This hymn, though an original text, is rather like a
psalm. Specifically, it is like those psalms in which
the author confesses his sin before God. The words in
this piece talk about the unworthiness of the believer
to come to salvation, yet the overall message is
cheerful, because the believer can put his trust in
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Thus, we can pray
without despair, knowing that God counts Jesus’
payment as our worthiness.
1. ...(+)
No, Not Despairingly
This hymn, though an original text, is rather like a
psalm. Specifically, it is like those psalms in which
the author confesses his sin before God. The words in
this piece talk about the unworthiness of the believer
to come to salvation, yet the overall message is
cheerful, because the believer can put his trust in
Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. Thus, we can pray
without despair, knowing that God counts Jesus’
payment as our worthiness.
1. No, not despairingly come I to Thee;
No, not distrustingly bend I the knee;
Sin hath gone over me,
Yet is this still me plea,
Jesus hath died.
2. Ah! mine iniquity crimson has been,
Infinite, infinite, sin upon sin;
Sin of not loving Thee,
Sin of not trusting Thee,
Infinite sin.
3. Lord, I confess to Thee sadly my sin;
All I am tell I Thee, all I have been:
Purge Thou my sin away,
Wash Thou my soul this day;
Lord, make me clean.
4. Faithful and just art Thou, forgiving all;
Loving and kind art Thou when poor ones call:
Lord, let the cleansing blood,
Blood of the Lamb of God,
Pass o’er my soul.
5. Then all is peace and light, this soul within;
Thus shall I walk with Thee, the loved Unseen;
Leaning on Thee, my God,
Guided along the road,
Nothing between.
Nothing seems to be known about the composer, Ann B.
Spratt, so maybe this was just a one-hit wonder. If
so, though, I’m certainly glad this tune by her has
survived!
If this arrangement is too long for your purposes, just
start at measure 21.
SHEET MUSIC