Tried With Fire

A refuge for sinners, the gospel makes known 'Tis found in the merits of Jesus alone; The weary, the tempted, and burdened by sin Were never exempted from ent'ring therein. This refuge for sinners his love did ordain, In Jesus the Lamb, from eternity slain; And if God the spirit reveal this to you, Take refuge in Jesus, though hell should pursue. The soul that shall enter in safety shall dwell; There's no peradventure of sinking to hell; The oath of Jehovah secures him from fear, Nor shall the avenger of blood enter there. Here's refuge for sinners, whose guilt shall appear As black as the confines of endless despair; Who, stript of all merit, wherein to rely, Are taught by the Spirit to Jesus to fly. Should conscience accuse us, as oft-times it may, Here's blood that can take its defilement away. In Jesus the Saviour, the sinner shall view A city of refuge and righteousness too. John Kent (1766-1843)

Who but the soul that's led to know How just and holy is the law Will to the cross of Christ repair And seek salvation only there? Jesus, my soul's compelled to flee From all its wrath and curse to thee; Though oft, thro' pride, my stubborn will To Sinai feels a cleaving still. Sinner, if thou art taught to see How great thy guilt and misery, In every thought and act impure The blood of Christ thy soul can cure. Daily to feel thyself undone, Will make thee haste to kiss the Son, And on thy knees for pardon sue, And praise, and bless, and love him too. To feel thy shame and nakedness, Will make thee love that glorious dress That sets from condemnation free, And from the curse delivers thee. Without a seam this garment's wove, Bequeathed in everlasting love; Ere time began, designed to be A royal robe to cover thee. We seek no other blood or name, To cleanse our guilt and hide our shame, But that wrought out by Christ the Son, Which God imputes and faith puts on. ...