Adam

I

On man, in his own image made,
How much did God bestow!
The whole creation homage paid,
And own’d him lord below.

II

He dwelt in Eden’s garden, stored
With sweets for every sense;
And there, with his descending Lord,
He walk’d in confidence.

III

But, oh by sin how quickly changed⁠—
His honour forfeited⁠—
His heart from God and truth estranged⁠—
His conscience fill’d with dread!

IV

Now from his Maker’s voice he flees,
Which was before his joy,
And thinks to hide amidst the trees
From an all-seeing eye.

V

Compell’d to answer to his name,
With stubbornness and pride,
He cast on God himself the blame,
Nor once for mercy cried.

VI

But grace, unask’d, his heart subdued,
And all his guilt forgave;
By faith the promised Seed he view’d,
And felt His power to save.

VII

Thus we ourselves would justify,
Though we the law transgress⁠—
Like him, unable to deny,
Unwilling to confess.

VIII

But when by faith the sinner sees
A pardon bought with blood,
Then he forsakes his foolish pleas
And gladly turns to God.