Classic Poem

HYMN XII.

Whene'er one sinner turns to God,
With contrite heart and flowing eyes,
The happy news makes angels smile,
And tell their joys above the skies.

Well may the church below rejoice,
And eccho back the heavenly sound:
" This soul was dead, but now's alive;
" This sheep was lost, but now is found.

See how the willing converts trace
The path their great Redeemer trod;
And follow thro' his liquid grave,
The meek, the lowly son of God.

Here in the holy laver plung'd,
Their souls are cleans'd from every stain;
They die, descend into the tomb,
By grace they live, and rise again.

Here they renounce their former deeds,
And to a heavenly life aspire:
Their rags for glorious robes exchang'd,
They shine in clean and white attire.

O sacred rite! by this the name
Of Jesus we to own begin;
This is our resurrection's pledge,
And seals the pardon of our sin.

Glory to God on high be giv'n,
Who shews this grace to sinful men:
Let saints on earth, and hosts of heav'n,
In concert join their loud amen .