Sweet is Thy mercy, O my God!

When humbled at Thy feet,

I learn the lessons of Thy rod,

Thy mercy, Lord, is sweet.

For Thou dost not in wrath chastise,

But when I go astray,

"Return," a voice behind me cries,

"Walk here;--this is the way."

Impatient of Thine easy yoke,

If heedless yet I roam,

Some sharp affliction, with a stroke

Of kindness, warns me home.

That godly sorrow then I feel,

Which nothing can control,

Until the hand that wounded, heal,

That bruised me, make me whole.

As, at Thy word, the winds and waves

From ocean-warfare cease;

That word my soul from shipwreck saves,

Thy presence brings me peace.

"Sweet is Thy mercy, O my God!"

'Tis transport to repeat,

When Thou hast thrown aside the rod,

"Thy mercy, Lord, is sweet!"