(Isaiah, lvii.15) <br /> <br />The Lord will happiness divine <br />On contrite hearts bestow; <br />Then tell me, gracious God, is mine <br />A contrite heart or no? <br /> <br />I hear, but seem to hear in vain, <br />Insensible as steel; <br />If aught is felt, 'tis only pain, <br />To find I cannot feel. <br /> <br />I sometimes think myself inclined <br />To love Thee if I could; <br />But often feel another mind, <br />Averse to all that's good. <br /> <br />My best desires are faint and few, <br />I fain would strive for more; <br />But when I cry, "My strength renew!" <br />Seem weaker than before. <br /> <br />Thy saints are comforted, I know, <br />And love Thy house of prayer; <br />I therefore go where others go, <br />But find no comfort there. <br /> <br />Oh make this heart rejoice or ache; <br />Decide this doubt for me; <br />And if it be not broken, break -- <br />And heal it, if it be.<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-contrite-heart/
