Approach, My Soul, the Mercy-Seat

John Newton · 1779

Catalog grade guidance: 6–8 — Newton mercy-seat hymn.

28 content lines · 147 words · Est. recitation about 1 min 50 sec (approx.)

Public-domain text for reading and recitation practice. Source: Christian Classics Ethereal Library (Olney Hymns, 1779).Estimated time uses ~120 words/minute plus short pauses—not a contest rule.

Hymn 12

John Newton

8,6,8,6

The effort.

Approach, my soul, the mercy-seat

Where JESUS answers prayer;

There humbly fall before his feet,

For none can perish there.

Thy promise is my only plea,

With this I venture nigh;

Thou callest burdened souls to thee,

And such, O LORD, am I.

Bowed down beneath a load of sin,

By Satan sorely pressed;

By war without, and fears within,

I come to thee for rest.

Be thou my shield and hiding-place!

That, sheltered near thy side,

I may my fierce accuser face,

And tell him, "Thou hast died."

Oh wondrous love! to bleed and die,

To bear the cross and shame;

That guilty sinners, such as I,

Might plead thy gracious name.

"Poor tempest-tossed soul, be still,

My promised grace receive;"

'Tis JESUS speaks--I must, I will,

I can, I do believe.