Who of the great, or wise, Hath our report believed! Alas! they close their eyes, Nor will be undeceived: The world cry out, in needless fright, Your rash attempt forbear To lift us to presumption’s height, Or plunge us in despair. Whoever seek to know Their sins on earth forgiven, Or sink in hopeless woe, Or rise to madness driven. They safely choose the middle way, Aware of each extreme, The only prudent men are they, And wisdom dies with them. The sayings of our Lord Their folly dares despise, Above the written Word, To their own ruin, wise; The written Word, by which we steer From all mistake secure, It bids us make our calling here And our election sure. It bids the weary come, And find in Christ their rest, Invites the wanderer home To his Redeemer’s breast; It stirs us up to knock, and pray, And seek the pardoning God, Till Jesus take our sins away, And wash us in His blood. It proffers happiness To all who dare believe, And promises a peace, Which man can never give; With full assurance of belief Commands us to draw near, And taste the joy that casts out grief, The love that casts out fear. Water of life divine, It bids us freely take, And mystic milk and wine For Jesus’ only sake: The Holy Ghost, the Comforter To all who ask is giv’n, That seal of our salvation here, That antepast of Heaven. But still the world refuse A Heaven begun below, And vainly fear t’abuse The grace they never know: The grace their pride will not receive They impiously deny, And in their sins securely live, And desperately die.