A Hymn to God the Father

If thou hadst not

Been stern to me,

But left me free,

I had forgot

Myself and thee.

For sin's so sweet,

As minds ill-bent

Rarely repent,

Until they meet

Their punishment.

Who more can crave

Than thou hast done?

That gav'st a Son,

To free a slave,

First made of nought;

With all since bought.

Sin, Death, and Hell

His glorious name

Quite overcame,

Yet I rebel

And slight the same.

But I'll come in

Before my loss

Me farther toss,

As sure to win

Under His cross.