‘Tis said, O Echo, though I scarce believe it,
That thou canst utter truth. May I believe it?
(Echo) Believe it.
Then I, of truth disposed to be a winner,
Will ask thee this. Am I, indeed, a sinner?
(Echo) Indeed, a sinner.
But if, in works, I strive with best endeavor,
I should not, surely, then be lost forever?
(Echo) Lost forever.
If my salvation thus I cannot earn,
What shall I do? Should I to Jesus turn?
(Echo) To Jesus turn.
If this he truth, ‘twere wisdom to obey it,
Is it thy voice? or do Scriptures say it?
(Echo) The Scriptures say it.
But I have been so long my will fulfilling,
Can I be sure that God to save is willing?
(Echo) God to save is willing.
But, O! my sins o’erwhelm me like a flood.
Can I from them be purged by Jesus’ blood?
(Echo) Purged by Jesus’ blood.
Then Him I trust; He saves and keeps forever.
O, wondrous grace! can it be fathomed? Never!
(Echo) Be fathomed? Never!
ML 11/19/1944