Pardoning Grace

Verse 1

Out of the deeps of long distress, The borders of despair, I sent my cries to seek thy grace, My groans to move thine ear.

Verse 2

Great God, should thy severer eye, And thine impartial hand, Mark and revenge iniquity, No mortal flesh could stand.

Verse 3

But there are pardons with my God For crimes of high degree; Thy Son has bought them with his blood, To draw us near to thee.

Verse 4

I wait for thy salvation, Lord, With strong desires I wait; My soul, invited by thy word, Stands watching at thy gate.

Verse 5

Just as the guards that keep the night Long for the morning skies, Watch the first beams of breaking light, And meet them with their eyes;

Verse 6

So waits my soul to see thy grace, And, more intent than they, Meets the first openings of thy face, And finds a brighter day.

Verse 7

Then in the Lord let Isr'el trust, Let Isr'el seek his face; The Lord is good as well as just, And plenteous is his grace.

Verse 8

There's full redemption at his throne For sinners long enslaved; The great Redeemer is his Son, And Isr'el shall be saved.