I have gone backward
in the work;
The labour has not sped;
Drowsy and dark my spirit
lies,
Heavy and dull as lead.
How can I rouse my sinking
soul
From such a lethargy?
How can I break these iron
chains
And set my spirit free?
There have been times when
I have mourned!
In anguish o'er the past,
And raised my suppliant
hands on high,
While tears fell thick and
fast;
And prayed to have my sins
forgiven,
With such a fervent zeal,
An earnest grief, a strong
desire
As now I cannot feel.
And I have felt so full of
love,
So strong in spirit then,
As if my heart would never
cool,
Or wander back again.
And yet, alas! how many times
My feet have gone astray!
How oft have I forgot my
God!
How greatly fallen away!
My sins increase--my love
grows cold,
And Hope within me dies:
Even Faith itself is wavering
now;
Oh, how shall I arise?
I cannot weep, but I can
pray,
Then let me not despair:
Lord Jesus, save me, lest
I die!
Christ, hear my humble prayer!
