OUT OF THE DEPTHS TO THEE

Out of the depths to thee, O Lord, I cry,\nLord! Gracious turn thine ear to suppliant sigh;\nIf sins of man thou scannest, who may stand\nThat searching eye of thine, and chastening hand?\nOh, hear our prayers and sighs, Redeemer blest,\nAnd grant thy holy souls eternal rest.\nAnd let perpetual light upon them shine;\n1 04\nFor though not spotless, still these souls are thine.\n2. To be appeased in wrath, dear Lord, is thine;\nThou mercy with thy justice canst combine;\nThy blood our countless stains can wash away;\nThis is thy law, our hope and steadfast stay.\n3. Pledged is thy word! However foul the sin,\nRepentant sinner shall his pardon win;\nOur souls shall ever hope, then Lord, in thee.\nAnd ne’er despair, though great our crimes may be.\n4. There is no moment of the night or day,\nWhere sinner contrite may not trustful say,\nThere is forgiveness! So let Israel sing\nAn endless song of hope to Israel’s King.\n5. For mercy dwells enthroned with God on high,\nAnd spurns not suppliant tear or humble cry;\nSo countless are the treasures of his store,\nHe can a thousand worlds redeem, and more.\n6. This God himself shall come from heaven above,\nThe Christ! The God of mercy and of love!\nHe comes - he comes! The God Incarnate He!\nAnd by his glorious death makes all men free.