Evangelical Lutheran hymnal ‎#237

237. Th'abyss of many a former sin

1 Th' abyss of many a former sin
Encloses me and bears me in:
Like billows my transgressions roll:
Be Thou the Pilot of my soul;
And to salvation’s harbor bring,
Thou Saviour and Thou glorious King!

2 My Father’s heritage abused,
Wasted by lust, by sin misused;
To shame and want and mis'ry brought,
The slave to many a godless thought,
I cry to Thee, who lovest men,
O pity and receive again!

3 In hunger now and dispossessed
Of that my portion bright and blessed,
The exile and the alien see,
Who yet would fain return to Thee.
Accept me Lord, I seek Thy grace,
And let me see a Father's face.

4 With that saved thief my prayer I make,
Remember for Thy mercy’s sake!
With that poor publican I cry,
Be Merciful, O God most high!
With that lost Prodigal I fain
Back to my home would turn again!

5 Mourn, mourn, my soul, with earnest care,
And raise to Christ the contrite prayer:—
O Thou, who freely wast made poor,
My sorrows and my sins to cure,
Me, poor of all good works, embrace,
Enriching with Thy boundless grace!

Text Information

• First Line: Th'abyss of many a former sin
• Author: Joseph of the Studium (ca. 860)
• Translator: John Mason Neale (ca. 1862)
• Meter: L. M. Six lines No. 6
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1908
• Topic: The Catechism: Repentance

Tune Information

• Name: ST. CATHERINE
• Composer: Henry Frederick Hemy (1865)
• Adapter: J. G. Walton (1871)
• Meter: L. M. Six lines No. 6
• Key: G Major