How wretched was our former state,
when, slaves to Satan’s sway,
With hearts disordered and impure,
o’erwhelmed in sin we lay!
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But, O my soul! for ever praise,
for ever love his name,
Who turned thee from the fatal paths
of folly, sin, and shame.
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Vain and presumptuous is the trust
which in our works we place,
Salvation from a higher source
flows to the human race.
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’Tis from the mercy of our God
that all our hopes begin;
His mercy saved our souls from death,
and washed our souls from sin.
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His Spirit, through the Saviour shed,
its sacred fire imparts,
Refines our dross, and Love divine
rekindles in our hearts.
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Thence raised from death, we live anew;
and, justified by grace,
We hope in glory to appear,
and see our Father’s face.
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Let all who hold this faith and hope
in holy deeds abound;
Thus faith approves itself sincere,
by active virtue crowned.
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