Alas can such a wretch be saved

1 Alas can such a wretch be sav'd,
Such as I e'er have been;
My life is unto vice enslav'd,
And all I do is sin.

2 My covenant with God is broke,
My claim to heav'n is gone
And sin and guilt a heavy yoke,
Bear all my comforts down.

3 Lord, were I driv'n from thy face,
For e'er to take my flight
Beyond the reach of pard'ning grace:
Thy judgments would be right.

4 Not men nor Angels can relieve,
My mind with guilt oppress'd;
Not heav'n itself relief can give,
Nor ease my troubles breast.

5 My case is bad, and still much more,
Although distress'd I feel;
I do not yet possess that pow'r
That sanctifies my will.

6 I truly see my wants indeed;
But yet I do not find,
Such godly sorrow as I need:
To work an humble mind.

7 But thou, my God, hast pow'r I know;
Such graces to impart,
That can create my mind anew
And work a change of heart.

Source: Church Hymn Book: consisting of newly composed hymns with the addition of hymns and psalms, from other authors, carefully adapted for the use of public worship, and many other occasions (1st ed.) #CLXXX