O FATHER , list a sinner's call!
Fain would I hide from man my fall —
But I must speak, or faint —
I cannot wear guilt's silent thrall:
Cleanse me, kind Saint!

" Sinner ne'er blunted yet sin's goad;
Speed thee, my son, a safer road,
And sue His pardoning smile
Who walk'd woe's depths, bearing man's load
Of guilt the while. "

Yet raise a mitigating hand,
And minister some potion bland,
Some present fever-stay!
Lest one from whom His work was plann'd
Die from dismay.

" Look not to me — no grace is mine;
But I can lift the Mercy-sign.
This wouldst thou? Let it be!
Kneel down, and take the word divine,
A BSOLVO TE . "