How oft have I the covenant broken

Which I with Thee, my God, have made!

How oft the vows my lips have spoken

Have been forgot as soon as said!

Again before thy footstool bending,

Great God! whose wrath I justly fear,

With trembling heart I now draw near,

Remorse and shame my conscience rending.

Great is my guilt, yet oh! still greater

Thy mercy is, Thou God of grace!

Thou gav’st thy Son as Mediator,

On Him my hopes of heaven I place.

In mine own name, when bow’d before Thee,

I pray not “Lord, my guilt remove,”

But through thy Son’s redeeming love,

For grace and mercy I implore Thee.

Salvation! I’m through Christ forgiven,

His blood has wash’d out all my woe;

New light, and joy, and peace from heaven

My sorrow-laden heart o’erflow:

To songs of joy change notes of sadness,

Since thou at length art heard, my tongue!

My tears! from bitter anguish wrung,

Flow on, but flow as tears of gladness.

Almighty Spirit! who renewest

The hearts of sinners through thy word,

Who for good works with strength enduest,

And dost Thyself the grace afford;

Come, strengthen me against temptation,

A weak and sinful child of earth,

Lest fresh transgressions should have birth,

And grace thus turn to condemnation.