281    C.M.     WIlliam Cowper
“Contrite heart.” Isa. 57. 15; Ps. 51. 17

1 The Lord will happiness divine
  On contrite hearts bestow;
  Then tell me, gracious God, is mine
  A contrite heart, or no?

2 I hear, but seem to hear in vain;
  Insensible as steel;
  If aught is felt, ’tis only pain,
  To find I cannot feel.

3 I sometimes think myself inclined
  To love thee, if I could;
  But often find another mind,
  Averse to all that’s good.

4 My best desires are faint and few;
  I fain would strive for more;
  But when I cry, “My strength renew,”
  Seem weaker than before.

5 Thy saints are comforted, I know,
  And love thy house of prayer;
  I sometimes go where others go,
  But find no comfort there.

6 O make this heart rejoice or ache,
  Decide this doubt for me;
  And if it be not broken, break,
  And heal it if it be.