by admin on August 12, 2010
Whenever and wherever the doctrines of free grace and justification by faith have prevailed in the Christian Church, and according to the degree of clearness with which they have been enforced, the practical duties of Christianity have flourished in the same proportion. Wherever they have declined, or been tempered with the reasonings and expedients of men, either from a well-meant, though mistaken fear, lest they should be abused, or from a desire to accommodate the gospel and render it more palatable to the depraved taste of the world, the consequence has always been an equal declension in practice. So long as the gospel of Christ is maintained without adulteration, it is found sufficient for every valuable purpose; but when the wisdom of man is permitted to add to the perfect work of God, a wide door is opened for innumerable mischiefs.
This wonderful text by Isaac Watts was in no danger of falling into obscurity, but I did want to set it to music that more closely linked the lyrics with the heart’s cry. As successful as I think the music is, Wes King’s rendition brings a heart and soul to the song that creates a resonant chord with the listener. It’s a special moment on the album. Thanks, buddy, for being a part of this project!
Alas! and did my Savior bleed And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head For such a worm as I?
Was it for crimes that I had done He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown! And love beyond degree!
Well might the sun in darkness hide And shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker died, For man the creature’s sin.
Thus might I hide my blushing face While His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness, And melt my eyes to tears.
But drops of grief can ne’er repay The debt of love I owe:
Here, Lord, I give my self away ’Tis all that I can do.
