must either have the Spirit of Christ, or not:—
If on examination he lacks this,
God’s Book declares that “he is none of His!”
If not a child of God, a child of hell,
And dying thus, he must with devils dwell;—
And when his earthly hopes have taken flight,
Be then shut up in everlasting night!
A sinner when he sees himself aright,
Sees that his brightest day is turned to night;
The things that once were his delight and joy,
Do all his fondest hopes at once destroy!
God’s Book like Sinai’s mount to him appears,
Its sentences like thunder stun his ears!
He strives to soothe himself, but strives in vain,
Till God, to him the secret doth explain.
He sees and feels the awful load of sin,
Nor can aught ease the grief that he is in,
Until he hears God’s cheering, still small voice,
Which calms his fears, and bids his soul rejoice!
A man must know his sins on earth forgiven,
Or he’ll not read his title clear for Heaven;
If this you think too strong to be believ’d,
I’m sure, in death, that you will be deceiv’d!
I am resolv’d a pilgrim now to be,
Let worldly men say what they will of me;
And through the grace of God, though Hell resist,
I’ll live and die a faithful Methodist!
I see the pilgrim’s life is far the best,
Scorn’d by the world, but yet by Jesus blest!
When death shall come, the Heav’nly land in view,
In peace, I’ll bid this world of sin Adieu!