Psalm CXXX. Common. Metre. Repentance and pardon

Lord, should'st thou call us to thy bar, Should thine impartial hand Avenge our sins against thy law, What mortal flesh could stand!

But sovereign mercy dwells with thee, Hope dawns amidst our fears; Divine forgiveness large and free Shall wipe our flowing tears.

On thee alone our souls would wait, And in thy word would stay; Thy promises can light create And turn our night to day.

Just as the guards that keep the night Long for the morning skies, Watch the first beams of breaking light And meet them with their eyes.

So wait our souls to see thy grace, And more intent than they, Meet the first openings of thy face, And find a brighter day.

Let contrite sinners, on the Lord, With humble hope recline; Justice and mercy, in his word, Harmoniously combine.

Unnumber'd though our sins appear, And fill our hearts with pain; Thy boundless love dispels our fear, And cleanses every stain.