‘Tis not that I did choose Thee,

For, Lord that could not be;

This heart would still refuse Thee

Hadst Thou not chosen me.

Thou from the sin that stained me

Hast cleansed and set me free;

Of old Thou hast ordained me,

That I should live to Thee.

‘Twas sovereign mercy called me,

And taught my opening mind;

The world had else enthralled me,

To heavenly glories blind;

My heart owns none above Thee;

For thy rich grace I thirst;

This knowing, if I love Thee,

Thou must have loved me first.

Josiah Conder