This life I live
Is bound by flesh, mortality.
Hell is enlarged, the grave receive,
All man's work is sure futility.

Born into life with naught,
Losing my soul to gain the world
Seeking treasures that will surely rot.
Money, it seems, makes my engines whirl.

How oft thought I, that,
The more I of things possess,
The less I'll be a brat
And never more wilt be obsess.

How wrong I was, it seems,
For lust itself extends a chain.,
And awakens your happiest dreams,
And thus many a great man are slain.

I sought for help in psychology,
Which told me to blame society.
Fortune-telling, occult, astrology,
Demanding life for an apology.

I looked for help among man,
And sought to trust the arm of flesh.
"How vain!" thought I, this plan
To trust humanity, where hopes are dashed.

The mighty chariots of Egypt,
The fleeting splendour of Rome,
If only they could equip
One on his way Home.

All men alike, death-ward tending,
The result of violated law.
Like ants over the fire suspending,
Soon to perish and rise no more.

"Can anyone help me", cried I
When lo! I heard a sound.
And with my eye,
I beheld, glory came and shone around.

An angel of mercy thus manifested,
With wings folded courteously.
Thought I, "Am I so blessed,
To have this divine opportunity?"

"Who can save me from death?"
Ask I, and she replied most sweetly,
"son of man, it's Jesus of Nazareth."
"Knowest not He so loved thee?"

"He is our Lord, Him only serve we,
But for thee, in incarnation He suffered.
Spotless Lamb of God is He,
So by His death, eternal life is secured."

"To every sinner, stained, unclean,
To him is Mercy's call.
Have faith in Him, on His righteousness lean.
To such saves He from hellish thrall."

"But can this be?" ask I
"That eternal life is thus received.
That man may no more die.
How knowest thou that I'm not deceived?"

"Child" said she, "under heaven,
Is no other name given
By which man may be forgiven
And given a new heart for one so sin-stricken."

"He who is called Faithful and True,
Extends this offer unto thee.
Don't settle for Satan or the deep sea blue.
Says He, 'To all that are heavy laden, come to Me'"

"Oh Lord", cried I, "I deserve hell
Please have mercy on me, a sinner
My soul did I to Satan sell,
My life is a true disaster"

Then a Voice spoke from above,
Like the sound of many waters,
But with such great and tender love.
Mighty yet merciful, it utters,

"Thou art forgiven, in peace go,
Though thy sins be as scarlet
They shall be as white as snow
For thy soul hast the Lord God met." .

"In thy heart will I write My law,
And my Spirit now lives in you.
Him obey now and evermore,
And He will help you do My perfect will."

"What can I give Thee, Lord?"
asked I, "For this gift so wondrous and free."
"Go tell thy story abroad,
Tell them the love given unto thee."

"Be faithful to thy calling,
To the grace given thee.
And when thou art Home returning,
Thy rewards shall be with Me."

"I am with thee always,
To cheer your gloomy path.
And in all your days,
My grace will be enough."

"Behold, Thy servant, dear Saviour,
I wait Thy guiding hand to lead.
Early let me seek Thy favour,
Thy Word most earnestly wilt I read."

Lead on, O King eternal,
Strong to save, mighty in deed.
I thank Thee for blessings supernal,
And with thy grace, I now proceed.

To spread Thy love,
Thy redeeming grace
To man on earth,
Telling them to seek Thy face.

And when the silver cord doth break,
And I have journeyed all my days,
Within His palace I'll awake,
And see my Saviour, face to face.

And then in mansions ever bright,
I'll sing of His grace and mercy,
Never more will I see night,
But ever more dwell in heavenly serenity.