In Mercy, Not in Wrath

1In mercy, not in wrath,
Rebuke thy gracious God!
Lest, if thy whole displeasure rise,
I sink beneath thy rod.

2Touched by thy quickening power,
My load of guilt I feel;
The wounds thy Spirit hath unclosed
O let that Spirit heal!

3In trouble and in gloom,
Must I forever mourn?
And wilt thou not at length, O God,
In pitying love return?

4O come; ere life expire,
Send down thy grace to save;
For what shall sing thy name in death,
Or praise thee in the grave?