5. I, a sinner, come to Thee And acknowledge my transgression; Tender mercy show to me, Grant me graciously remission; Let these words my soul relieve: “Jesus sinners doth receive!” 6. Henceforth I need fear no foe; Were as scarlet my transgression, It shall be as white as snow By the virtue of Thy Passion; For in these words I believe: “Jesus sinners doth receive!” 7. Now my conscience is at ease, Now I fear no condemnation. He who grants me full release Hath atoned for my transgression. In true faith to Him I cleave,— “Jesus sinners doth receive!” Erdmann Neumeister, 1718. 415 8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8, 7 Out of the depths I cry to Thee, Lord, hear my lamentation; Bend down Thy gracious ear to me And grant my supplication; For if Thou fix Thy searching eye On all sin and iniquity, Who, Lord, can stand before Thee? 2. But love and grace with Thee prevail, O God, our sins forgiving; The best and holiest deeds must fail Of all before Thee living; Before Thee none can boasting stand, But all must fear Thy strict demand And live alone by mercy. 3. My hope I rest, then, on the Lord And build not on my merit; My heart shall trust His gracious Word, His goodness stays my spirit. His precious Word assureth me He will my Joy and Comfort be; This is my firm reliance. 4. And though it tarry till the night And till the morn appeareth, My heart still trusteth in His might, It doubteth not nor feareth. Do thus, O ye of Israel’s seed, Ye of the Spirit born indeed, Wait for your God’s appearing. 5. Though great our sins and sore our woes, His grace much more aboundeth; His helping love no limit knows, Our utmost need it soundeth, Our Shepherd is the Lord, and He At last shall set His Israel free From all their sin and sorrow. Martin Luther, 1524. 416 8, 7, 8, 7, 8, 8 Lord, to Thee I make confession, I have sinned and gone astray, I have multiplied transgression, Chosen for myself my way. Led at last to see my errors, Lord, I tremble at Thy terrors. 2. Yet, though conscience’ voice appall me, Father, I will seek Thy face; Though Thy child I dare not call me, Yet receive me to Thy grace; Do not for my sins forsake me, Let not yet Thy wrath o’ertake me. 3. For Thy Son hath suffered for me, And the blood He shed for sin, That can heal me and restore me, Quench this burning fire within; ’Tis alone His cross can vanquish These dark fears and soothe this anguish.