My soul would fain indulge a hope

1 My soul would fain indulge a hope
To reach the heavenly shore;
And when I drop this dying flesh,
That I shall sin no more.

2 That then I shall behold the Lamb,
Who once for sin was slain,
But rose triumphing o'er the grave,
And on his throne doth reign.

3 I hope to hear and join the song,
That saints and angels raise,
And while eternal ages roll,
To sing eternal praise.

4 But Oh, this dreadful heart of sin,
It may deceive me still,
And while I look for joys above,
May plunge me down to hell.

5 The scene must then forever close,
Probation at an end,
No gospel grace can reach me there,
No pardon there descend.

6 Come then, O blessed Jesus, come,
To me thy spirit give:
Shine through a dark, benighted soul,
And bid a sinner live.

The Hartford Selection of Hymns from the most approved authors, 1799