HOLY Spirit! pity me, Pierced with grief for grieving thee; Present, though I...

HOLY Spirit! pity me, Pierced with grief for grieving thee; Present, though I mourn apart, Listen to a wailing heart.

Sins unnumbered I confess, Of exceeding sinfulness, Sins against thyself alone, Only to Omniscience known;

Deafness to thy whispered calls, Rashness midst remembered falls, Transient fears beneath the rod, Treacherous trifling with my God;

Tasting that the Lord is good, Pining then for poisoned food; At the fountains of the skies Craving creaturely supplies!

Worldly cares at worship-time; Grovelling aims in works sublime; Pride, when God is passing by! Sloth, when souls in darkness die!

Chilled devotions, changed desires, Quenched corruption's earlier fires: Sins like these my heart deceive, Thee, who only know'st them, grieve.

O how lightly have I slept, With thy daily wrongs unwept! Sought thy chidings to defer, Shunned the wounded Comforter.

Woke to holy labours fresh, With the plague-spot in my flesh; Angel seemed to human sight, Stood a leper in thy light!

Still thy comforts do not fail, Still thy healing aids avail; Patient inmate of my breast, Thou art grieved, yet I am blest.

O be merciful to me, Now in bitterness for thee! Father, pardon through thy Son Sins against thy Spirit done!