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357

HYMN V.

[Saviour, all my wretchedness]

Saviour, all my wretchedness
In Thy bosom I confess,
Let it Thy compassion move,
O relieve my want of love.
Hear me, Lord, myself bemoan,
Burden'd with a heart of stone;
Sinking underneath the load,
Dying ignorant of God.
Oft I have implored Thy aid,
Long for Thy salvation stay'd;
Still unheard, unsaved, I cry,
Give me love, or else I die.
Can I seek the grace in vain,
Ask, and not my suit obtain,
Knock, but never enter in,
Die in deprecated sin?
Answer now my mournful prayer,
Thou who didst my sorrows bear,
Didst redeem me with Thy blood,
Die for my ingratitude.
My ingratitude to heal,
Pardon on my conscience seal;
Now Thy sovereign right assert,
Take my dearly-purchased heart.
There inscribe Thy favourite name,
Kindle there the heavenly flame,
Spring of bliss ineffable,
There with all Thy sweetness dwell.

358

Then my ready soul receive,
Happy in Thy sight to live;
Fervent as the spirits above,
All desire, and praise, and love.