A SINNER SAVED BY GRACE.

Oft have I thought I never was
Changed by almighty grace;
If so, why am I thus ? So hard,
So sinful and so base.

Why do I feel corruptions rise
And dash my very hope?
Why am I prone to every sin,
A slave to Satan's yoke ?

Ah! Sure, said I, I am deceived,
I never was set right;
"Tis Satan has deceived my soul
With a delusive light!

O that I never had profess'd
Thy gracious name to know;
For now I fear I have deceived,
Thy children here below.

O let me not deceive thy church;
Decide this doubtful case;
Speak, Lord, and tell me if I am
A sinner saved by grace.

As thus I cried, then came the word,
How precious was the sound !
"Your life is hid with Christ in God;
In him you shall be found."

Then, O my soul, look not at self,
Nor think to find help there;
Trust not to what you feel within,
For that will work despair.

Think not that you will ever see
Old Adam chang'd by grace ;
For nature will be nature still,
Till thou hast run thy race.

C. BROOKSHAW.