Lucy Larcom

Even As He Is Pure

THOU who seest my soul within,
Thou who knowest my unknown sin,
Through Thy holy eyes let me
Learn what sin is unto Thee!

Oh, my Saviour undefiled,
Leave me not by self beguiled,
Blinded by my heart's deceit,
For Thy friendship all unmeet!

If there be in me a thought
That Thy dear name honoreth not,
Pierce it with Thy pitying gaze
Till its silence turns to praise!

Make me, Pure One, as Thou art,
Pure in soul and mind and heart;
Never satisfied with less
Than Thy perfect holiness!

Bathing in Thy love's clear stream,
Let my soul fulfill her dream,
Beautified with every grace
Shining on me from Thy face!

None Thy holy heaven may win
Stained with earthliness and sin:
They must in white robes appear,
Who Thy whiteness venture near.

Cleanse us, fill us, Soul Divine,
With a purity like Thine,
That within, without us, we
In clear vision, God may see!