The ice and snow we lately saw

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. The ice and snow we lately saw,Which covered all the ground;Are melted soon before the thaw,And can no more be found.

2. 2

   Stanza 2. Could all the art of man sufficeTo move away the snow,To clear the rivers from the ice,Or make the waters flow?

3. 3

   Stanza 3. No, ’tis the work of GOD alone;An emblem of the pow’rBy which he melts the heart of stone,In his appointed hour.

4. 4

   Stanza 4. All outward means, till he appears,Will ineffectual prove;Though much the sinner sees and hears,He cannot learn to love.

5. 5

   Stanza 5. But let the stoutest sinner feelThe soft’ning warmth of grace;Though hard as ice, or rocks, or steel,His heart dissolves apace.

6. 6

   Stanza 6. Seeing the blood which JESUS spilt,To save his soul from woe,His hatred, unbelief, and guilt,All melt away like snow.

7. 7

   Stanza 7. Jesus, we in thy name entreat,Reveal thy gracious arm;And grant thy Spirit’s kindly heat,Our frozen hearts to warm.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 2, Hymn 89. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/2-89