Classic Poem

From depth of sin and from a deep despair,
From depth of death, from depth of heart's sorrow,
From this deep cave of darkness' deep repair,
Thee have I called, O Lord, to be my borrow.
Thou in my voice, O Lord, perceive and hear
My heart, my hope, my plaint, my overthrow,
My will to rise, and let by grant appear
That to my voice thine ears do well intend.
No place so far that to thee is not near;
No depth so deep that thou ne mayst extend
Thine ear thereto. Hear then my woeful plaint.
For, Lord, if thou do observe what men offend
And put thy native mercy in restraint,
If just exaction demand recompense,
Who may endure, O Lord? Who shall not faint
At such account? Dread and not reverence
Should so reign large. But thou seeks rather love
For in thy hand is mercy's residence
By hope whereof thou dost our hearts move.
I in thee, Lord, have set my confidence;
My soul such trust doth evermore approve.
Thy holy word of eterne excellence,
Thy mercy's promise that is alway just,
Have been my stay, my pillar, and pretence.
My soul in God hath more desirous trust
Than hath the watchman looking for the day
By the relief to quench of sleep the thrust.
Let Israel trust unto the Lord alway
For grace and favour arn his property.
Plenteous ransom shall come with him, I say,
And shall redeem all our iniquity.