CCLXXII. Complaint of sins

1 O Lord, how vile am I,
Unholy and unclean!
How can I dare to venture nigh
With such a load of sin?

2 Is this polluted heart
A dwelling fit for thee?
Swarming, alas! in ev'ry part,
What evils do i see!

3 If I attempt to pray,
And raise my soul on high,
My thoughts are hurry'd fast away,
For sin is ever nigh.

4 If in thy word I look,
Such darkness fills my mind,
I only read a sealed book,
But no relief can find.

5 Thy gospel oft I hear,
But hear it still in vain;
Without desire,or love, or hear,
Harden'd I still remain.

6 And must I then indeed
Sink in despair and die?
Fain would I hope that thou didst bleed
For such a wretch as I.

7 That blood which thou hast spilt,
That grace which is thine own;
Can cleanse the vilest sinner's guilt,
And soften hearts of stone.

8 Low at thy feet I bow,
O pity and forgive!
Here will I lie and wait till thou
Shalt bid me rise and live.

Text Information
First Line: O Lord, how vile am I
Title: Complaint of sins
Meter: S. M.
Language: English
Publication Date: 1799
Topic: Sin: Complained of
Tune Information
(No tune information)



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