Hymn CCLXXXI. Common Metre. Mercy before Sacrifice

Wherewith shall guilty man appear Before Jehovah's throne? Or how procure thy kind regard And for his sins atone?

Shall altars flame, and victims bleed, And spicy fumes ascend? Will these our earnest wish succeed And make our God our friend?

Should thousand rams in flames expire Would these thy favours buy? Or oil that should for holy fire Ten thousand streams supply.

With trembling hands and bleeding heart Should we our offspring slay; Would this atone for ill-desert And take our guilt away?

"No, saith the Lord, 'tis fruitless all Such costly rites are vain; No victims from the field or stall My favour can obtain.

"But truth to men and justice show, And proofs of mercy give; Then humbly walk with God below And you with God shall live.

"Hands that are clean and hearts sincere I never will despise; And cheerful duty will prefer To costly sacrifice."