Hymn to the Father

Heavenly father, God of mercy, Look upon a sinful soul; For, the waves of sad contrition, Now above me darkly roll. Ah! my crimes are dark and grievous, The huge burthen hard to bear; All the day and night I'm sighing Whelm'd in grief and dark despair.

Ah! how deeply I have fallen From my high and happy state, Where, enrob'd in thy dear image, Once, in tranquil peace, I sate. Black with sores, a loathsome leper, Lo! I wait before Thy throne; Cans't thou, Maker, wilt thou heal me, Make me whole and all thine own?

Oh! Thy grace is freely gushing, Boundless is Thy wondrous Love; And for all Thy erring children, Lord, Thy tender bowels move. Hail! Supreme, Exhaustless Mercy, Christ hath freed my soul from sin; And a holy calm comes o'er me, And a heavenly peace within.