 English text
Purify: Hymns and Spiritual Songs, 1826-1833
1. I am the great complainer
that bears the name of Christ;
Come all ye Zion mourners,
and listen to my cries;
I have many sore temptations,
with sorrow to my soul:
My faith, I fear's declining,
and my affections cold.
2. I wish it was now with me,
as it was in days of old,
When the glorious light of Jesus
was shining on my soul;
But now l am distressed,
and I no peace can see,
For I am filled with mourning
like the dove on every tree.
3. My mind Is so confounded
I cannot see my way,
I meet such sore temptations
that I neglect to pray;
While others are rejoicing,
and seem to lose no time,
I am so weak I stumble,
and so I'm left behind.
4. I fear that I'm not worthy
to bear the Christian name,
Or talk of blessed Jesus,
or at his table meet;
While others look upon me,
and think I'm on the train,
I fear that I'm not worthy
to bear the Christian name.
5. We read of pain and patience,
meet Christians by the way,
Who bear the cross with meekness,
and don't neglect to pray;
But I've a thousand objects
beset me on my road,
And stop me of my duty,
I justly owe to God.
6. My home and my experience
are almost out of sight,
And I'm a helpless creature,
too feeble for to fight;
The world, the flesh and Satan,
they do my soul enthrall;
I oft-times fear, like David,
I shall one day fall by Saul.
7. We read of blessed Jesus,
and from him comfort draw;
But I'm not like the Pharisees,
whose faith was in the law;
I had rather trust the gospel,
all in my doubtful case;
For if ever I reach the kingdom
it will be through free grace.
8. The law all in its purity
demands a perfect heart,
And I'm a helpless creature,
I cannot act my part;
But Jesus has fulfilled it,
and life and peace will give;
And all who trust in Jesus
shall by his merits live.
Some words unreadable in scan.
First edition 1826 not seen.
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Southern Harmony, 1835
1. I am a great complainer,
That bears the name of Christ;
Come, all ye Zion's-mourners,
And listen to my cries:
I’ve many sore temptations,
And sorrows to my soul;
I feel my faith declining,
And my affections cold.
2. O Lord of life and glory,
My sins to me reveal;
And by thy love and power,
My sin-sick soul be healed.
I thought my warfare over,
No trouble I should see,
But now I'm like the lonely dove
That mourns on the wavering tree.
3. I wish it was with me now
As is the days of old,
When the glorious light of Jesus
Was flowing in my soul;
But now l am distressed,
and no relief can find,
With a hard deceitful heart,
And a wretched wandering mind.
4. It is great pride and passion,
Beset me on my way;
So I am filled with folly,
And so neglect to pray;
While others run rejoicing,
And seem to lose no time,
I am so weak I stumble,
And so I’m left behind.
5. I read that peace and happiness
Meet Christians in their way,
That bear their cross with meekness,
And don't neglect to pray;
But I, a thousand objects
Beset me on my way,
So I am filled with folly,
And so neglect to pray.
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