DESPONDENCY

    I have gone backward in the work； The labour has not sped； Drowsy¹ and dark my spirit lies, Heavy and dull as lead.

    How can I rouse my sinking soul From such a lethargy？ How can I break these iron chains And set my spirit free？

    There have been times when I have mourned！ In anguish² o'er the past, And raised my suppliant³ hands on high, While tears fell thick and fast；

    And prayed to have my sins forgiven, With such a fervent⁴ zeal⁵, An earnest grief, a strong desire As now I cannot feel.

    And I have felt so full of love, So strong in spirit then, As if my heart would never cool, Or wander back again.

    And yet, alas⁶！ how many times My feet have gone astray！ How oft have I forgot my God！ How greatly fallen away！

    My sins increase——my love grows cold, And Hope within me dies： Even Faith itself is wavering now； Oh, how shall I arise？

    I cannot weep, but I can pray, Then let me not despair： Lord Jesus, save me, lest I die！ Christ, hear my humble⁷ prayer！