Poem by William Cowper

Olney Hymn 60. Abuse of the Gospel

    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. 

1. Olney Hymn 9. The Contrite Heart
2. A Comparison. Addressed to a Young Lady
3. To a Young Friend, on His Arriving at Cambridge Wet, When No Rain Had Fallen There
4. Olney Hymn 24. Prayer for Children
5. An Epitaph

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