What makes mistaken men afraid

What makes mistaken men afraid
Of sovereign grace to preach!
The reason is, if truth be said,
Because they are so rich.

Why so offensive in their eyes
Does God's election seem?
Because they think themselves so wise
That they have chosen him.

Of perseverance why so loath
Are some to speak or hear?
Because, as masters over sloth,
They vow to persevere.

Whence is imputed righteousness
A point so little known?
Because men think they all possess
Some righteousness their own.

Not so the needy, helpless soul,
Prefers his humble prayer;
He looks to him that works the whole,
And seeks his treasure there.

His language is, "Let me, my God,
On sovereign grace rely;
And own 'tis free, because bestowed
On one so vile as I.

"Election! 'tis a word divine;
For, Lord, I plainly see,
Had not thy choice prevented mine,
I ne'er had chosen thee.

"For perseverance strength I've none,
But would on this depend -
That Jesus, having loved his own,
Will love them to the end.

"Empty and bare, I come to thee
For righteousness divine;
O may thy matchless merits be,
By imputation, mine."

Thus differ these; yet hoping each
To make salvation sure.
Now most men will approve the rich,
But Christ has blessed the poor.