426: 'TIS not that I did choose Thee

426: 'TIS not that I did choose Thee

by Josiah Conder (1789-1855)

1 'TIS not that I did choose Thee,
For, Lord, that could not be;
This heart would still refuse Thee,
But Thou hast chosen me;
Thou from the sins that stained me
Hast washed and set me free,
And to this end ordained me
That I should live to Thee.

2 'Twas sovereign mercy called me
And taught my opening mind;
The world had else enthralled me,
To heavenly glories blind;
My heart owns none above Thee;
For Thine own self I thirst;
This knowing, if I love Thee,
That Thou didst love me first.