Poem by William Cowper

Olney Hymn 42. Self-Acquaintance

    Dear Lord! accept a sinful heart,
        Which of itself complains, 
    And mourns, with much and frequent smart,
        The evil it contains.

    There fiery seeds of anger lurk,
        Which often hurt my frame; 
    And wait but for the tempter's work,
        To fan them to a flame.

    Legality holds out a bribe
        To purchase life from Thee; 
    And Discontent would fain prescribe
        How Thou shalt deal with me.

    While Unbelief withstands Thy grace,
        And puts the mercy by, 
    Presumption, with a brow of brass,
        Says, "Give me, or I die!"

    How eager are my thoughts to roam,
        In quest of what they love! 
    But ah! when duty calls them home,
        How heavily they move!

    Oh, cleanse me in a Saviour's blood,
        Transform me by Thy power, 
    And make me Thy beloved abode,
        And let me roam no more. 

1. Olney Hymn 9. The Contrite Heart
2. A Comparison. Addressed to a Young Lady
3. To a Young Friend, on His Arriving at Cambridge Wet, When No Rain Had Fallen There
4. Olney Hymn 24. Prayer for Children
5. An Epitaph

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