When Peter boasted, soon he fell,
Yet was by grace restored;
His case should be regarded well
By all who fear the Lord.

A voice it has, and helping hand,
Backsliders to recall;
And cautions those who think they stand,
Lest suddenly they fall.

He said, �Whatever others do,
With Jesus I�ll abide;�
Yet soon amidst a murd�rous crew
His suff�ring Lord denied.

He who had been so bold before,
Now trembled like a leaf;
Not only lied, but cursed and swore,
To gain the more belief.

While he blasphemed he heard the cock,
And Jesus looked in love;
At once, as if by lightning struck,
His tongue forbore to move.

Delivered thus from Satan�s snare
He starts, as from a sleep;
His Savior�s look he could not bear,
But hasted forth to weep.

But sure the faithful cock had crowed
A hundred times in vain;
Had not the Lord that look bestowed,
The meaning to explain.

As I, like Peter, vows have made,
Yet acted Peter�s part;
So conscience, like the cock, upbraids
My base, ungrateful heart.

Lord Jesus, hear a sinner�s cry,
My broken peace renew;
And grant one pitying look, that I
May weep with Peter too.