I am a Debtor

A poem by Ro­bert M. Mc­Cheyne, Scotland, 1837

When this passing world is done, When has sunk the glaring sun,
When we stand with Christ in glory, Looking o’er life’s finished story,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe

.

When I hear the wicked call, On the rocks and hills to fall,
When I see them start and shrink On the fiery deluge brink,
Then, Lord, shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.

When I stand before the throne, Dressed in beauty not my own,
When I see Thee as Thou art, Love Thee with unsinning heart,
Then Lord, shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.

When the praise of Heav’n I hear, Loud as thunders to the ear,
Loud as many waters’ noise, Sweet as harp’s melodious voice,
Then Lord, shall I fully know,
Not till then, how much I owe.

Even on earth, as through a glass, Darkly let Thy glory pass,
Make forgiveness feel so sweet, Make Thy Spirit’s help so meet,
Even on earth, Lord, make me know
Something of how much I owe.

Chosen not for good in me, Wakened up from wrath to flee,
Hidden in the Savior’s side, By the Spirit sanctified,
Teach me, Lord, on earth to show,
By my love, how much I owe.

Oft I walk beneath the cloud, Dark as midnight’s gloomy shroud;
But, when fear is at the height, Jesus comes, and all is light;
Blessed Jesus! bid me show
Doubting saints how much I owe.

When in flowery paths I tread, Oft by sin I’m captive led;
Oft I fall, but still arise; The Spirit comes; the tempter flies;
Blessed Spirit! bid me show
Weary sinners all I owe.

Oft the nights of sorrow reign; Weeping, sickness, sighing, pain;
But a night Thine anger burns; Morning comes and joy returns;
God of comforts! bid me show,
To The world, how much I owe.