For mercies countless as the sands
For mercies countless as the sands,
Which daily I receive
From Jesus, my Redeemer’s hands,
My soul, what canst thou give?
Alas! from such a heart as mine
What can I bring Him forth?
My best is stained and dyed with sin,
My all is nothing worth.
Yet this acknowledgment I’ll make,
For all He has bestowed –
Salvation’s sacred cup I’ll take,
And call upon my God.
The best returns for one like me,
So wretched and so poor,
Is from His gifts to draw a plea,
And ask Him still for more.
I cannot serve Him as I ought,
No works have I to boast,
Yet would I glory in the thought
That I should owe Him most.
John Newton, 1725-1807