Hymn

I

I might have followed thee, dear Lord,
When loud Hosannas mark'd thy way,
When kneeling crowds thy name ador'd,
And own'd they lov'd, & blessed thy sway.

II

But should I still have followed thee,
When thou in felon chains was led,
When those who lately bent the knee,
And bid thee hail, affrighted fled?

III

No, Lord! I fear this coward heart,
Like theirs, would from its faith have turned,
Have basely played the traitor's part—
And like the apostles sinned, and scorned.

IV

For Oh! how long I fled the cross,
Too weak its saving weight to bear,
Preferring worldly joys & dross
Before contrition's healing tear

V

But Lord, if ever sinner's cry
Was heard before thy awful throne
My prayers, I trust, have reached on high
And called a ray of mercy down.

VI

Now to my heart thy cross I hold,
Now more than joy, I covet pain—