The Lamentation of a New-born Soul. Job 40. 4
J. Newton S.M.
1
O Lord, how vile am I,
Unholy and unclean!
How can I dare to venture nigh
With such a load of sin?
2
Is this polluted heart
A dwelling fit for thee?
Swarming, alas! in every part,
What evils do I see!
3
[If I attempt to pray,
And lisp thy holy name;
My thoughts are hurried soon away,
I know not where I am.]
4
[If in thy word I look,
Such darkness fills my mind;
I only read a sealèd book,
And no relief can find.]
5
[Thy gospel oft I hear,
But hear it still in vain;
Without desire, or love, or fear,
I like a stone remain.]
6
Myself can hardly bear
This wretched heart of mine!
How hateful, then, must it appear
To those pure eyes of thine!
7
And must I, then, indeed,
Sink in despair and die?
Fain would I hope that thou didst bleed
For such a wretch as I.
8
That blood which thou hast spilt,
That grace which is thy own,
Can cleanse the vilest sinner’s guilt,
And soften hearts of stone.
9
Low at thy feet I bow;
O pity and forgive!
Here will I lie, and wait till thou
Shalt bid me rise and live.
