When Peter boasted, soon he fell, <br />Yet was by grace restored; <br />His case should be regarded well <br />By all who fear the Lord. <br /> <br />A voice it has, and helping hand, <br />Backsliders to recall; <br />And cautions those who think they stand, <br />Lest suddenly they fall. <br /> <br />He said, Whatever others do, <br />With Jesus I'll abide; <br />Yet soon amidst a murd'rous crew <br />His suff'ring Lord denied. <br /> <br />He who had been so bold before, <br />Now trembled like a leaf; <br />Not only lied, but cursed and swore, <br />To gain the more belief. <br /> <br />While he blasphemed he heard the cock, <br />And Jesus looked in love; <br />At once, as if by lightning struck, <br />His tongue forbore to move. <br /> <br />Delivered thus from Satan's snare <br />He starts, as from a sleep; <br />His Saviour's look he could not bear, <br />But hasted forth to weep. <br /> <br />But sure the faithful cock had crowed <br />A hundred times in vain; <br />Had not the Lord that look bestowed, <br />The meaning to explain. <br /> <br />As I, like Peter, vows have made, <br />Yet acted Peter's part; <br />So conscience, like the cock, upbraids <br />My base, ungrateful heart. <br /> <br />Lord Jesus, hear a sinner's cry, <br />My broken peace renew; <br />And grant one pitying look, that I <br />May weep with Peter too.<br /><br />John Newton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/peter-sinning-and-repenting/
