Hymns and Spiritual Songs, in Three Books ‎#I.CXVII

I.CXVII. Election sovereign and free

1 [Behold the potter and the clay,
He forms his vessels as he please;
Such is our God, and such are we,
The subjects of his high decrees.

2 Doth not the workman’s pow.r extend
O’er all the mass, which part to choose,
And mould it for a nobler end,
And which to leave for viler use?]

3 May not the sov'reign Lord on high
Dispense his favours as he will;
Choose some to life, while others die,
And yet be just and gracious still?

4 What if to make his terror known,
He let his patience long endure,
Suff'ring vile rebels to go on,
And seal their own destruction sure?

5 What if he means to shew his grace,
And his electing love employs,
To mark out some of mortal race,
And form them fit for heav'nly joys?]

6 Shall man reply against the Lord
And call his Maker’s ways unjust,
The thunder of whose dreadful word,
Can crush a thousand worlds to dust?

7 But, O my soul, if truths so bright
Should dazzle and confound thy sight,
Yet still his written will obey,
And wait the great decisive day.

8 Then shall he make his justice known,
And the whole world before his throne,
With joy or terror shall confess,
The glory of his righteousness.

Text Information

• First Line: Behold the potter and the clay
• Title: Election sovereign and free
• Meter: L. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1793
• Scripture:
  Romans 9:21-24
• Notes: Now Public Domain.

Tune Information

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