What makes mistaken men afraid

1 What makes mistaken men afraid
Of sovereign grace to preach!
The reason is, if truth be said,
Because they are so rich.

2 [Why so offensive in their eyes
Does God’s election seem?
Because they think themselves so wise
That they have chosen him.]

3 [Of perseverance why so loath
Are some to speak or hear?
Because, as masters over sloth,
They vow to persevere.]

4 [Whence is imputed righteousness
A point so little known?
Because men think they all possess
Some righteousness their own.]

5 Not so the needy, helpless soul,
Prefers his humble prayer;
He looks to him that works the whole,
And seeks his treasure there.

6 His language is, “Let me, my God,
On sovereign grace rely;
And own ’tis free, because bestowed
On one so vile as I.

7 “Election! ’tis a word divine;
For, Lord, I plainly see,
Had not thy choice prevented mine,
I ne’er had chosen thee.

8 [“For perseverance strength I’ve none,
But would on this depend –
That Jesus, having loved his own,
Will love them to the end.]

9 “Empty and bare, I come to thee
For righteousness divine;
O may thy matchless merits be,
By imputation, mine.”

10 [Thus differ these; yet hoping each
To make salvation sure.
Now most men will approve the rich,
But Christ has blessed the poor.]

Source: A Selection of Hymns for Public Worship. In four parts (10th ed.) (Gadsby's Hymns) #222