Time, by moments, steals away

by John Newton

A new-year's thought and prayer by John Newton

Time, by moments, steals away,

First the hour, and then the day;

Small the daily loss appears,

Yet it soon amounts to years:

Thus another year is flown,

Now it is no more our own

(If it brought or promised good)

Than the years before the flood.

But (may none of us forget)

It has left us much in debt;

Favors from the LORD received,

Sins that have his Spirit grieved;

Marked by an unerring hand

In his book recorded stand;

Who can tell the vast amount,

Placed to each of our account?

Happy, the believing soul!

CHRIST for you has paid the whole;

While you own the debt is large,

You may plead a full discharge:

But poor careless sinner, say,

What can you to justice pay?

Tremble, lest when life is past,

Into prison you be cast!

Will you still increase the score?

Still be careless, as before?

O, forbid it, gracious Lord,

Touch their spirits by thy word!

Now, in mercy, to them show

What a mighty debt they owe!

All their unbelief subdue,

Let them find forgiveness too.

Spared to see another year,

Let thy blessing meet us here;

Come, thy dying work revive,

Bid thy drooping garden thrive:

Sun of righteousness arise!

Warm our hearts, and bless our eyes;

Let our prayer thy bowels move,

Make this year a time of love!