Scripture Verse

Whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in Me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Woe unto the world because of offenses! For it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offense cometh! Matthew 18:6–7

Introduction

Words: Charles Wes­ley, Short Hymns (Bris­tol, Eng­land: E. Far­ley, 1762), page 175, alt.

Music: Com­plete in Thee Tal­mage J. Bit­ti­ko­fer, 1921 (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

portrait
Charles Wesley
1707–1788

Lyrics

Woe to the man, eternal woe
To Him by whom th’offense doth come!
His lot and portion are below,
His sentence is th’apostate’s doom;
Plunged in the depths of grief unless
With broken heart his crime he feel;
A load of guilt shall soon depress
His soul to the profoundest hell.

Ah, Savior, keep my trembling heart,
Which feels its own infirmity;
One moment, Lord, if Thou depart,
The dire offense will come by me;
But if myself I always fear,
Thou wilt display Thy guardian love,
And give me grace to persevere,
Till safe with Thee I rest above.