Oppressed with guilt, or grief, or care

1 Oppress'd with guilt, or grief, or care,
Great God! thy humble suppliants hear.
Though sunk, we ne'er can sink so low,
But thou canst hear the voice of woe.

2 Should'st thou against each evil deed
In strict severity proceed:
By merit, without mercy try'd,
None could be clear'd and justifi'd.

3 But thou forgiveness dost proclaim,
That men may turn and fear thy name.
To thy rich grace, O Lord! we fly,
And on thy promises rely.

4 Ye contrite hearts, who guilt deplore!
Come, seek his face, and sin no more;
Then shall ye know that God is kind,
And full redemption with him find.

Source: A Collection of Hymns and Prayers, for Public and Private Worship #198