1 From depths of woe I raise to Thee The voice of lamentation; Lord, turn a gracious ear to me, And hear my supplication. If Thou shouldst count our every sin, Each secret sin and misdeed dark, O who could stand before Thee? 2 To wash away the crimson stain Grace, grace alone availeth. Our works, alas! are all in vain; In much the best life faileth. No man can glory in Thy sight, All must alike confess Thy might And live alone by mercy. 3 Therefore my trust is in the Lord, And not in mine own merit. On Him my soul shall rest; His word Upholds my fainting spirit. His promised mercy is my fort, My comfort, and my strong support; I wait for it with patience. 4 What though I wait the live-long night, And till the dawn appeareth, My heart still trusteth in His might; It doubted not, nor feareth: So let the Israelites in heart, Born of the Spirit, do his part, And wait till God appeareth. 5 Although our sin is great indeed, God’s mercies far exceed it; His hand can give the help we need, However much we need it; He is the shepherd of the sheep, Who Israel doth guard and keep, And shall from sin redeem him.