How Wretched Was Our Former State

1 How wretched was our former state,
when, slaves to Satan’s sway,
with hearts disorder'd and impure,
o’erwhelmed in sin we lay!
2 But, O my soul! for ever praise,
for ever love his name,
who turn'd thee from the fatal paths
of folly, sin, and shame.

3 Vain and presumptuous is the trust
which in our works we place,
salvation from a higher source
flows to the human race.
4 ’Tis from the mercy of our God
that all our hopes begin;
his mercy sav'd our souls from death,
and wash'd our souls from sin.

5 His Spirit, through the Saviour shed,
its sacred fire imparts,
refines our dross, and love divine
rekindles in our hearts.
6 Thence rais'd from death, we live anew;
and, justify'd by grace,
we hope in glory to appear,
and see our Father’s face.

7 Let all who hold this faith and hope
in holy deeds abound;
thus faith approves itself sincere,
by active virtue crown'd.

Source: The Irish Presbyterian Hymnbook #R56a