On man, in his own image made, <br />How much did GOD bestow? <br />The whole creation homage paid, <br />And owned him LORD, below! <br /> <br />He dwelt in Eden's garden, stored <br />With sweets for every sense; <br />And there with his descending LORD <br />He walked in confidence. <br /> <br />But O! by sin how quickly changed! <br />His honour forfeited, <br />His heart, from God and truth, estranged, <br />His conscience filled with dread! <br /> <br />Now from his Maker's voice he flees, <br />Which was before his joy: <br />And thinks to hide, amidst the trees, <br />From an All-seeing eye. <br /> <br />Compelled to answer to his name, <br />With stubbornness and pride <br />He cast, on God himself, the blame, <br />Nor once for mercy cried. <br /> <br />But grace, unasked, his heart subdued <br />And all his guilt forgave; <br />By faith, the promised seed he viewed, <br />And felt his pow'r to save. <br /> <br />Thus we ourselves would justify, <br />Though we the Law transgress; <br />Like him, unable to deny, <br />Unwilling to confess. <br /> <br />But when by faith the sinner sees <br />A pardon bought with blood; <br />Then he forsakes his foolish pleas, <br />And gladly turns to God.<br /><br />John Newton<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/adam-20/
