O LORD, how vile am I

The words

1. 1

   Stanza 1. O LORD, how vile am I,Unholy, and unclean!How can I dare to venture nighWith such a load of sin?

2. 2

   Stanza 2. Is this polluted heartA dwelling fit for thee?Swarming, alas! I in every part,What evils do I see!

3. 3

   Stanza 3. If I attempt to pray,And lisp thy holy name;My thoughts are hurried soon away,I know not where I am.

4. 4

   Stanza 4. If in thy word I look,Such darkness fills my mind,I only read a sealed book,But no relief can find.

5. 5

   Stanza 5. Thy gospel oft I hear,But hear it still in vain;Without desire, or love, or fear,I like a stone remain.

6. 6

   Stanza 6. Myself can hardly bearThis wretched heart of mine;How hateful then must it appearTo those pure eyes of thine?

7. 7

   Stanza 7. And must I then indeedSink in despair and die?Fain would I hope that thou didst bleedFor such a wretch as I.

8. 8

   Stanza 8. That blood which thou hast spilt;That grace which is thine own;Can cleanse the vilest sinner’s guilt,And soften hearts of stone.

9. 9

   Stanza 9. Low at thy feet I bow,O pity and forgive;Here will I lie and wait, till thouShalt bid me rise and live.

Olney Hymns (1779), Book 3, Hymn 7. John Newton. Public domain. CCEL transcription with modernized spelling. www.praylock.com/olney-hymns/3-7