HOLY Spirit! pity me, Pierced with grief for grieving Thee; Present, though from sense apart, Listen to a grieving heart.
Sins unnumbered I confess, Of exceeding sinfulness; Sins against Thyself alone, Only to Omniscience known:
Deafness to Thy whispered calls, Rashness ’midst remembered falls, Transient fears beneath Thy rod, Treacherous trifling with my God.
Tasting that the Lord is good, Pining then for poisoned food; At the fountains of the skies Craving creaturely supplies.
Worldly cares at worship time; Faithless aims in works sublime; Pride, when God is passing by; Sloth, when souls in darkness die.
O how lightly have I slept With my daily wrongs unwept, Sought Thy chidings to defer, Shunned the wounded Comforter.
Still Thy comforts do not fail, Still Thy healing helps avail; Patient Inmate of my breast, Thou art grieved, yet I am blest.
O be merciful to me, Now in longing, Lord, for Thee! Father, pardon through Thy Son Sins against the Spirit done!
William Bunting, 1805-66