"A Brand Plucked Out of the Fire"

excerpt (hymn):

"The Works of the Rev. John Newton"

John Newton

    "1  With Satan, my accuser, near,
    My spirit trembled when I saw
    The Lord in majesy appear,
    And heard the language of his law.

    2  In vain I wish'd and strove to hide
    The tatter'd, filthy rags I wore;
    While my fierce foe insulting cry'd,
    'See what you trusted in before!'

    3  Struck dumb, and left without a plea,
    I heard my gracious Saviour say,
    'Know, Satan, I this sinner free,
    I died to take his sins away.

    4  This is a brand which I, in love,
    To save from wrath and sin design,
    In vain thy accusations prove;
    I answer all, and claim him mine.'

    5  At his rebuke the tempter fled;
    Then he remov'd my filthy dress;
    'Poor sinner, take this robe,' he said,
    'It is thy Saviour's righteousness.

    6  And see, a crown of life prepar'd!
    That I might thus my head adorn;
    I thought no shame of suff'ring hard,
    But wore for thee a crown of thorn.'

    7  O how I heard these gracious words!
    They broke and heal'd my heart at once;
    Constrain'd me to become the Lord's,
    And all my idol-gods renounce.

    8  Now, Satan, thou hast lost thy aim,
    Against this brand thy threats are vain;
    Jesus has pluck'd it from the flame,
    And who shall put it in again?