Olney Hymn 12: Ephraim Repenting

My God, till I received Thy stroke,

How like a beast was I!

So unaccustom'd to the yoke,

So backward to comply.

With grief my just reproach I hear;

Shame fills me at the thought,

How frequent my rebellions were,

What wickedness I wrought.

Thy merciful restraint I scorn'd,

And left the pleasant road;

Yet turn me, and I shall be turn'd;

Thou art the Lord my God.

"Is Ephraim banish'd from my thoughts,

Or vile in my esteem?

No," saith the Lord, "with all his faults,

I still remember him.

"Is he a dear and pleasant child?

Yes, dear and pleasant still;

Though sin his foolish heart beguiled,

And he withstood my will.

"My sharp rebuke has laid him low,

He seeks my face again;

My pity kindles at his woe,

He shall not seek in vain."

(Jeremiah, xxxi. 18-20)