Buried in shadows of the night

We lie till Christ restores the light;

Wisdom descends to heal the blind,

And chase the darkness of the mind.

Our guilty souls are drowned in tears

Till his atoning blood appears;

Then we awake from deep distress,

And sing, "The Lord our Righteousness."

Our very frame is mixed with sin,

His Spirit makes our natures clean

Such virtues from his suff'rings flow,

At once to cleanse and pardon too.

Jesus beholds where Satan reigns,

Binding his slaves in heavy chains;

He sets the pris'ners free, and breaks

The iron bondage from our necks.

Poor helpless worms in thee possess

Grace, wisdom, power, and righteousness;

Thou art our mighty All, and we

Give our whole selves, O Lord, to thee.