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BOOK III. If in condemnation Strict justice takes place, It shines in salvation More glorious through grace.

1 O LORD, how vile am I, Unholy and unclean ! How can I dare to venture nigh With such a load of sin ?

2 Is this polluted heart A dwelling fit for thee ; Swarming, alas ! in every part, What evils do I see !

3 If I attempt to pray, And lisp thy holy name, My thoughts are hurried soon away, I know not where I am.

4 If in thy word I look, Such darkness fills my mind, I only read a sealed book, But no relief can find.

5 Thy gospel oft I hear, But hear it still in vain : Without desire or love or fear, I like a stone remain.

6 Myself can hardly bear This wretched heart of mine ; How hateful then must it appear To those pure eyes of thine !

7 And must I then indeed Sink in despair and die ? Fain would I hope that thou didst bleed For such a wretch as I.

8 That blood which thou hast spilt, That grace which is thine own,