The Contrite Heart

Melody -

William Cowper, 1779, from Olney Hymns, vol. 1, hymn 64

The Lord will happiness divine
On contrite hearts bestow:
Then tell me, gracious God, is mine
A contrite heart, or no?

2. I hear, but seem to hear in vain,
Insensible as steel;
If ought is felt, 'tis only pain,
To find I cannot feel.

3. I sometimes think myself inclined
To love thee, if I could;
But often feel another mind,
Averse to all that's good.

4. My best desires are faint and few,
I fain would strive for more;
But when I cry, My strength renew,
Seem weaker than before.

5. Thy saints are comforted I know,
And love thy house of prayer;
I therefore go where others go,
But find no comfort there.

6. O make this heart rejoice, or ache;
Decide this doubt for me;
And if it be not broken, break,
And heal it, if it be.

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