Verse 1
But may the righteous man
Who lives by faith divine
Receive the saving grace in vain,
And from his God decline?
His God he can forsake,
With sin again comply,
Perdition’s son he can draw back,
And unrepenting die.

Verse 2
How then shall I presume
Or rest in grace secure,
Or boast, the moment faith is come,
Of mine election sure?
Thy kind tremendous word
O may I rather hear,
And work out my salvation, Lord,
With agonizing fear.

Verse 3
If mercy let me go,
Tho’ freely justified,
Deceitful as a broken bow,
I soon shall start aside;
My own infirmity,
Saviour, with shame I feel,
I shall, one moment left by thee,
I must, draw back—to hell.

Verse 4
But on thy guardian care
Assist me to depend,
With constant watchfulness and prayer,
’Till life’s sharp conflict end:
And I shall persevere
With humble caution blest,
And from the sin I always fear
Escape into thy breast.