“A Debtor to Mercy Alone”
When Mr. Barham introduced Toplady’s hymn at a recent evening study, I saved the pamphlet with the words. Though I had trouble following his voice through the solemn Welsh tune, the text greatly ministered to my soul with the full assurance of God’s saving grace. The beautiful, old lines brim richly with this Scriptural doctrine; too rarely do we find this “weight of glory” in recent Christian songs. “More happy, but not more secure [are] the glorified spirits in Heav’n.” So great is the bond of our salvation!
A debtor to mercy alone,
Of covenant mercy I sing;
No fear, with Thy righteousness on,
My person and off’ring to bring.
The terrors of law and of God
With me can have nothing to do;
My Savior’s obedience and blood
Hide all my transgressions from view.
The work which his goodness began,
The arm of His strength will complete;
His promise is Yea and Amen,
And never was forfeited yet.
Things future, nor things that are now,
Nor all things below or above,
Can make Him His purpose forgo,
Or sever my soul from His love.
My name from the palms of his hands
Eternity will not erase;
Impressed on His heart it remains,
In marks of indelible grace.
Yes, to the end shall endure,
As sure as the earnest is giv’n;
More happy, but not more secure,
The glorified spirits in Heav’n.
The beautiful Welsh tune by David Evans is ”Trewen,” played here on the cello.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011