I. Sure as I live, thy Maker saith,
I ne'er desire the Sinner's Death,
But rather that he turn betimes
From all his former Ways and Crimes,
With true Repentance come to me,
And live to all Eternity.
II. O Man! let this Word comfort thee:
Sink not, great as thy Sins may be:
Lay hold on this free-offer'd Grace,
That's here comfirm'd by Promises,
Nay, seal'd with God's most solemn Oath,
They're blest who their Transgressions loath.
III. But hate presuming Carelessness;
Think not, there's Time enough for Grace;
I'll first partake of youthful Mirth,
Till I'm convinc'd, how vain's the Earth'
Then shall my serious Thoughts begin
To seek Forgiveness for my Sin.
IV. True, God is ready with his Grace
Repenting Sinners to embrace;
Yet, who runs up his Sinful Score
On Grace, till he can sin no more,
May find, to his amazing cost,
Long suff'ring Mercy wholly lost.
V. Mercy thy God has promis'd thee,
For CHRIST his Blood and Agony;
Yet in his Word did never say,
That thou shou'dst live another Day:
That thou must die, he has reveal'd;
But th' Hour of Death lies still conceal'd.
VI. To Day thou liv'st; To Day repent,
Lest all thy Life shou'd be mispent:
Who's brisk to Day; looks fair and red;
May lie to morrow sick and dead:
Who dies in his Impenitence,
Will ever curse his Negligence.
VII. O blessed JESU! grant I may
Return to Thee this very Day,
And live in constant Penitence,
Till Death repears to call me hence,
That I, in ev'ry Time and Place,
Be well prepar'd to end my Race.