University of Virginia Library

LXXVI. THE SAME.

Hymn 26.

[In trouble I seek Thee, O God]

In trouble I seek Thee, O God,
Compell'd by the burden I bear,
Constrain'd by the stroke of Thy rod
I pour out a penitent prayer:

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Ah! do not abhor my sad moan,
Extorted, alas! by distress,
But hear, and with pity look down,
And send me an answer of peace.
What must a poor prodigal do
Thy forfeited grace to regain?
My trouble I only can show,
And tell Thee my sorrow and pain:
I only for mercy can cry,
And groan with the sense of my load.
Save, Lord, or I perish, I die,
I die in my sins, and my blood.
I own, I have sinn'd in Thy sight,
Have sinn'd against knowledge and love,
And done Thy good Spirit despite;
Yet look on my Surety above!
His passion alone is my plea,
His free inexhaustible grace:
My Advocate answer'd for me,
And Jesus hath died in my place.
O Father of mercies restore,
For Jesus's merits alone,
And heal a backslider once more,
And give me again to Thy Son:
If still Thou art able to spare,
If infinite mercy Thou art,
Reply to my penitent prayer,
And whisper Thy peace to my heart.