Vain is the thought of man

1 Vain is the thought of man
To merit heaven by prayer;
'Tis only Jesus' precious blood
Can give admission there.

2 Could ceaseless prayers ascend,
Could tears forever flow,
The soul were still unblest, unsaved,
And peace could never know.

3 But faith's one look at Christ
Expiring on the tree--
One heart-believing glance at Him
Can set the sinner free.

4 None can without the blood
Of Jesus be forgiven;
'Tis resting on the blood alone
That fits the soul for heaven.

Source: A Few Hymns and Some Spiritual Songs. Selected 1856, for the Little Flock. Revised, 1881 #56A