Chwilio bum y greadigaeth 8,7,8,7,8,7,8,7 I had sought throughout creation, Searched its vast, amazing whole, For an object to delight in, Adequate to fill the soul. After turning nature's pages Forward, backward, o'er and o'er, I attained not satisfaction, But my longings grew the more. Then amid angelic orders Asked I if there were not one, Willing to extend his friendship To a wretched soul undone: Soon a lofty spirit answered, "No; there is not one of us, Can hold friendship with a spirit Fallen, guilty, wandering thus." Shame and grief now overwhelmed me, -- My sad heart was nigh to break, All my frame with terror trembled, And my tongue no more could speak; Then gushed forth a briny torrent, Down unto the crystal floor, Nothing through unending ages, Can from memory blot that hour. Then a glance in helpless sorrow Turned I to the central throne, -- There I saw the Mediator Who for my life gave his own. "There is He," I faintly whispered, "Read I not upon His face, That his heart is full of pity, Full, to sinful worms, of grace?" Then I drew unto his footstool, Prostrate fell before his seat; And I pleaded for his favour; Pointing to his hands and feet: "I will pour," I said, "my sorrow And my need into his ear, All my grief I will unbosom: It is Jesus, need I fear!" Then while I a bosom opened, Full of darkness, want and sin, He a bosom full of mercy Opened to receive me in: Those kind hands which once were piercèd, Reached he forth to raise my head: -- From that all-transporting moment All my hopeless longings fled. |