999    C.M.     John Newton
“Will ye also go away?” John 6. 67; Ps. 73. 25

1 When any turn from Zion’s way,
  (Alas, what numbers do!)
  Methinks I hear my Saviour say,
  “Wilt thou forsake me too?”

2 Ah! Lord, with such a heart as mine,
  Unless thou hold me fast,
  I feel I must, I shall decline,
  And prove like them at last,

3 Yet thou alone hast power, I know,
  To save a wretch like me;
  To whom, or whither, could I go,
  If I should turn from thee?

4 No voice but thine can give me rest,
  And bid my fears depart;
  No love but thine can make me blest,
  And satisfy my heart.

5 What anguish has that question stirred:
  If I will also go?
  Yet, Lord, relying on thy word,
  I humbly answer, No.