Penitential

At thy cross; O Christ, to thee
Low I bow the suppliant knee;
Cast, O, cast me not away,—
Help a fainting soul to pray.

Sinful, sorrowful, I wait
For a look compassionate;
Surely thou wilt pity one
So forsaken and undone.

Tell me, Jesus, if it be
That thy blood was shed for me;
In thy wounds, O, let me see
Pardon, peace, and purity!

From the uttermost degree
Of a sinner’s misery,
Mighty Victor, rescue me;
Set my captive spirit free.

O that I might have a place
In the kingdom of thy grace!
There the penitent are blest,—
There the weary are at rest.

Saviour, may I call thee mine?
Yes,—for thou dost own me thine;
Lo, ’tis written in my heart—
Mine, forever mine, thou art.

Unto thee be glory given
Evermore in earth and heaven;
Be thy name by all adored,
Holy, holy, holy Lord!