Hymn CXXI. Short Metre. Compassion and Forgiveness

I HEAR the voice of woe! I hear a brother's sigh! Then, let my heart with pity flow, With tears of love mine eye.

I hear the thirsty cry! The hungry beg for bread! Then, let my spring its stream supply, My hand its bounty shed.

The debtor humbly sues, Who would, but cannot pay, And shall I lenity refuse Who need it every day?

Shall not my wrath relent, Touch'd by that humble strain, My brother crying "I repent, "Nor will offend again?"

If not, how shall I dare Appear before thy face, Great God, and how present the prayer For thy forgiving grace?

They who forgive, shall find, Remission, in that day, When all the merciful and kind Thy pity shall repay.

But all who here below Mercy refuse to grant, Shall judgment without mercy know, When mercy most they want.