Christian Classics
‹ Olney Hymns

John Newton & William Cowper · 250 of 356

7. O LORD, how vile am I

Hymn 7

O LORD, how vile am I, Unholy, and unclean! How can I dare to venture With such a load of sin?

Is this polluted heart A dwelling fit for thee? Swarming, alas! I in every part, What evils do I see!

If I attempt to pray, And lisp thy holy name; My thoughts are hurried soon away, I know not where I am.

If in thy word I look, Such darkness fills my mind, I only read a sealed book, But no relief can find.

Thy gospel oft I hear, But hear it still in vain; Without desire, or love, or fear, I like a stone remain.

Myself can hardly bear This wretched heart of mine; How hateful then must it appear To those pure eyes of thine?

And must I then indeed Sink in despair and die? Fain would I hope that thou didst bleed For such a wretch as I.

That blood which thou hast spilt; That which is thine own; Can cleanse the vilest sinner’s guilt, And soften hearts of stone.

Low at thy feet I bow, O pity and forgive; Here will I lie and wait, till thou Shalt bid me rise and live.