Scripture Verse

He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6

Introduction

portrait
Augustus M. Toplady
1740–1778
© National Portrait Gallery

Words: Au­gus­tus M. Top­la­dy, in the Gos­pel Ma­ga­zine, 1771.

Music: Llangristiolus Jo­seph Par­ry, in Llyfr Tonau Cynulleidfaol, ed­it­ed by John Ro­berts, 1870 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

portrait
Joseph Parry
1841–1903

Lyrics

A debtor to mercy alone,
Of covenant mercy I sing;
Nor fear, with Thy righteousness on,
My person and offering to bring.
The terrors of law and of God
With me can have nothing to do;
My Savior’s obedience and blood
Hide all my transgressions from view.

The work which His goodness began,
The arm of His strength will complete;
His promise is Yea and Amen,
And never was forfeited yet.
Things future, nor things that are now,
Nor all things below or above,
Can make Him His purpose forgo,
Or sever my soul from His love.

My name from the palms of His hands
Eternity will not erase;
Impressed on His heart it remains,
In marks of indelible grace.
Yes, I to the end shall endure,
As sure as the earnest is giv’n;
More happy, but not more secure,
The glorified spirits in Heav’n.