(Titus 3.5-7)

‘ACCORDING TO HIS MERCY HE SAVED US’

(Titus 3.5-7)

Not for zeal wherewith I’ve striven,

Nor reward for my behaviour,

but in mercy hast Thou given

Life eternal, loving Saviour!

Nor the good my soul possesses

Could I ever yield Thee payment,

Since my very righteousnesses

All were but as filthy raiment?

Righteous Saviour, Thou didst render

True obedience in Thy living,

And that robe of fadeless splendour

Now is mine—the Father’s giving:

Wisely, wondrously ’tis suited

To the soul its need bemoaning,

everlastingly imputed

Through the blood of Thine atoning.

Holy Saviour, in Thy dying

Thou didst know such agonising,

Principalities defying,

Sinful men around, despising:

But o’er all Thou wast victorious,

Hadst Thy due in resurrection,

Son of God, the King all-glorious

Light of lights, and all Perfection!

Since. Lord Jesus, in Thy beauty

I am seen without transgression,

It shall be my loving duty

In my life to give expression

To the heavenly love that, rising

As the sun, my cold heart warmeth,

To the power that, energising,

In Thine own, Thine image formeth.

Yea, my Lord, by Thy direction

I would follow where Thou leadest:

Object of my soul’s affection,

Teach me, tell me, where Thou feedest,

Whither Thou Thy flock art guiding

For with them I would be learning,

At Thy blessed feet abiding,

Till the hour of Thy returning.

Edwin Kirk