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OLNEY HYMNS: 9. THE CONTRITE HEART, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: The lord will happiness divine / on contrite hearts below
Last Line: And heal it if it be.
Variant Title(s): "the Lord Will Happiness Divine"";
Subject(s): Repentance; Penitence


Isaiah lvii. 15.

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

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

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

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

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

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





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