Too many, Lord, abuse Your grace

Lyrics: William Cowper  ( 1731-180) (Alt. R.Mc.)
Tune: Bangor




Too many, Lord, abuse Your grace,
In this licentious day;
And while they boast they see Your face,
They turn their own away.

Your Book displays a gracious light
That can the blind restore;
But these are dazzled by the sight,
Are blinded all the more.

Your pardon, such presume upon,
They do not beg, but steal;
And dare they storm the mercy throne
Who first refused to kneel?

Was it for this, you lawless tribe,
The dear Redeemer bled?
Is this the grace the saints imbibe
From Christ the living Head?

Ah, Lord, we know Your chosen few
Are fed with heavenly fare;
But these, the wretched husks they chew
Show them for what they are.

The liberty our hearts implore
Is not to live in sin;
But still to wait at wisdom’s door,
As mercy calls us in.


Sheet music can be downloaded here. 



Original Words

Too many, Lord, abuse Thy grace,
In this licentious day;
And while they boast they see Thy face,
They turn their own away.

Thy Book displays a gracious light
That can the blind restore;
But these are dazzled by the sight,
And blinded still the more.

The pardon, such presume upon,
They do not beg, but steal;
And when they plead it at Thy throne,
Oh! where’s the Spirit’s seal?

Was it for this, ye lawless tribe,
The dear Redeemer bled?
Is this the grace the saints imbibe
From Christ the living Head?

Ah, Lord, we know Thy chosen few
Are fed with heavenly fare;
But these, the wretched husks they chew
Proclaim them what they are.

The liberty our hearts implore
Is not to live in sin;
But still to wait at wisdom’s door,

Till mercy calls us in.