400 The abyss of many a former sin

1 The abyss of many a former sin Encloses me, and bars me in; Like billows my transgressions roll: Be Thou the pilot of my soul; And to salvation's harbor bring, Thou Savior and Thou glorious King! 2 My Father's heritage abused, Wasted by lust, by sin misused; To shame and want and misery brought, The slave to many a fruitless thought; I cry to Thee, who lovest men, O pity and receive again! 3 In hunger now, no more possessed Of that my portion bright and blest, The exile and the alien see, Who yet would fain return to Thee! Accept me, Lord, I seek Thy grace; And let me see a Father's face! 4 With that blest thief my prayer I make, Remember for Thy mercy's sake! With that poor publican I cry: Be merciful, O God, most high! With that lost prodigal I fain, Back to my home would turn again! 5 Mourn, mourn, my soul, with earnest care, And raise to Christ the contrite prayer, O Thou who freely wast made poor, My sorrows and my sins to cure, Me, poor of all good works, endure, Enriching with Thy boundless grace!