O thou, the wretched's sure retreat

1 O thou, the wretched's sure retreat,
who dost their cares controul,
And, with the cheerful smile of peace,
Revive the fainting soul!

2 Did ever thy propitious ear
The humble plea disdain?
Or when did plaintive mis'ry sigh,
Or supplicate, in vain?

3 Opprest with grief and shame, dissolv'd
In penitential tears,
Thy goodness calms our anxious doubts,
And dissipates our fears.

4 Now life from thy refreshing grace,
Our sinking hearts receive;
Thy gentlest, best-lov'd attribute,
To pity and forgive.

5 From that blest source, propitious hope
Appears serenely bright,
And sheds her soft and cheering beam
O'er sorrow's dismal night.

6 Our hearts adore thy mercy, Lord,
And bless the friendly ray,
Which ushers in the smiling morn
Of everlasting day.

Source: A Collection of Hymns and A Liturgy: for the use of Evangelical Lutheran Churches; to which are added prayers for families and individuals #57