William Cowper (1731–1800)

The Lord will happiness divine

        On contrite hearts bestow:

Then tell me, gracious God, is mine

        A contrite heart, or no?

I hear, but seem to hear in vain,

        Insensible as steel;

If ought is felt, ’tis only pain,

        To find I cannot feel.

I sometimes think myself inclin’d

        To love thee, if I could;

But often feel another mind,

        Averse to all that’s good.

My best desires are faint and few,

        I fain would strive for more;

But when I cry, „My strength renew,”

        Seem weaker than before.

Thy saints are comforted I know

        And love thy house of pray’r;

I therefore go where others go,

        But find no comfort there.

O make this heart rejoice, or ach;

        Decide this doubt for me;

And if it be not broken, break,

        And heal it, if it be.