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.