'Do you see yonder wicket Gate?' Evangelist pointing Christian in Bunyan's Pilgrims Progress to the way of salvation "Because Thou sayest I am rich ..."
Poem on Revelation 3 verse 17 by Joseph Hart

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What makes mistaken men afraid
Of sovereign grace to preach?
The reason is (if truth be said)
Because they are so rich.

Why so offensive in their eyes
Doth God's election seem?
Because they think themselves so wise,
That they have chosen Him.

Of perseverance why so loth
Are some to speak or hear?
Because, as masters over sloth,
They vow to persevere.

Whence is imputed righteousness
A point so little known?
Because men think they all possess
Some righteousness their own.

No so the needy, helpless soul
Prefers his humble prayer;
He looks to Him that works the whole,
And seeks his treasure there.

His language is "Let me, my God,
On sovereign grace rely;
And own 'tis free, because bestow'd,
On one so vile as I.

Election! 'tis a word divine;
For, Lord, I plainly see,
Had not thy choice prevented mine,
I ne'er had chosen thee.

For perseverance strength I've none,
But would on this depend;
That Jesus, having lov'd his won,
He loves them to the end."
Joseph Hart


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This Page Title – "Because thou sayest, I am rich..." (Rev 3 verse 17)
The Wicket Gate Magazine "A Continuing Witness".
Internet Edition number 43 – placed on line July 2003
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