PSALM 38. (C. M.) Guilt of Conscience and Relief; or, Repentance,
and Prayer for Pardon and Health.
I
Amidst thy wrath remember love,
Restore thy servant, Lord;
Nor let a Father's chastening prove
Like an avenger's sword.
II
Thine arrows stick within my heart,
My flesh is sorely prest;
Between the sorrow and the smart
My spirit finds no rest.
III
My sins a heavy load appear,
And o'er my head are gone;
Too heavy they for me to bear,
Too hard for me t'atone.
IV
My thoughts are like a troubled sea,
My head still bending down;
And I go mourning all the day
Beneath my Father's frown.
V
Lord, I am weak, and broken sore,
None of my powers are whole;
The inward anguish makes me roar,
The anguish of my soul.
VI
All my desire to thee is known,
Thine eye counts every tear,
And every sigh, and every groan
Is noticed by thine ear.
VII
Thou art my God, my only hope;
My God will hear my cry,
My God will bear my spirit up,
When Satan bids me die.
VIII
My foot is ever apt to slide,
My foes rejoice to see 't;
They raise their pleasure and their pride,
When they supplant my feet.
IX
But I'll confess my guilt to thee,
And grieve for all my sin,
I'll mourn how weak my graces be,
And beg support divine.
X
My God, forgive my follies past,
And be for ever nigh;
O Lord of my salvation, haste,
Before thy servant die.
