Hymn 31

Let Thy Chastening Be in Measure

Verse 1

Lord, do not in hot displeasure

lay Thy heavy hand on me.

Let Thy chast’ning be in measure;

Thy rebukes from anger free.

For Thy hand most surely presses; fast Thy arrows

stick within;

Wrath my weary flesh distresses, give my bones

no rest from sin.

Verse 2

O’er my head like billows rushing, my transgressions

risen are,

Like a burden heavy crushing, greater far than I

can bear.

Loathsome are my wounds neglected; my own folly

makes it so;

Bowed with grief and much afflicted, all the day

I mourning go.

Last Verse

For my loins are filled with burning, health in me

no more remains.

I am feeble, bruised, and mourning , groaning loud

thro’ inward pains.

My desires and ceas-less wailing, loud unveil’d

before Thee lie;

Pants my heart my strength is failing,

all its light has left my eye.