The Cyber Hymnal ‎#12035

12035. O Lord, How Vile Am I

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 sealèd 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;
Can cleanse the vilest sinner’s guilt,
And soften hearts of stone.

9 Low at Thy feet I bow,
Oh pity and forgive;
Here will I lie and wait, till Thou
Shalt bid me rise and live.

Text Information

• First Line: O Lord, how vile am I
• Title: O Lord, How Vile Am I
• Author: John Newton
• Meter: SM
• Language: English
• Source: Olney Hymns (London, W. Oliver, 1779), Book 3
• Copyright: Public Domain

Tune Information

• Name: MONSELL
• Composer: Joseph Barnby (1868)
• Meter: SM
• Key: E♭ Major
• Copyright: Public Domain