Dear Lord! accept a sinful heart, <br />Which of itself complains, <br />And mourns, with much and frequent smart, <br />The evil it contains. <br /> <br />There fiery seeds of anger lurk, <br />Which often hurt my frame; <br />And wait but for the tempter's work, <br />To fan them to a flame. <br /> <br />Legality holds out a bribe <br />To purchase life from Thee; <br />And Discontent would fain prescribe <br />How Thou shalt deal with me. <br /> <br />While Unbelief withstands Thy grace, <br />And puts the mercy by, <br />Presumption, with a brow of brass, <br />Says, 'Give me, or I die!' <br /> <br />How eager are my thoughts to roam, <br />In quest of what they love! <br />But ah! when duty calls them home, <br />How heavily they move! <br /> <br />Oh, cleanse me in a Saviour's blood, <br />Transform me by Thy power, <br />And make me Thy beloved abode, <br />And let me roam no more.<br /><br />William Cowper<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/olney-hymn-42-self-acquaintance/
