I
When in the clouds of heaven
The Lord, the Judge, appears,
When memory brings my sin to light,
And conscience fills with fears,—
In mercy, Lord, have mercy then,
Nor rank my soul with wicked men.

II
I have no plea to give,
The sin is all my own,
I cannot bear the searching glance
Nor for that sin atone;
I can alone that mercy crave,—
O Lord, Thine erring servant save.

III
Didst Thou not come to earth?
Didst Thou not die for me?
And all my sin in mercy bear
Upon the awful tree?
I claim that sacrifice, and pray,
Turn not my erring soul away.

IV
The record of my sin,
In mercy, Lord, remove,
And to a place at Thy right hand
Call Thou my soul, in love;
That love divine I make my plea,
O may that love encircle me.