What think you of Christ? is the test

What think ye of Christ? by John Newton


 * What think you of Christ? is the test
 * To try both your state and your scheme;
 * You cannot be right in the rest,
 * Unless you think rightly of him.
 * As Jesus appears in your view,
 * As he is beloved or not;
 * So God is disposed to you,
 * And mercy or wrath are your lot.


 * Some take him a creature to be,
 * A man, or an angel at most;
 * Sure these have not feelings like me,
 * Nor know themselves wretched and lost:
 * So guilty, so helpless, am I,
 * I durst not confide in his blood,
 * Nor on his protection rely,
 * Unless I were sure he is God.


 * Some call him a Savior, in word,
 * But mix their own works with his plan;
 * And hope he his help will afford,
 * When they have done all that they can:
 * If doings prove rather too light
 * (A little, they own, they may fail)
 * They purpose to make up full weight,
 * By casting his name in the scale.


 * Some style him the pearl of great price,
 * And say he's the fountain of joys;
 * Yet feed upon folly and vice,
 * And cleave to the world and its toys:
 * Like Judas, the Savior they kiss,
 * And, while they salute him, betray;
 * Ah! what will profession like this
 * Avail in his terrible day?


 * If asked what of JESUS I think?
 * Though still my best thoughts are but poor;
 * I say, he's my meat and my drink,
 * My life, and my strength, and my store,
 * My Shepherd, my Husband, my Friend,
 * My Savior from sin and from thrall;
 * My hope from beginning to end,
 * My Portion, my LORD, and my All.