George Sandys [1574-1643]: A Paraphrase upon the Psalms of David. By G.S.
Set to new tunes for private devotion; and a thorough bass, for voice or instrument. By Henry Lawes, Gentleman of his Majesty's Chapel Royal.
(London, 1636; STC 21724).

 

 

Part I

Lord, to a sinner mercy show;
  Which since in Thee so infinite,
Let all Thy streams of mercy flow,
  And purify me in thy sight.
O wash Thou my polluted soul,
  O cleanse me from my bloody deed,
That to myself appear so foul,
  And now in true contrition bleed.
My sins unmask'd before Thee lie,
  Who have deserv'd Thy wrath alone,
Which I confess, to testify
  Thy truth, and make Thy justice known.
In sin conceiv'd, brought forth, in sin,
  Sin suck'd I from my mother's breast.
Thou lov'st a heart sincere within,
  Where wisdom is a constant guest.
With hyssop purge, from blemish clear,
  O wash than falling snow more white!
Lord, let me Thy remission hear,
  The bones which Thou hast broke unite.
Blot out my crimes; O separate
  My trembling guilt far from Thy view.
A clean heart in my breast create,
  A mind to Thee confirm'd renew.

Part II

Nor cast me from Thy presence, Lord,
  Nor O Thy Holy Spirit withdraw,
Buty Thy life-quick'ning grace afford,
  Enlarge my will t'embrace Thy law.
Then sinners I with heav'nly food
  Will feed, directed in Thy ways.
O my Redeemer, cleanse from blood
  The soul that will Thy mercy praise.
Give Thou my verse an argument,
  And they Thy goodness shall resound.
No sacrifice will Thee content,
  Nor altars with oblations crown'd,
Else I would hecatombs impart,
  True sorrow is Thy sacrifice.
A broken and a contrite heart,
  My God, Thou never wilt despise.
Thy Sion with accustom'd grace,
  Lest my foul crimes her shame procured,
In Thy protecting arms embrace,
  And fair Jerusalem immure.
Then we, with due solemnity,
  To Thee our grateful vows will pay,
And bulls, which never yoke did try,
  Upon Thy flaming altar lay.