Search me, O God, my actions try,
And let my life appear
As seen by Thine all-searching eye:
To mine my ways make clear.
Search all my sense, and know my heart,
Who only canst make known;
And let the deep, the hidden part
To me be fully shown.
Throw light into the darkened cells,
Where passion reigns within;
Quicken my conscience till it feels
The loathsomeness of sin.
Search all my thoughts, the secret springs,
The motives that control;
The chambers where polluted things
Hold empire o'er the soul.
Search, till Thy fiery glance has cast
Its holy light through all,
And I by grace am brought at last
Before Thy face to fall.
Thus prostrate I shall learn of Thee
What now I feebly prove —
That God alone in Christ can be
Unutterable love!