After a Relapse into Sin

Depth of mercy! Can there be
Mercy still reserved for me?
Can my God His wrath forbear;
Me, the chief of sinners, spare?

I have long withstood His grace,
Long provoked Him to His face,
Would not hearken to His calls,
Grieved Him by a thousand falls.

I my Master have denied,
I afresh have crucified,
Oft profaned His hallow'd name,
Put Him to an open shame.

I have spilt His precious blood,
Trampled on the Son of God,
Fill'd with pangs unspeakable,
I and yet am not in hell.

Lo! I cumber still the ground!
Lo! an Advocate is found,
"Hasten not to cut him down,
Let this barren soul alone."

Jesus speaks, and pleads His blood;
He disarms the wrath of God;
Now my Father's bowels move,
Justice lingers into love.

Kindled His relentings are
Me He now delights to spare;
Cries, "How shall I give thee up?"
Lets the lifted thunder drop.

Whence to me this waste of love?
Ask my Advocate above;
See the cause in Jesu's face,
Now before the throne of grace.

There for me the Saviour stands,
Shows His wounds, and spreads His hands!
God is love: I know, I feel;
Jesus weeps! but loves me still!

Jesus! answer from above,
Is not all Thy nature love?
Wilt Thou not the wrong forget,
Suffer me to kiss Thy feet?

If I rightly read Thy heart,
If Thou all compassion art,
Bow Thine ear, in mercy bow,
Pardon, and accept me now.

Pity from Thine eye let fall;
By a look my soul recall;
Now the stone to flesh convert,
Cast a look, and break my heart.

Now incline me to repent,
Let me now my fall lament;
Now my foul revolt deplore,
Weep, believe, and sin no more!