1 [What various ways do men invent,
To give the conscience ease!
Some say, Believe; and some, Repent;
And some say, Strive to please.

2 But, brethren, Christ, and Christ alone,
Can rightly do the thing;
Nor ever can the way be known,
Till he salvation bring.

3 What mean the men that say, Believe,
And let repentance go?
What comfort can the soul receive
That never felt its woe?]

4 Christ says, “That I might sinners call
To penitence, I’m sent;”
And, “Likewise ye shall perish all,
Except ye do repent.”

5 Those who are called by grace divine
Believe, but not alone;
Repentance to their faith they join,
And so go safely on.

6 But should repentance, or should faith,
Should both deficient seem,
Jesus gives both, the Scripture saith;
Then ask them both of him.