The Effort

I

Cheer up, my soul, there is a mercy-seat,
Sprinkled with blood, where Jesus answers pray’r;
There humbly cast thyself beneath his feet,
For never needy sinner perish’d there.

II

Lord, I am come! thy promise is my plea.
Without thy word I durst not venture nigh!
But thou hast call’d the burden’d soul to thee,
A weary burden’d soul, Lord, am I!

III

Bow’d down beneath a heavy load of sin,
By Satan’s fierce temptations sorely press’d,
Beset without, and full of fears within,
Trembling and faint, I come to thee for rest.

IV

Be thou my refuge, Lord, my hiding-place!
I know no force can tear me from thy side;
Unmoved I then may all accusers face,
And answer every charge with “Jesus died.”

V

Yes, thou didst weep and bleed and groan and die⁠—
Well hast thou known what fierce temptations mean⁠—
Such was thy love, and now, enthroned on high,
The same compassions in thy bosom reign.

VI

Lord, give me faith⁠—he hears⁠—what grace is this!
Dry up thy tears, my soul, and cease to grieve:
He shows me what he did, and who he is,
I must, I will, I can, I do believe.