Sweet is Thy mercy, O my God!
When humbled at Thy feet,
I learn the lessons of Thy rod,
Thy mercy, Lord, is sweet.

For Thou dost not in wrath chastise,
But when I go astray,
"Return," a voice behind me cries,
"Walk here;--this is the way."

Impatient of Thine easy yoke,
If heedless yet I roam,
Some sharp affliction, with a stroke
Of kindness, warns me home.

That godly sorrow then I feel,
Which nothing can control,
Until the hand that wounded, heal,
That bruised me, make me whole.

As, at Thy word, the winds and waves
From ocean-warfare cease;
That word my soul from shipwreck saves,
Thy presence brings me peace.

"Sweet is Thy mercy, O my God!"
'Tis transport to repeat,
When Thou hast thrown aside the rod,
"Thy mercy, Lord, is sweet!"