If I could boast a life that knew no equal
'Mongst all the multitudes of fallen men,
Judgment at last would be the solemn sequel;
The best must perish if not born again.
Could I e'en reach ambition's highest summit,
And tower above the rest of Adam's race,
Measured by God's all-righteous line and plummet,
Down with the lowest I must take my place.
But had I sunk so low that angels wonder
Why one so vile should be left to sin,
Coming through Christ my chains are snapped asunder;
The worst of wanderers God welcomes in.
Yea, could my crimes be worse than all before me,
More deeply dyed my soul than Calvary's thief,
Calvary's blest Lamb would still in grace receive me,
And change to endless joy my hopeless grief.