The Humble Claim

My God — important, glorious, blissful name
Can I without a fear, assert my claim?
I fear, yet hope, I doubt, and yet desire,
Now tremble low on earth, and now aspire,
Aspire to love — ah vile, ungrateful heart!
Canst thou sincerely love, and yet depart,
So oft depart, entic'd by earthly toys,
In chace of dreams forsake substantial joys?

His word recalls my heart, invites my trust;
That word reveals him, merciful and just:
Kind mercy, smiling power, forbids despair;
But who, O justice, who thy frown can bear?
He bore the frown, the stroke of justice, He
Who dy'd for man — O may I say, for me!
Then justice sheath'd her sword, and reconcil'd,
Own'd the full ransom paid — and mercy smil'd,
Triumphant mercy! — how divinely bright!
How angels gaz'd, and wonder'd at the sight!
Had angels cause of wonder? Man has more;
Yes, dearest Lord, I wonder, love, adore!
My Saviour, O permit my humble trust,
Permit my soul, though mourning in the dust,
To look to thee, my hope, my only stay!
And sure, thou wilt not frown my soul away,
For thou art love; thou wilt not say, "Depart,"
But, "give me, trembling sinner, all thy heart."
To thee, my heart, dear Saviour, I resign;
Thy grace with sweet constraint can make it thine:
Vile wretched heart! thy pow'rful grace alone
Can cleanse, renew, and make it all thy own.
O let thy love, thy all-prevailing love,
Possess my heart, and every fear remove!
Then shall my soul assert her joyful claim,
Great Mediator, in thy worthy name!
Then shall I say, my God, with full delight,
While all his promises my trust invite!
My God, transporting accents! bliss divine!
Indulge the claim, O let me call thee mine!
O may my panting heart to thee aspire,
With restless wishes, with intense desire,
Till full assurance of thy love impart
The dawn of heaven to my enraptur'd heart!
Ah, what is earth, with all her flattering toys!
Ye dreams begone — I seek substantial joys!
Substantial joys those glorious words contain,
My God! — let not my heart repeat in vain,
My God! O seal my claim, and I am blest!
Here my hope terminates, my wishes rest.
Of full, unbounded happiness possest.