A Selection of Hymns for Public Worship. In four parts (10th ed.) (Gadsby's Hymns) ‎#196

196. The Lamentation of a New-born Soul

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.

Text Information

• First Line: O Lord! how vile am I
• Title: The Lamentation of a New-born Soul
• Author: Newton
• Meter: S. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1844
• Topic: Regeneration and Conversion

Tune Information

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