1 I left the God of truth and light,
I left the God who gave me breath,
To wander in the wilds of night,
And perish in snares of death.

2 In riches when I sought for joy,
And placed in sordid gains my trust,
I found that gold was all alloy,
And worldly treasures fleeting dust.

3 Heart-broken, friendless, poor, cast down,
Where shall the chief of sinners fly,
Almighty vengeance, from thy frown?
Eternal justice, from thine eye?

4 Lo, through the gloom of guilty fears,
My face discerns a dawn of grace;
The Sun of Righteousness appears
In Jesus' reconciling face.

5 My suffering, slain, and risen Lord,
In sore distress I turn to thee;
I claim acceptance on thy word;
My God, my God, forsake not me!

6 Prostrate before thy mercy-seat,
I dare not, if I would, despair;
None ever perished at thy feet,
And I will lie forever there.