1 Sons we are, through God’s election,
Who in Jesus Christ believe;
By eternal destination,
Saving grace we here receive;
Our Redeemer
Does both grace and glory give.
2 Every soul of man, by sinning,
Merits everlasting pain;
But thy love, without beginning,
Formed and fixed salvation’s plan.
Countless millions
Shall in life through Jesus reign.
3 [Pause, my soul! adore and wonder!
Ask, “O why such love to me?”
Grace has put me in the number
Of the Saviour’s family;
Hallelujah!
Thanks, Eternal Love, to thee!]
4 These are springs of consolation,
To converted sons of grace;
Finished, free, and full salvation
Shining in the Saviour’s face!
Free grace only
Suits the wretched sinner’s case.
5 When in that blest habitation,
Which my God for me ordained;
When in glory’s full possession,
I with saints and angels stand;
Free grace only
Shall resound through Canaan’s land!
Source: A Selection of Hymns for Public Worship. In four parts (10th ed.) (Gadsby's Hymns) #69
First Line: | Sons we are, through God's election |
Author: | John Adams |
Meter: | 8.7.8.7.4.7 |
Language: | English |
Copyright: | Public Domain |
Sons we are through God's election. [Election.] This hymn was given in the Gospel Magazine, April, 1777, in 8 stanzas of 6 lines, based on the words, "’The godly consideration of Predestination and Election in Christ, is full of sweet, pleasant, and unspeakable comfort to godly persons.' — Church of England, Article XVII;" and signed " S. P. K." In J. Dobell's New Selection, 1806, it was repeated, with slight alterations, and the omission of stanzas iii., and given as by " R-----." From the New Selection it has passed into other hymnbooks in the same form. In the S. MSS., the Rev. S. Adams says he believes this hymn to be his father's, but gives no proof, as he has done with others of his father's hymns. The hymn certainly reads like one of Adams's compositions; but his authorship is open to doubt. His usual signature in the Gospel Magazine was "J. A."
-- John Julian, Dictionary of Hymnology (1907)