Penitence

Penitence

Is it not the deep drawn sigh?

Is it not in the stifled groan,

When solitary and alone,

And with the Spirit hovering nigh?

Is it not in the anguish'd prayer

Of him who feels his heart is riven,

And seeks to lay his burthen where

There is a refuge - seeks a share

In the blest promises of heaven?

Feeling an agony within

His soul on the account of sin,

And prays to be forgiven,

His soul made pure, enrob'd in white,

Prepar'd for realms where angels shine around the throne of light.

Unattributed

New Series 1:18, p. 4

1840.07.04