University of Virginia Library

2743.

[O that I could but act on Thee]

O that I could but act on Thee
One simple act of faith Divine!
Saviour I then from sin set free
Should truly call Thy fulness mine:
Believing through Thy grace alone
My pardon truly I receive;
And if I once Thy love have known,
Redeem'd I may for ever live.
O help my unbelieving heart
To pant, and break, and struggle through;
Till Thou the faithful power impart,
Thou know'st I know not what to do;
I only can of Thee inquire
What must I do to' escape from sin?
Answer; fulfil Thine own desire,
And cleanse my heart by entering in.
Fast bound in chains of hellish night,
I still for full redemption groan;
Arise, Thou everlasting Light,
And send a ray of glory down,
Emit that emanation pure
Which only can my griefs remove,
My fears disperse, my evils cure,
And tell my soul that God is love.