Though sore beset with guilt and fear,

I cannot, dare not, quite despair;

If I must perish, would the Lord

Have taught my heart to love his word?

348 Would he have giv’n me eyes to see

My danger, and my remedy,

Revealed his name, and bid me pray,

Had he resolved to say me nay?

No—though cast down I am not slain;

I fall, but I shall rise again;

The present Satan is thy hour,

But Jesus shall control thy pow’r:

His love will plead for my relief,

He hears my groans, he sees my grief;

Nor will he suffer thee to boast,

A soul, that sought his help, was lost.

’Tis true, I have unfaithful been,

And grieved his Spirit by my sin;

Yet still his mercy he’ll reveal,

And all my wounds and follies heal:

Abounding sin, I must confess,

But more abounding is his grace;

He once vouchsafed for me to bleed,

And now he lives my cause to plead.

I’ll cast myself before his feet,

I see him on his mercy–seat,

(’Tis sprinkled with atoning blood)

There sinners find access to God:

Ye burdened souls approach with me,

And make the Savior’s name your plea;

JESUS will pardon all who come,

And strike our fierce accuser dumb.