Olney Hymns (1840)/Book 1/Hymn 1

1.
Adam.—Gen. iii.

1 On man, in his own image made,
How much did God bestow!
The whole creation homage paid,
And own'd him lord below.

2 He dwelt in Eden's garden, stored
With sweets for every sense;
And there, with his descending Lord,
He walk'd in confidence.

3 But, oh by sin how quickly changed—
His honour forfeited—
His heart from God and truth estranged—
His conscience fill'd with dread!

4 Now from his Maker's voice he flees,
Which was before his joy,
And thinks to hide amidst the trees
From an all-seeing eye.

5 Compell'd to answer to his name,
With stubbornness and pride,
He cast on God himself the blame,
Nor once for mercy cried.

6 But grace, unask'd, his heart subdued,
And all his guilt forgave;
By faith the promised Seed he view'd,
And felt His power to save.

7 Thus we ourselves would justify,
Though we the law transgress,—
Like him, unable to deny,
Unwilling to confess.

8 But when by faith the sinner sees
A pardon bought with blood,
Then he forsakes his foolish pleas
And gladly turns to God.