Church Book ‎#470

470. Searcher of hearts, before Thy face

1 Searcher of hearts, before Thy face
I all my soul display,
And, conscious of its innate arts,
Entreat Thy strict survey.

2 If, lurking in its inmost folds,
I any sin conceal,
O let a ray of light divine
The secret guile reveal!

3 If in these fatal fetters bound
A wretched slave I lie:
Smite off my chains, and wake my soul
To light and liberty!

4 To humble penitence and prayer
Be gentle pity given;
Speak ample pardon to my heart,
And seal its claim to heaven.

Text Information

• First Line: Searcher of hearts, before Thy face
• Author: Doddridge (1755)
• Meter: C. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1890
• Topic: The Christian Life: Wisdom and Self-Knowledge; Eighth Sunday after Trinity; Twenty Third Sunday after Trinity
• Notes: Now Public Domain. Alternate tune: #67 or #159

Tune Information

• Name: ST. ETHELDREDA
• Meter: C. M.
• Key: F Major
• Notes: Now Public Domain. Composer from index: Dr. Turton, 1860