1 Sweet is the friendly voice which speaks
The words of life and peace;
Which bids the upright heart rejoice,
And sin and sorrow cease.

2 Thou, Lord! in mercy wilt regard
The humble and sincere;
Thou wilt with gracious eye behold
The penitential tear.

3 Thou canst restrain wild passion's sway,
The pow'r of vice control,
Restore bright reason's ray divine,
And purify the soul.

4 O God! from error turn my feet,
That I no more may stray;
And guide my steps direct and safe
In virtue's peaceful way.

5 Let me no more, with willful mind,
Thy righteousness laws offend.
Then shall I know nor guilt nor fear,
If thou be still my friend.