Hymns For Christian Devotion

330. C. M. Breviary. The True Penitent.

1 O sinner! bring not tears alone,
Or outward form of prayer:
But let it in thy heart be known
That penitence is there.

2 To beat the breast, the clothes to rend,
God asketh not of thee:
Thy secret soul he bids thee bend
In true humility.

3 O righteous Judge! if thou wilt deign
To grant us what we need;
We pray for time to turn again,
And grace to turn indeed.