LONG, long I kept silent, my sins did I hide,
The grievous afflictions pressed down on my head;
The offers of mercy and love I denied,
Till low at the Saviour's bruised feet was I led.
I cried to the Saviour, "Transgression is mine,
O cleanse from iniquity, Lord, nor impute
The sins of my wandering; Thy mercy divine
For me interposing, the tempter refute."
Wide then was my heart's door to let Him come in,
For penitence guided my tongue to confess,
And God in His mercy forgave me my sin,
His hand was upon me to heal and to bless.
The sorrows shall compass the wicked about,
A song of rejoicing in my lips is placed;
The righteous and upright His goodness may shout
Whose mercy the record of sin has effaced.
MAX HILL.