General information
This is an hymn by Henry Alline, 1786, from his Hymns, and Spiritual Songs, Hymn 19, entitled A sinner convinced of his death and blindness. Meter is 86. 86 (C.M.).
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 English text
1. Hard heart of mine, O that the Lord
Would this hard heart subdue!
O come thou blest life-giving word,
And form my soul anew.
2. I hear the heavenly pilgrims tell
Their sins are all forgiven,
And while on earth their bodies dwell,
Their souls enjoy a heaven.
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3. While I, poor wretch, in darkness stand,
With guilt a heavy load;
And every breath exposed to land
Beyond the grace of God.
4. The Christians sing redeeming love,
And talk of joys divine;
And soon they say in realms above
In glory they shall shine.
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5. But ah! its all an unknown tongue;
I never knew that love;
1 cannot sing that heavenly song,
Nor tell of joys above.
6. I want, O God, I know not what!
I want what saints enjoy;
O let their portion be my lot.
Their work be my employ.
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7. Fain would I know that Savior mine,
And taste his bleeding love,
With all the heavenly pilgrims join,
While I this desert rove.
8 Then O to those transporting realms,
My soul would soar away;
Where all the warriors wear their palms
In everlasting day.
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