The Chorale Book for England ‎#44

44. Lord, to Thee I make confession

Lord, to Thee I make confession,
I have sinn'd and gone astray,
I have multiplied transgression,
Chosen for myself my way;
Forced at last to see my errors,
Lord, I tremble at Thy terrors.

But from Thee how can I hide me,
Thou, O God, art everywhere;
Refuge from Thee is denied me,
Or by land or sea or air;
Nor death's darkness can enfold me
So that Thou shouldst not behold me.

Yet though conscience' voice appall me,
Father, I will seek Thy face;
Though Thy child I dare not call me,
Yet accept me to Thy grace;
Do not for my sins forsake me,
Let not yet Thy wrath o'ertake me.

For Thy Son hath suffer'd for me,
And the blood He shed for sin,
That can heal'me and restore me,
Quench this burning fire within;
'Tis alone His cross can vanquish
These dark fears and soothe this anguish.

Then on Him I cast my burden,
Sink it in the depths below!
Let me feel Thy inner pardon,
Wash me, make me white as snow.
Let Thy Spirit leave me never,
Make me only Thine for ever!

Text Information

• First Line: Lord, to Thee I make confession
• Title: Lord, to Thee I make confession
• German Title: Herr, ich habe missgehandelt
• Author: J. Franck (1653)
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1863
• Notes: Public Domain.

Tune Information

(No tune information)