’TIS not that I did choose Thee, For, Lord, that could not be, This heart would still refuse Thee, But Thou hast chosen me: Thou from the sin that stained me Washed me and set me free, And to this end 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, 1789-1855