Olney Hymn 9 The Contrite Heart

The Lord will happiness divine On contrite hearts bestow;

Then tell me, gracious God, is mine A contrite heart or no?

I hear, but seem to hear in vain,

Insensible as steel;

If aught is felt, 'tis only pain,

To find I cannot feel.

I sometimes think myself inclined To love Thee if I could;

But often feel another mind,

Averse to all that's good.

My best desires are faint and few,

I fain would strive for more;

But when I cry, "My strength renew!" Seem weaker than before.

Thy saints are comforted,

I know,

And love Thy house of prayer;

I therefore go where others go,

But find no comfort there.

Oh make this heart rejoice or ache;

Decide this doubt for me;

And if it be not broken, break — And heal it, if it be.(Isaiah, lvii.15)