Downcast midst vile sins,
From my innermost heart
I cry out, God unbounded!
Hear the mournful plaints
Of my grievous voice,
And in Thy compassion
Lend an ear of mercy!
Wouldst Thou our evils
Weigh, kind Father,
On Thine own justice's scale,
Who'd know such fortune,
Who in virtues be so firm,
That coming for true judgment,
Would not be condemned?
But Thou, gracious judge,
Punish not our erring ways
With deserved severity;
Thy law, with mercy filled,
And Thy faithful words, O Lord,
That wouldst pluck me from this ill,
Inspire in me certain trust.
'Tis why, whether roseal dawn
Brings forth a beaming sun,
Or night, arrayed in darkening clouds,
In darkness doth lead on,
Let doubt not dissuade
Those people so chosen
From resolute trust in their Lord.
For a treasure inexhaustible
Is His eternal compassion;
He'll idle not in healing wounds
Or raising one who's stumbled;
He, past all measure of doubt,
Shall forget not His own people,
And to salvation shall lead them.
