The words are powerful, extremely welcome to me during these puzzling, uncertain days the world has set foot in.
I had to think a while about the wording "More happy, but not more secure..." It didn't make sense at first. But of course! We are just as secure now, in Christ, as we will be when we are with Him in heaven.
Hymnal.net audio file "A Debtor to Mercy Alone"
lyrics by Augustus Montague Toplady (1740-1778)
(who also wrote "Rock of Ages")
music by Lewis Edson (1748-1820)
Lyrics *
A debtor to mercy alone,
Of covenant mercy I sing,
Nor fear, with God’s righteousness on,
My person and off’rings to bring.
The terrors of law and of God
With me can have nothing to do;
My Savior’s obedience and blood
Hide all my transgressions from view.
The work which His goodness began,
The arm of His strength will complete;
His promise is Yea and Amen,
And never was forfeited yet.
Things future, nor things that are now,
Not all things below or above,
Can make Him His purpose forego,
Or sever my soul from His love.
My name from the palms of His hands
Eternity will not erase;
Imprest on His heart, it remains
In marks of indelible grace.
Yes! I to the end shall endure,
As sure as the earnest is giv’n;
More happy, but not more secure,
When all earthly ties have been riv’n.
* source