When Peter boasted, soon he fell

Peter sinning and repenting by John Newton


 * When Peter boasted, soon he fell,
 * Yet was by grace restored;
 * His case should be regarded well
 * By all who fear the Lord.


 * A voice it has, and helping hand,
 * Backsliders to recall;
 * And cautions those who think they stand,
 * Lest suddenly they fall.


 * He said, “Whatever others do,
 * With Jesus I’ll abide;”
 * Yet soon amidst a murd’rous crew
 * His suff’ring Lord denied.


 * He who had been so bold before,
 * Now trembled like a leaf;
 * Not only lied, but cursed and swore,
 * To gain the more belief.


 * While he blasphemed he heard the cock,
 * And Jesus looked in love;
 * At once, as if by lightning struck,
 * His tongue forbore to move.


 * Delivered thus from Satan’s snare
 * He starts, as from a sleep;
 * His Savior’s look he could not bear,
 * But hasted forth to weep.


 * But sure the faithful cock had crowed
 * A hundred times in vain;
 * Had not the Lord that look bestowed,
 * The meaning to explain.


 * As I, like Peter, vows have made,
 * Yet acted Peter’s part;
 * So conscience, like the cock, upbraids
 * My base, ungrateful heart.


 * Lord Jesus, hear a sinner’s cry,
 * My broken peace renew;
 * And grant one pitying look, that I
 * May weep with Peter too.