Too many, Lord, abuse Thy grace <br />In this licentious day, <br />And while they boast they see Thy face, <br />They turn their own away. <br /> <br />Thy book displays a gracious light <br />That can the blind restore; <br />But these are dazzled by the sight, <br />And blinded still the more. <br /> <br />The pardon such presume upon, <br />They do not beg but steal; <br />And when they plead it at Thy throne, <br />Oh! where's the Spirit's seal? <br /> <br />Was it for this, ye lawless tribe, <br />The dear Redeemer bled? <br />Is this the grace the saints imbibe <br />From Christ the living head? <br /> <br />Ah, Lord, we know Thy chosen few <br />Are fed with heavenly fare; <br />But these, -- the wretched husks they chew, <br />Proclaim them what they are. <br /> <br />The liberty our hearts implore <br />Is not to live in sin; <br />But still to wait at Wisdom's door, <br />Till Mercy calls us in.<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/abuse-of-the-gospel/
