When sinners utter boasting words, <br />And glory in their shame; <br />The Lord, well-pleased, an ear affords <br />To those who fear his name. <br /> <br />They often meet to seek his face, <br />And what they do, or say, <br />Is noted in his book of grace <br />Against another day. <br /> <br />For they, by faith, a day descry, <br />And joyfully expect, <br />When he, descending from the sky, <br />His jewels will collect. <br /> <br />Unnoticed now, because unknown, <br />A poor and suff'ring few; <br />He comes to claim them for his own, <br />And bring them forth to view. <br /> <br />With transport then their Saviour's care <br />And favour they shall prove; <br />As tender parents guard and spare <br />The children of their love. <br /> <br />Assembled worlds will then discern <br />The saints alone are blest; <br />When wrath shall like an oven burn, <br />And vengeance strike the rest.<br /><br />John Newton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/they-shall-be-mine-saith-the-lord/
