1 Stay, Thou long-suffering Spirit, stay,
Though I have done Thee such despite;
Nor cast the sinner quite away,
Nor take Thine everlasting flight.

2 Though I have most unfaithful been,
And long in vain Thy grace received;
Ten thousand times Thy goodness seen,
Ten thousand times Thy goodness grieved;

3 Yet O the mourning sinner spare,
In honour of my great High-Priest;
Nor in Thy righteous anger swear
T' exclude me from Thy people's rest.

4 My weary soul, O God, release;
Uphold me with Thy gracious hand;
Guide me into Thy perfect peace,
And bring me to the promised land.