Verse 1
Approach, my soul, the mercy–seat (Heb. 4:16, Ex. 25:17-22, Ex. 30:6, Lev. 16:2, Num. 7:89)
Where Jesus answers prayer;
There humbly fall before his feet,
For none can perish there.
Thy promise is my only plea,
With this I venture nigh;
Thou callest burdened souls to thee, (Matt. 11:28-29)
And such, O LORD, am I.
Verse 2
Bowed down beneath a load of sin, (Ps. 38:4)
By Satan sorely pressed;
By war without, and fears within, (II Cor. 7:5)
I come to thee for rest. (Matt. 11:28-29)
Be thou my shield and hiding–place! (Ps. 119:114, Ps. 27:5, Ps. 32:7)
That, sheltered near thy side,
I may my fierce accuser face, (Zech. 3:1-2, Rev. 12:10-11)
And tell him, “Thou hast died.”
Verse 3
Oh wondrous love! to bleed and die, (Rom. 5:8)
To bear the cross and shame; (Heb. 12:2)
That guilty sinners, such as I,
Might plead thy gracious name. (Acts 4:12)
“Poor tempest–tossed soul, be still, (Isa. 54:11, Matt. 8:36, Mark 4:39)
My promised grace receive;”
’Tis JESUS speaks—I must, I will,
I can, I do believe.