John Newton, 1725–1807
1 Time, by moments, steals away, First the hour, and then the day; Small the daily loss appears, Yet it soon amounts to years: Thus another year is flown, Now it is no more our own, If it brought or promised good, Than the years before the flood. 2 But (may none of us forget) It has left us much in debt; Favors from the Lord received, Sins that have His Spirit grieved; Marked by an unerring hand, In His book recorded stand; Who can tell the vast amount Placed to each of our account? 3 Happy the believing soul! Christ for you has paid the whole; While you own the debt is large, You may plead a full discharge: But poor careless sinner, say, What can you to justice pay? Tremble, lest, when life is past, Into prison you be cast! 4 Will you still increase the score? Still be careless, as before? Oh, forbid it, gracious Lord, Touch their spirits by Thy Word! Now, in mercy to them show What a mighty debt they owe! All their unbelief subdue: Let them find forgiveness too. 5 Spared to see another year, Let Thy blessing meet us here; Come, Thy dying work revive, Bid Thy drooping garden thrive: Sun of righteousness, arise! Warm our hearts, and bless our eyes; Let our prayer Thy feelings move, Make this year a time of love! Amen.
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