Ah, what can I do

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. Ah, what can I do,Or where be secure!If justice pursueWhat heart can endure!When GOD speaks in thunder,And makes himself known,The heart breaks asunderThough hard as a stone.

2. 2

   Stanza 2. With terror I readMy sins heavy score,The numbers exceedThe sands on the shore;Guilt makes me unableTo stand or to flee,So Cain murdered Abel,And trembled like me.

3. 3

   Stanza 3. Each sin, like his blood,With a terrible cry,Calls loudly on GodTo strike from on high:Nor can my repentanceExtorted by fear,Reverse the just sentence,’Tis just though severe.

4. 4

   Stanza 4. The case is too plain,I have my own choice;Again, and againI slighted his voice;His warnings neglected,His patience abused,His gospel rejected,His mercy refused.

5. 5

   Stanza 5. And must I then go,Forever to dwellIn torments and woeWith devils in hell?Oh where is the SaviorI scorned in times past?His word in my favorWould save me at last.

6. 6

   Stanza 6. Lord JESUS, on theeI venture to call,Oh look upon meThe vilest of all!For whom didst thou languish,And bleed on the tree?Oh pity my anguish,And say, “’Twas for thee.”

7. 7

   Stanza 7. A case such as mineWill honor thy pow’r;All hell will repine,All heav’n will adore;If in condemnationStrict justice takes place,It shines in salvationMore glorious through grace.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 3, Hymn 6. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/3-6