1 I DO not come because my soul
Is free from sin, and pure and whole,
And worthy of Thy grace;
I do not speak to Thee because
I’ve ever justly kept Thy laws,
And dare to meet Thy face.

2 I know that sin and guilt combine
To reign o’er every thought of mine,
And turn from good to ill;
I know that when I try be
Upright, and just, and true to Thee,
I am a sinner still!

3 I know that often when I strive
To keep a spark of love alive
For Thee, the powers within
Leap up in unsubmissive might,
And oft benumb my sense of right,
And pull me back to sin.

4 I know that, though in deeds of good
I spend my life, I never could
Atone for all I’ve done:
But though my sins are black as night,
I dare to come before Thy sight,
Because I trust Thy Son.

5 In Him alone my trust I place--
Come boldly to Thy throne of grace,
And there commune with Thee:
Salvation sure, O Lord, is mine,
And, all-unworthy, I am Thine,
For Jesus died for me!