The new-born child of gospel grace, <br />Like some fair tree when summer's nigh, <br />Beneath Emmanuel's shining face <br />Lifts up his blooming branch on high. <br /> <br />No fears he feels, he sees no foes, <br />No conflict yet his faith employs, <br />Nor has he learnt to whom he owes <br />The strength and peace his soul enjoys. <br /> <br />But sin soon darts its cruel sting, <br />And comforts sinking day by day, <br />What seem'd his own, a self-fed spring, <br />Proves but a brook that glides away. <br /> <br />When Gideon arm'd his numerous host, <br />The Lord soon made his numbers less; <br />And said, 'Lest Israel vainly boast, <br />My arm procured me this success!' <br /> <br />Thus will He bring our spirits down, <br />And draw our ebbing comforts low, <br />That saved by grace, but not our own, <br />We may not claim the praise we owe.<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/olney-hymn-57-the-new-convert/
