O GOD! I know and do confess

My sins are great and still prevail:

Most heinous sins and numberless!

But Thy compassions cannot fail: --

If Thy sure mercies can be broken,

Then all is true my foes have spoken.

But while Time runs, and after it

Eternity, which never ends,

Quite through them both, still infinite,

Thy Covenant by CHRIST extends;

No sins of frailty, nor of youth,

Can foil His merits, and Thy truth.

Wherefore with tears -- tears by Thee sent --

I beg my faith may never fail!

And when in death my speech is spent,

O let that silence then prevail!

O chase in that cold calm my foes,

And hear my heart's last private throes!