Nay, I cannot let Thee go,

Till a blessing thou bestow;

Do not turn away thy face,

Mine’s an urgent pressing case.

Dost thou ask me, who I am?

Ah, my LORD, thou know’st my name!

Yet the question gives a plea,

To support my suit with thee.

Thou didst once a wretch behold,

In rebellion blindly bold;

Scorn thy grace, thy pow’r defy,

That poor rebel, Lord, was I.

Once a sinner near despair,

Sought thy mercy–seat by prayer;

Mercy heard and set him free,

Lord, that mercy came to me,

Many years have passed since then,

Many changes I have seen;

Yet have been upheld till now,

Who could hold me up but thou?

Thou hast helped in every need,

This emboldens me to plead;

After so much mercy past,

Canst thou let me sink at last?

No—I must maintain my hold,

’Tis thy goodness makes me bold;

I can no denial take,

When I plead for Jesu’s sake.