If in condemnation
Strict justice takes place,
It shines in salvation
More glorious through grace.
7.
Behold, I am vile.
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 sealed book,
But 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 thine own,
